KEY POINTS:
Festival
Those heading to Splore will find more than just music. There's a trapeze burlesque show by Empress Stah of London, a bar with a Shanghai 1930s theme, and comic moments from MC Dai Henwood. Musically there are some big names, including New York hip-hopper Pharoahe Monche and our own Shapeshifter. But do keep an eye and an ear out for hidden gems. Example: French duo Radioclits' DJ set just after midnight on Friday, and German sunny funksters Mo Horizons on Sunday afternoon.
* Splore - Tapapakanga Regional Park, Feb 8-10, splore.net
Rock
PJ Harvey is visiting New Zealand again, this time for a one-off solo concert at Auckland's Civic Theatre. The show will see her display her abilities on various instruments as she works her way through her rather extensive back catalogue and into the present day. You don't win five Grammys for nothing, so this is sure to be a sell-out event. Rocker and long-time Nick Cave cohort, Mick Harvey plays support.
* PJ Harvey with Mick Harvey - Civic Theatre, Auckland, Feb 13, 7pm
Charity
If you have ever watched the Youtube clip Very Angry Cat, never fear: there are hundreds of adorable and cute kitties at the SPCA desperate for you to give them a good home. The organisation is overloaded with felines at present, and this weekend they hold their annual cat Adoptathon. If you pop into the SPCA this weekend and choose a cat they will halve the adoption fee and give you some cat food to get you started with your feline friend.
* The Auckland SPCA Adoptathon - Auckland SPCA Animal Village, 50 Westney Rd, Mangere, Feb 9-10
Dance/Dj
The crunchy, electro-tech house sound prevalent in the clubs of Australia, and in certain pockets of Auckland, showcases nicely this weekend at a couple of parties around town. On Friday, Shortland St clubs Met and Code host DJ Sam La More, the man who helped shoot Sneaky Sound System to fame with his remix of their tune Pictures. Joining him on the bill is fellow Ocker Hook n Sling. Up the road, German DJ Malente plays relatively new club Aisha.
* Ministry of Sound - with Sam La More, Met and Code, Feb 8; Malente Aisha, Wellesley St West, Feb 8
Rock/Pop
Sitting atop bFM's Top 10 with their single Kenya Dig It, Auckland band The Ruby Suns play an album-release show tomorrow at the Kings Arms. The band has joined fellow New Zealanders The Brunettes on hot record label Sub Pop (home of Flight of the Conchords, The Shins and, once upon a time, Nirvana). Expect what English music magazine Uncut calls sparkling multilayered sunshine pop.
* The Ruby Suns album release show with Surf City and The Nudie Suits - Kings Arms, 59 France St, Feb 8
Festival
The annual celebration of gay, lesbian and transgender lifestyles has returned with one of the centrepiece events happening this Sunday. The Hero Festivals Big Gay Out takes over Coyle Park in Point Chevalier once again. Expect market stalls, pumping music, and big smiles all afternoon. If you're still enjoying yourself come sundown, check out the official after party at Kiss Bar on K Rd.
* Big Gay Out - Coyle Park, Point Chevalier, noon-6pm, Feb 10
Opera
Before Fat Freddys Drop take over the stylishly sleepy settlement of Matakana next weekend, Hayley Westenra is throwing a rather large gig of her own this Saturday. Hayley, accompanied by a full 80-piece Manukau Symphony Orchestra, will be supported by singers Shaun Dixon and Elizabeth Marvelly. The conductor is Professor Uwe Grod. Bring a blanket and picnic to the natural amphitheatre of the National Saddle Centre, Matakana.
* Hayley Westenra with the Manukau City Orchestra - National Saddle Centre, Matakana, Feb 9
Expo
Friends on their OE sending you too many exotic photos? Or perhaps you just haven't got away for a while, and really have the urge to get out of the shaky isles for a while. Whatever the case, the Travel Expo at the ASB Showgrounds this weekend will be informative, entertaining, inspiring. You can talk to experts, snare exclusive expo-only details, and catch films to whet your appetite for all the locations under the sun.
* Travel Expo - ASB Showgrounds, Feb 9-10
