What's On This Week

Simon O'Neill performs at the Auckland Town Hall on June 4. Photo / Dean Purcell

ASTRONOMY

Find out what happens when you marry an astronomer, a composer and traditional Indian music, today and tonight at Galatos. Astrologer Paul Moss and singer Arpita Chanda feature in this 24-hour production, masterminded by composer Warwick Blair. Enjoy a combination of original live and recorded music, complete with a six-screen video projection of the heavens.

Stars - Galatos, June 4-June 5, 10am-10am

ART

If that bland empty wall is really starting to bother you, you will be happy to know there is a recession-friendly (ie, affordable) art sale happening this weekend in downtown Auckland. You could own art by the likes of Jess Pearless, Liam Gerrard, Niamh Peran, Brad Pearless, Georgia Kent, Georgina Baker for no more than $250 a pop.

The Recession-friendly Art Sale - Levy Building, cnr Commerce and Customs Sts, June 4-5, 11am-8pm

MUSICAL

Shane Cortese gets in touch with his feline side for the next few weeks, taking the starring role of Rum Tum Tugger opposite Tina Cross, in this local production of Andrew Lloyd Webber's Cats. The story - which first opened in London in 1981 - needs no introduction to fans of musical theatre, and opens this week at Auckland's Civic Theatre, featuring a supporting cast from Howick's Harlequin Musical Theatre.

Cats - Civic Theatre, Auckland City, June 6-20

MUSIC/TALK

In this age of Facebook, Twitter and the like it's pertinent to wonder about the nature of these virtual identities we create for ourselves. The next instalment of the Late series at the Auckland Museum analyses this issue, with head panelist Finlay Macdonald and music by Lawrence Arabia and DJ Cian. The topic: "Has the pursuit of identity become virtual? Is this simply an ongoing evolutionary step in human development?"

Late - Auckland Museum, June 4, 6.30pm

FILM

This documentary by Kathleen Gallagher focuses on 10 visionary New Zealanders - including Maori chef Charles Royal and Tuhoe healer Rita Tupe - who are out to prove that a shift in our consciousness can help heal our environment. Shot in stunning locations around the country, the film, Gallagher says, "is a unique number eight wire/Kiwi-style approach to Al Gore's An Inconvenient Truth".

Earth Whisperers Papatuanuku - Rialto Newmarket, June 4, 6.30pm

CLUBS/DANCE

If you like the feel-good, uplifting and soulful side of drum'n' bass, you will no doubt be off to rave to one of the key players in the distribution and creation of this branch of DnB. Tony Coleman, head honcho of London's Hospital Records, arrives to play in Auckland this Friday, DJing as London Elektricity. Some may know of the live band version of the act, but just expect Coleman on the decks for this one.

London Elektricity (DJ Set) - Zen, 17 Albert St, June 5

FOLK/POP

A touring Swedish club night called "Die On My Doorstep" visits New Zealand for a one-off event, headlined by a quirky Californian folk act. Uni and Her Ukulele will play at the Cross St Studios, supported by Auckland trio Wildwood Lights. Expect "mini-fanzines and a soundtrack of indiepop, 60s garage, northern soul and girl groups".

Die On My Doorstep featuring Uni and Her Ukulele - Cross St Studio, Jun 10

CLASSICAL

Attention fans of Strauss. Kiwi opera singer Simon O'Neill returns from overseas successes to sing Schumann's Dichterliebe and the beautiful Opus 27 by Strauss, at the Auckland Town Hall tonight. Joining O'Neill will be Aivale Cole singing The Four Last Songs by Strauss and also watch out for pianist Terence Denis tickling the ivories.

Simon O'Neill: Liederabend - Auckland Town Hall, Concert Chamber, 303 Queen St, 7.30pm, Jun 4