What's On

CHARITY

The Kiwi music community has rallied over the past two weeks to support Samoa following the disastrous tsunami. But the biggest gig is this Monday at Vector Arena. I Love The Islands: Samoa Benefit sees an incredible list of bands and acts performing including Scribe, Savage, Che-Fu, Nesian Mystik, Neil and Tim Finn, Dave Dobbyn, Bic Runga, Hollie Smith and Elemeno P.

I Love The Islands: Samoa Benefit - Vector Arena, October 19

DANCE

After much high-minded choreography, the Tempo NZ Festival of dance gets down - well, sort of. Auckland hip-hop dance troupe That Mean Crew (TMC) premieres Under the Influence, their innovative full-length work that traces the dancers' histories from their rookie days to representing New Zealand at international contests.

TMC, Under the Influence, Concert Chamber, Auckland Town Hall, Thursday to Saturday (bookings The Edge)

THEATRE

Herald reviewer Paul Simei-Barton gave the Peach Theatre production of Alan Bennett's History Boys a thumbs-up and even sometime critic Rhys Darby twittered his approval: "Best theatre I've seen in long time." Set in an English boys' grammar school, it follows a class of history students preparing for final exams. Starring George Henare and Annie Whittle among others, it's on until October 24 at the Maidment Theatre.

The History Boys - Maidment Theatre, to October 24

SOUL/FUNK

With their latest album Standing In The Rain, Auckland band Opensouls have moved away from their beat-based, hip-hop-inspired roots and instead mined old-soul and Motown influences to great effect. The resulting live show is a grand old time, fronted by the lovely Tyra Hammond, and bolstered by a classy set of musicians. Check them out at the King's Arms this Friday.

Opensouls: The Standing In The Rain Tour - Kings Arms, 59 France St, Newton, October 16, 8pm

ROCK/POP

British band Gomez burst on to the scene in 1998 when their debut album Bring It On won Britain's prestigious Mercury Music Prize. Since then they have released five further albums, including this year's A New Tide. Expect blues, rock, eclectic deviations, and the distinctive singing of the gravel-voiced Ian Ball.

Gomez: A New Tour 09, Support by Pluto - Powerstation, 33-35 Mt Eden Rd, Eden Terrace, October 18, 7.30pm

CLUBS/DJ

The Studio on K Rd has played host to some great dance music gigs already this year, and this Friday should be no different, with George FM taking over with their annual shindig. Almost all the station's 50 DJs will be playing sets at the Spring Thing, including breakfast host Nick D, Dick Johnson, Sam Hill and Clarke Gayford. Expect everything from house and electro to funk and hip-hop, dubstep and drum and bass.

The George Spring Thing - Studio, 340 K Rd, Newton, October 16, 9pm

ARTS

Kicking off tomorrow with Southside Comedy hosted by Mike Loder, the Manukau Festival of Arts has more than 30 varied and exciting events happening around South Auckland with theatre, dance, music, fashion, film, arts, and visual arts all in the mix in the coming month and reflecting the area's diversity, history and youthful present.

Manukau Festival of Arts - Manukau area, October 16-November 15, www.mfa.org.nz

PETS

As the weather gets warmer, it gets a whole lot more pleasant to take man's best friend out for a stroll. And why not do it with thousands of other Auckland dog lovers this Saturday? The Champ Wag'N Walk is billed as New Zealand's biggest dog day out, and will see thousands of canines walking in and around the North Shore's Milford Reserve all day. All funds raised on the day go to the SPCA, register at www.wagnwalk.co.nz

Wag'N Walk - Milford Reserve, October 17, 8.30am-3pm