KEY POINTS:
SHOW
Jeff Wayne's musical adaptation of H. G. Wells' classic novel The War Of The Worlds is one of the best-known and best-selling musical works of all time. This stage version sees Wayne conducting the 10-member Black Smoke Band, plus a 40-piece string orchestra. Expect 30m-wide screens showing CGI-animation and specially created filmed sequences as well as human performances. Did we mention the 9m martian-fighting machine firing heat rays at the audience?
Jeff Wayne's War of The Worlds - Vector Arena, Auckland, Fri (sold out) & Sat, tickets from $97 at Ticketmaster.
FOR THE KIDS
The new exhibition at Kelly Tarlton's, Extreme Antarctica, has opened in time for the school holidays. Kids can enjoy multimedia and interactive displays, and learn about a place that is simultaneously one of the coldest and driest on the planet. Get a realistic feel for the Antarctic environment in a purpose-built wind tunnel, ride a snowcat, marvel at the Southern Lights, or explore Captain Robert Scott's original McMurdo Sound hut.
Extreme Antarctica - Kelly Tarlton's, 23 Tamaki Drive, Orakei, 9am-6pm daily, to Dec 16, www.kellytarltons.co.nz for details.
ROCK
Before David Kilgour heads off on a series of US concert dates he is doing a nationwide acoustic tour playing songs off his last album, The Far Now. Don't worry, the former Clean member will be playing a few of his other gems too. He will be supported by White Swan Black Swan, a duo made up of Sonya Waters and Ben Howe, formerly of Fang.
David Kilgour, The Dogs Bollix, today. Leigh Sawmill Cafe, Friday.
REGGAE/ROOTS
Warning: Attend Safari Lounge this Friday and Saturday and be on the alert for low-flying dreadlocks and swinging in skanking circles, inspired by brand new music from one of New Zealand's hardest touring bands. Katchafire celebrate the release of their third album, Say What You're Thinking, with two Auckland shows this weekend. Since forming in the late 90s as a Bob Marley tribute group, the Hamilton band has taken their brand of Aotearoa Roots reggae everywhere from Hawaii to Europe.
Katchafire Album Release - Safari Lounge, Ponsonby, Sat & Sun, tickets $25 at Ticketek.
FILM
True stories and slices of life from America to the Far East will be on show at the New Zealand International Documentary Film Festival, which starts today. There are more than 75 films, many of which are fresh from festivals such as Sundance, Cannes and Venice. Morgan Spurlock of Super Size Me fame presents What Would Jesus Buy, while three Chinese 8-year olds campaign for class monitor in Please Vote For Me.
New Zealand International Documentary Film Festival - Academy and SkyCity cinemas, opens today and runs until Oct 10; www.docnz.org.nz for more info.
DANCE
Auckland's cultural calendar is overflowing with the opening of several festivals, including the Tempo Dance festival, which runs for most of next month. It's an exciting programme that features 913 performers dancing in over 93 shows. Venues include Auckland Performing Arts Centre, SkyCity Theatre, ASB Theatre, Concert Chamber and Maidment Theatre. Dance groups and choreographers include Touch Compass, Malia Johnston, Cabal Noumea Ballet, and the Royal New Zealand Ballet Company.
Tempo Dance Festival - many venues, Auckland, opens Saturday and runs until October 28. Details at www.tempo.org.nz.
FAIRS
Do you have an e-waste problem? Old computer bits and pieces such as keyboards, hard drives, monitors and printers - and cellphones - can cause problems if not recycled properly. So if you still have a Commodore 64 in the back shed, take it along to be recycled at eDay on Saturday at the TelstraClear Pacific Stadium. The event is part of a national trial to raise awareness of the need to dispose of such equipment safely.
eDay - TelstraClear Pacific Stadium, 770 Great South Rd, Manukau, Sunday, 10am-2pm.
ROCK/POP
Patrick Stump, Joe Trohman, Andy Hurley and Pete Wentz look set to attract about 6000 fans of all ages to the Trusts Stadium in Henderson on Monday. Fall Out Boy are on their Friends or Enemies tour, rocking songs from their United States number one album Infinity On High throughout the world. We get for them for one night only, and if their March show is anything to go by this will be an exhilarating example of popular modern rock played live, loud and energetic.
Fall Out Boy - Trusts Stadium, Henderson, Monday, all-ages show, tickets $69 at TicketDirect.
LEARN
The United Nations Association teams with the University of Auckland's Centre for Continuing Education to present lectures that examine the state of the Earth, its people, and world peace. In State of the World, leading thinkers will look at sustainable development, poverty, conflict, human rights and peace. There will be question-and-answer sessions.
State Of The World Lectures: The State of Our Planet (Wednesday, 7-9pm); The State of our People (October 10, 7-9pm); The State of Peace (October 17, 7-9pm) - University Of Auckland, details at www.cce.auckland.ac.nz.
