KEY POINTS:
OPENING
Tonight marks the official opening of the Vector Arena in downtown Auckland. In coming months the arena hosts the Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Steely Dan, Christina Aguilera, and plenty more large international acts. Before we get into all that, the venue celebrates its existence tonight with a massive opening party. Artists performing include Daniel Bedingfield, Goldenhorse, Che Fu, Ray Columbus, Sir Howard Morrison, Hollie Smith, Frankie Stevens, Aaradhna and Yulia. Vector Arena Official Opening - Vector Arena, tonight, tickets $30 at Ticketmaster.
ROCK/POP
Kiwi singer/songwriter Luke Hurley has released eight studio albums since he began performing in the 1970s, and he has decided it is about time for a Best Of. To celebrate the release Hurley has embarked on a 40-date national tour. His talented guitar playing coupled with insightful lyricism should make for a stimulating night out. You can catch him in New Plymouth tonight and Palmerston North tomorrow, before he continues to make his way toward the South Island segment of the tour. Luke Hurley - Matinee, New Plymouth, tonight, The Bathhouse, Palmerston North, Friday.
CHARITY GIG
A special concert at Auckland's Town Hall this Saturday gives all proceeds to Amnesty International. Sample latin, jazz, barbershop and more from the like of Caitlin Smith, Tama Waipara, Banda Latina, and the Shades. There's something for everyone with the Latin Fever dancers, a bellydancing troupe, a pair of tango champions and plenty more booty shaking entertainment. MCs Jorje Sequieros and Tandi Wright will be holding it all together on the night. Making a Song and Dance about Freedom: An Amnesty International Charity Concert - Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Saturday, $20 at Ticketek.
DESIGN
Pecha Kucha Night - an international buzzword among designers, architects and artists - offers a means for creative types to get out from behind their computers and share their projects with the world. Derived from an onomatopoeic Japanese phrase for "the sound of casual chatter" Pecha Kucha Nights feature presenters who speak for 20 seconds on 20 images of their work - giving them six minutes and 40 seconds of fame. Tokyo-based founder of Pecha Kucha, Mark Dytham of Kd Architects, will be one of tonight's presenters. Visit www.pechakucha.co.nz Pecha Kucha Night, tonight 8pm; Galatos, Newton.
CLASSICAL
In the spirit of Anzac an Australian composer performs his concerto with the Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra tonight at the Auckland Town Hall. Brett Dean is a musician, composer and conductor and will perform his Viola Concerto. Fellow Aussie Colin Bright contributes a piece and the concert also includes Schumann's Manfred Overture and will close with Brahms Symphony No. 3. UK-based conductor Baldur Brannimann leads the way for this concert. Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra APN News & Media Premier Series, Concert 4, Architecture of the Soul - Auckland Town Hall, tonight, 8pm, tickets $12-$110 at Ticketek.
POP
Has it really been 40 years since John Rowles topped the charts with the ode to his sister, Cheryl Moana Marie? It has, and to celebrate the iconic Kiwi crooner is off on a national tour, beginning this Sunday with a show at the TelstraClear Pacific Stadium. Rowles performs with the Rowlettes and keyboardist Ben Gilgen, with proceeds going the Project Hope charity. Catch him in a town near you with gigs from Kerikeri to Invercargill in the coming months. John Rowles Project Hope Anniversary Tour - TelstraClear Pacific Stadium, Manukau, 7.30pm, Sunday, tickets from $33 at TicketDirect.
FILM
K Rd's Film Archive has several interesting films screening at the moment. Bite-sized Frights is a selection of classic and contemporary creepy Kiwi shorts, while David Blyth's feature Grampire keeps things scary. They also have an annual screening to commemorate Anzac Day - this time it's a documentary, The Shadow of Vietnam, in which veterans recall their memories and experiences of the war. Check www.filmarchive.org.nz for screening times and more information. New Zealand Film Archive, 300 K Rd, Newton.
POP
The cute, romantic sound of Kiwi band the Brunettes hits the road this week with a gig in Hamilton on Friday before playing six other gigs around the country. Core members Jonathan Bree and Heather Mansfield are joined by three others, adding sax, trumpet, bass and more to the live show. The band are due to release an album, Structure and Cosmetics, in the US on Sub Pop - a label famous for its work with Nirvana, the Shins, and Brazilian sensations Cansei De Ser Sexy. The Brunettes - Digger's Bar, Hamilton, Saturday, see www.thebrunettes.co.nz for tour details.
ROCK/POP
Alternative brit rockers Gomez wrap up their brief New Zealand tour at Mt Eden's Powerstation on Friday night. The folk-rock, psychedelic-pop five-piece, who are known for their distinctive three-vocalist style, was formed in 1996 by friends Ian Ball and Olly Peacock. They went on to win the Mercury Prize in 1998 for their first album, Bring It On, and are currently touring their 2006 record, How We Operate. One not to miss.
Gomez - Powerstation, Mt Eden Rd, tickets $60 at Ticketek.
