What's On

The Midnight Youth. Photo / Supplied

ROCK
It's safe to say Midnight Youth are currently New Zealand's biggest rock band, riding high in the charts with their singles The Letter and All On Our Own, and debut album The Brave Don't Run, which debuted on the album charts at No. 2 in May. Following a nationwide tour in support of the album, they play a home-town gig of sorts in their old stomping ground - Browns Bay.

Midnight Youth - The Brownzy, Browns Bay, June 19, 8pm

COMEDY
Three of our funniest females are on the road this month, touring small-town New Zealand as The Lady Bunch. Michele A'Court, Justine Smith and Irene Pink are almost done cracking up the Mainland, and now perform everywhere from Whakatane to Kerikeri. With over 35 years combined comedy experience between them, you can guarantee a chuckle or three from this trio.

The Lady Bunch - Various venues North and South, www.comedy.co.nz for more info

CHARITY
A unique opportunity to enjoy one of our favourite music men arises this Wednesday. The Auckland Museum hosts An Evening With Neil Finn, featuring an intimate performance by the Crowded House frontman. Holding it all together will be MC Oscar Kightley, working his way though the various auction items, all raising funds for the Medicine Mondiale charity.

An Evening With Neil Finn - Auckland Museum, Jun 24, aneveningwithneilfinn.co.nz

OPERA
As Tom Jones and the crowds at Cardiff Arms Park are testament to, the Welsh are fine singers. And this weekend it's time to get deep down and bassy with Bryn Terfel, one of the world's foremost bass-baritone opera singers. "He can roar with pain, with pleasure, with fierce indignation," says the New York Times. So the show on Saturday, which will be made up of a selection of popular songs and classical favourites, should be a cracker.

Bryn Terfel Recital - Auckland Town Hall, June 20, 8pm

POP
Fresh from a brief tour of duty in Vietnam, Nelson-based electronic trio Minuit swing by Auckland this weekend for a gig. With a couple of new singles, Wayho and 25 Bucks, tearing up alternative radio, things are building up nicely for the release of their new album. Joining them on the night is raucous new electro talent Bionic Pixie.

Minuit - Toto's Monte Cristo Room, 53 Nelson St, June 19

CLASSICAL
Nothing beats a good old-fashioned singalong, and for expat Brits with a fondness for classical music, Takapuna is the place to be. The Last Night of the Proms occurs this Saturday and Sunday, with a 100-strong choir accompanied by the Auckland Symphony Orchestra conducted by Gary Daverne. Attendees are encouraged to "bring your whistles and be British".

Last Night Of The Proms - Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, June 20/21

CRAFTS
From cutlery to clocks, all things categorised as "crafts" will be on display and on sale this weekend at the ASB Showgrounds. The Great New Zealand Craft Show opens tomorrow at 10am. Puzzles, games, trinkets, art and more courtesy of hundreds of exhibitors. Go on, you know you need a new birdfeeder.

Great NZ Craft Show - ASB Showgrounds, Auckland, June 19-21

HIP-HOP
Along with the likes of Methodman and Redman, Ghostface Killah forged his way into most hip-hop fans' consciousness as part of the legendary Wu Tang Clan. The Clan splintered apart over the years and many of the rappers forged successful solo careers, especially Ghostface who has released seven solo albums to date. His show at Auckland's Powerstation this Saturday is his first in New Zealand.

Ghostface Killah - Powerstation, Mt Eden, June 20