Katchafire. Photo / Herald on Sunday

Katchafire. Photo / Herald on Sunday

SOUL/REGGAE
For many people Labour weekend means heading to the Coromandel for a mini-break before we get into the silly season. The Coroglen Tavern always obliges with a big Labour Weekend gig, and this weekend Opensouls, riding high with their new album, are joined at the Coroglen by perennial favourites Katchafire and newcomers Beats Botanical.

Katchafire & Opensouls with Beats Botanical - Coroglen Tavern, 1937 State Highway 25, Whitianga, Saturday, 8pm

UKULELE
The famous Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra make the trek north for three gigs in the Auckland area this weekend. Tonight and tomorrow at Toto in Nelson St, then Saturday night at Leigh Sawmill. Expect the usual 10-12 piece ukulele collective to cover everything from Outkast to Kings Of Leon to Crowded House in their super-fun live show.

Wellington International Ukulele Orchestra Spring Tour 2009 - Toto/Montecristo Room, 53 Nelson St, 7:30pm

POP CULTURE
Every year thousands attend the Armageddon Expo, which has moved to the ASB Showgrounds this year where they are taking advantage of the extra space, packing more action and events in than ever before.

Fanboys (and girls) of comics, animation, computer games, TV, film, sports, wrestling, and music will be almost salivating as they read this in anticipation of the three-day expo starting Saturday.

Armageddon Expo - ASB Showgrounds, 217 Greenlane West, Epsom, Oct 24-26, 9am

PUNK
Originally rabble rousing against the establishment in the late 70's in Britain, UK Subs found themselves often present in the UK pop charts, and have gone on to achieve a worldwide fan base for their rollicking punk rock sound. Now over twenty years since their formation they continue to tour, and play three dates around the North Island this weekend.

UK Subs - White Hart Hotel, New Plymouth, Oct 23; Kings Arms, Auckland, Oct 24

POP/CLASSICAL
Dutch classical music superstar Andre Rieu kicks off his 2009 tour at Vector Arena this weekend. He first performed with the Johan Strauss Orchestra in 1987, and the live show has swelled since then to include about 40 musicians. His albums have sold well here in New Zealand, and globally he has sold more than 25 million units. His take on classical music has wide appeal, as evidenced by ticket sales.

Andre Rieu - Vector Arena, Oct 24/25

HIP-HOP
With one of the most distinctive rap styles in hip-hop, Chali 2na still stands out from the crowd, years after he first burst into our consciousness as a member of Jurassic 5. His smooth baritone flows will be on display tonight at Auckland's Zen nightclub where he performs with a full live band. Support comes from skilled turntablists CXL and Substance, and up-and-coming hip-hop crew Homebrew. Chali 2na - Zen, Oct 22

CHARITY
Gigs are popping up all over the country to help raise funds for those affected by the tsunami in Samoa and Tonga, and this Thursday the Manukau City Church hosts a line-up of hip-hop, R'n'B and Pacific-influenced music. To Samoa With Love has performances by Tina Cross, Adeaze, L'il Saints, Courtney Jansen, Jamoa Jam, Steve Apirana, Vince Harder, Sweet'n' Sour and more.

To Samoa With Love - Manukau City Church, 2 Lambie Drive Manukau,Thursday 7.30pm

THEATRE
The Silo follows up their acclaimed season of Ruben Guthrie with their next production, Loot, opening tonight at the Herald Theatre. With a robbery and a bandaged cadaver on the loose, Inspector Truscott (played by Cameron Rhodes) has his work cut out for him. Billed as a "topsy-turvy, frickin funny utopia of decadence", Loot is set to get Aucklanders laughing out loud next month.

Loot - Herald Theatre, Oct 22-Nov 21