KEY POINTS:
POP
Considering she hails from across the ditch and has been performing for more than 20 years, it's hard to believe the first New Zealand show by Kylie Minogue is only happening next week. Fans of the Neighbours-era Minogue have been waiting a long time, and tickets
for Monday's show sold out quickly, prompting a second show. The show itself is a huge production which has received rave reviews over the last year touring Europe.
Kylie Minogue: X2008 - Vector Arena, Auckland, December 8/9
ROCK/CHARITY
Despite being killed in a hit-and-run accident at 19, the memory of Maxine van der Velden lives on this Saturday on what would have been her 24th birthday. Local musicians and actors are raising funds for the Maxine Memorial Charitable Trust, aimed at helping young Aucklanders achieve in their chosen fields. Oliver Driver will run the auction, and Madeleine Sami, Jonny Barker and Anna Coddington (above) will perform.
Maxine's Gig: Fundraiser for the Maxine Memorial Charitable Trust - King's Arms, December 6, 12-5.30pm
FAMILY
With Bond fever in full swing, it's timely that you can enter the world of high-tech spies and espionage with MOTAT's new Top Secret: Licence to Spy exhibition. Solve an international crime and discover the secrets of spying. Learn about codes, night vision, surveillance and laser security. This interactive exhibition comprises 23 separate experiences and opens this Saturday.
Top Secret: Licence to Spy exhibition - MOTAT, Great North Rd, Western Springs, Auckland, December 6-March 2009
COMEDY
According to the media release it's "the live adaption of the book of the reality TV show about the guy who does stuff on a farm". Comedian, TV presenter, and author Te Radar goes on stage tonight at The Classic Studio to give us a behind the scenes insight into TV One's show Off the Radar, in which we saw him living off the land for 10 months. Let's hope he takes his gumboots off.
Off The Radar: Live & Published - Classic Studio, 321 Queen St, 8:30pm
HIP-HOP/POP
It's a big week at the Vector Arena: in the wake of Kanye comes multiple Grammy Award-winner Alicia Keys and current high rotate radio favourite Jordin Sparks. With her phenomenal voice and skilled ivory tinkling, Keys will fill the Vector with the soul that has sold 30 million albums worldwide. In support, 2007 American Idol winner Jordin Sparks will receive the biggest cheer when she performs her NZ number one hit No Air.
Alicia Keys, Jordin Sparks - Vector Arena, Auckland, December 6
SOUL/JAZZ
Those north of Auckland get the chance to enjoy the sounds of songstress Hollie Smith this weekend. The people of Leigh will flock to their local live music spot, the Sawmill Cafe on Saturday, while music lovers from Whangarei will head to Salut Bar on Sunday for a dose of Smith's distinctive vocal tones and talented musicianship. For Auckland fans, this could be a nice excuse for the first northern road trip of summer.
Hollie Smith - Sawmill Cafe, Leigh, December 6; Salut Bar, Whangarei, December 7
SPORT
Whether you want to witness the deft soccer skills of the man, or just want to catch a glimpse of football's biggest pin-up boy, Mt Smart Stadium is the place to be. David Beckham is in town with LA Galaxy, ready to take on the Oceania All Stars, a side led by former French international Christian Karembeu. Let's see if they can better the efforts of the Wellington Phoenix who lost to the Galaxy 4-1 last year.
LA Galaxy vs Oceania All Stars - Mt Smart Stadium, December 6, 7.30pm
PUNK
To some, nothing says Merry Christmas like live, sweaty, punk rock. Local record label Eleven Fifty Seven Records celebrates the impending holiday season with some of the best bands from their roster playing the King's Arms on Friday night. Cobra Kahn will jam all the tunes from their recently released album Helgorithms, while it will be the Bleeders last R18 show before they relocate to the US.
1157 Xmas Show: Bleeders, Cobra Khan, Los Muertos - King's Arms, Auckland Central, December 5