What's On

Tim Beveridge

Dance

Salsa is a fusion of African, Cuban and Latin American influences that now seems to be finding its feet in New Zealand. Take a look around Auckland on any Wednesday or Thursday evening. There are salsa nights at Diablo in Ponsonby, Ibiza Bar on K Road, Space in Newmarket and the Kingslander, to name but a few. Many of these evenings start with an early class then turn into a fully-fledged party, often with a DJ spinning salsa music. Dust off the dancing shoes and put some spice into your weeknights.

* Salsa night every Wednesday at The Kingslander and at Diablo, Ponsonby; every Thursday at Space, Newmarket, and Ibiza, K Road.

Guitar

Australian guitarist Tommy Emmanuel has been playing guitar professionally since the age of six. Since those early days touring Australia with the family band, Emmanuel has accomplished much. He toured with Dragon and Tina Turner and performed at the Closing Ceremony of the 2000 Sydney Olympics - a show watched by a billion people. His album Classical Gas was recorded in 1996 with the Australian Philharmonic Orchestra. Catch his world-class finger-picking at the SkyCity Theatre in Auckland tonight.

* Tommy Emmanuel, SkyCity Theatre, Thursday, 8pm, tickets $60 from Ticketek.

Fashion

This Thursday and Friday evenings Westfield Style Pasifika arrives at the Auckland Town Hall. Around 100 designers from throughout the Pacific contribute garments to the show. On Friday night Prime Minister Helen Clark presents awards in categories including Pasifika evening wear and bridal wear, and painted body art. Adding to the vibrant atmosphere will be musical performances by artists including Che Fu and the Auckland Pacific Gospel Choir.

* Westfield Style Pasifika Fashion Awards and Entertainment Show, Auckland Town Hall, October 5-6, 7.30pm, tickets $25-$30 from Ticketek.

NZ Music

This Friday the SkyCity Theatre hosts a special evening of Kiwi music. Tim Finn has been well-loved on the New Zealand music scene through his time with Split Enz, Crowded House and more recently his solo work and album with brother Neil. This show is all about his new album, Imaginary Kingdom, recorded in Nashville, and the audience will get a sneak preview here with Finn accompanied by a full band. Everyone who buys a ticket to the gig gets a free copy of Imaginary Kingdom.

* Tim Finn: Imaginary Kingdom Live, SkyCity Theatre, Friday October 6, tickets from Ticketek.

Opera

The legend of Faust, the man who sold his soul to the devil, comes to town, performed by the NBR New Zealand Opera. Would you sell your soul to the devil in return for the pleasures of youth and a lovely young lady? Doesn't sound like the most rational decision, but find out why Faust did in this classic story, enhanced by the musical performance of the Auckland Philharmonia. The opera is sung in French with English subtitles. The opening night performance of Faust is a gala charity night for the Genesis Oncology Trust.

* Faust, ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland, October 5, 7, 12 and 14 at 7.30pm; October 10 at 11.30am; tickets at Ticketek.

Comedy

Join the comedy team at Auckland's Classic to celebrate nine years of making people laugh. Standup shows on Friday night are by comedians who have been there since opening night in 1997, including Jeremy Corbett, Andrew Clay, Te Radar and Michele A'Court. On Saturday enjoy a performance by the duo Spitroast and a party in the front bar with C4 comic Dai Henwood behind the turntables. On Sunday, Wellington's Windy City Strugglers perform.

* Classic's 9th Birthday Weekend, October 6-7, The Classic, 321 Queen St, tickets at the door.

Multimedia

"Mind takes form in the city; and, in turn, urban forms condition mind". Based on that quote by Lewis Mumford in his 1938 book The Culture of Cities, Beautiful City asks: If urban planning shapes our cities, does it also shape us? Dance, music and video contrast our city life with the emptiness of the rural landscape. With Eden Mulholland (original soundtrack) and video artist/director Robert Appierdo (Thievery Corporation, Quantic Soul Orchestra).

* Beautiful City, Galatos, Newton, October 11, 12 and 14 (part of the Tempo Festival of Dance).

Jazz

Let crooner Tim Beveridge take you to the moon and back with classic American songs. He'll be joined by the 17-piece Auckland Neophonic Jazz Orchestra for Fly Me To The Moon, on Wednesday at the Town Hall. The orchestra will be led by Russ Garcia, who has worked with greats such as Ella Fitzgerald and Louis Armstrong. Special guest is NZ Idol judge Suzanne Lynch, from 60s group The Chicks.

* Fly Me To The Moon, Tim Beveridge, Auckland Neophonic Jazz Orchestra, Wednesday Oct 11, Auckland Town Hall, Auckland. $69 from Ticketek.

Charity

It's all about the colour pink on Saturday in the Auckland Domain. The inaugural Dove Pink Star Walk starts at 8pm and all funds raised go to the New Zealand Breast Cancer Foundation. The fun 5km walk is open to men, women and children, with spot prizes for those dressed in pink, entertainment to spur you on, and celebrities dressed in - yes, you guessed it - pink. The Domain will be illuminated in said colour. For an information pack and a pink item to wear, register at mydove.co.nz

* Dove Pink Star Walk, Auckland Domain, Saturday, 8pm