KEY POINTS:
ROCK/POP
The most famous Talking Head returns for a concert at Auckland's ASB Theatre this Saturday. Don't head along expecting Talking Head's hits from David Byrne though, rather a performance of the new material from his recent collaboration with legendary British producer Brian Eno. The live show has been getting rave reviews, with Byrne joined by a 10-piece band including back-up vocalists and dancers all dressed in white for the gig.
David Byrne - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre, Auckland, February 14
ROCK
Since the project began in 1989, Nine Inch Nails have seen many skilled musicians contribute, but it has always been the talented Trent Reznor at the eye of the storm. NIN, named by Rolling Stone magazine, as one of the 100 greatest rock acts of all time, last performed here nine years ago so expect a great turnout. The good news for those fans is that the show is a two-hour spectacular touching on all the hits of the past 20 years.
Nine Inch Nails - Vector Arena, Auckland, February 17
THEATRE
The numbers tell the story in the Auckland Theatre Company's play, Thirty Nine Steps. Four actors, 100 minutes, 139 roles. John Buchan's British spy thriller sees hero Richard Hannay getting in and out of sticky situations, flirting with beautiful women, and solving murders on a mission to save the British Empire. The actors rising to the challenge are Lisa Chappell, Mike Edward, Stephen Papps, and Cameron Rhodes.
Auckland Theatre Company's Thirty Nine Steps - Maidment Theatre, February 12-March 7
MOTORING
Those chaps from TV show Top Gear are here this week, taking over the ASB Showgrounds. The New Zealand show stars Jeremy Clarkson, Richard Hammond and Kiwi professional driver Greg Murphy. Says Clarkson: "We've turned your motoring television show into the most spectacular motoring theatre show in the universe. We'll be taking the best bits of Top Gear, and ambitiously attempting them live in our action arena."
Top Gear Live - ASB Showgrounds, Greenlane, February 12-15
BREAKS
Arguably the biggest names in breaks will have Auckland's Studio jumping this Friday. The Stanton Warriors have been breaking rules in electronica since the 90s. This is their first performance in New Zealand, and the support line-up skips through bass-heavy genres - drum 'n' bass from The Upbeats and Agent Alvin, tech house from Greg Churchill, breaks from Timmy Schumacher, and dubstep from Optimus Gryme.
Phat09 Afterparty with Stanton Warriors, The Upbeats - Studio, Auckland Central, February 13
POP
The man so proud of his ginger hair he named his band after it plays three shows this weekend. Simply Red, led by Mick Hucknall, play New Plymouth, Napier and Auckland. Expect all the hits: Money's Too Tight (To Mention), Holding Back The Years, and the massively popular If You Don't Know Me By Now. This tour is the last for the band.
Simply Red - TSB Bowl of Brooklands, New Plymouth, February 13; Church Road Winery, Napier, February 14; Villa Maria Estate Winery, Auckland, February 15
COMEDY
Ventriloquist David Strassman got us hooked on his kooky characters through his TV shows, and now fans have the opportunity to scrutinise his skills up close. "Strassman: Ted E's Farewell Tour" starts next Tuesday at Auckland's SkyCity Theatre. Long-running character Ted E. Bare has quit and this farewell tour sees many contenders for his job pop up, and, of course, it wouldn't be a Strassman show without Chuck Wood.
Strassman: Ted E's Farewell Tour - Skycity Theatre, Auckland, February 17-22
DANCE
Rhombus show their softer side this Valentine's Day, headlining the romantically named Aroha 09 concert. It's an all-day affair at Waiheke Island's Ridgeview Estate and also features Rio Hemopo, Jess Chambers (above), Anna Coddington, Optimus Gryme, The Retainers and DJs DLT and DT, Koa, Lovermanraro and Cian. Plenty of local wines will be on offer to help with proceedings.
Aroha Supreme 09 - Ridgeview Estate, 129 Carsons Rd, Rocky Bay, Waiheke, February 14, 12pm
