Best of the Weekend

BEST THEATRE

Noel Tovey, gives us an insight into his turbulent upbringing in Little Black Bastard, a hard-hitting piece of Australian theatre, on until tomorrow at the Herald Theatre.

It is written and performed by Tovey, in Auckland after a successful run across the Tasman.

The play tells Tovey's story, from a troublesome Melbourne childhood to his international success as a dancer, director and actor, culminating with his return to Australia.

This is a classic rags-to-riches story, told with all the skill you would expect from someone who just celebrated 50 years of working in theatre.

* Little Black Bastard - Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, tonight and tomorrow

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BEST FREE MUSIC

The Auckland Symphony Orchestra presents two free concerts this weekend and next. Tomorrow afternoon it's Music For a Royal Occasion, a - slightly belated - celebration of the Queen's 80th birthday. Award-winning 14-year-old pianist Jason Baewill demonstrate the skills he has honed since taking up the instrument at 4. Gary Daverne will conduct. He has been with the orchestra since its foundation, and has conducted everywhere from London to Taiwan. Expect a programme of orchestral favourites, running for about an hour.

* Auckland Symphony Orchestra Free Family Concerts - Auckland Town Hall, tomorrow, 2.30pm; Bruce Mason Centre, Takapuna, May 14

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BEST MUSICAL VARIETY

This festival is definitely one for the open-minded, or perhaps the open-eared. The Alleluya Noise Festival takes place at several locations on Auckland's K Rd, including Brazil Cafe and the Wine Cellar today. Performers will use everything from laptops to tubas to present what can only be described as noise.

Organisers hope punters will have an enlightening experience: "Enjoy crazy, burning, sonic brilliance outside your comfort zone and inside your skull." Or just have a coffee and experience something quite unique.

* Alleluya Noise Festival - Brazil Cafe, today, 3pm (meeting place); the Wine Cellar, St Kevin's Arcade, tonight, 9pm

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BEST DANCE SOUNDS

Soul/funk collective One Million Dollars joins Wellington's Odessa for the Auckland leg of their national tour tonight at 4:20. Both bands are known for their riveting, funk-fuelled live shows, so be ready for an energetic dance.

Alternatively, pop downstairs to the Rising Sun and find a night to savour at Buss It Up. Sample reggae, dancehall and hip-hop as provided by DJs Stinky Jim, FJ, Gwaan Girl and friends. It's all go tonight if you're up for it.

* Odessa and One Million Dollars - 4:20, K Rd
* Buss It Up - Rising Sun, K Rd

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BEST LIBRARY SOUNDS

May is New Zealand music month and Auckland City's libraries celebrate with more than 40 live acts in the coming weeks. Today's events include the Auckland Mandolinata Orchestra at the Central City library, and indie group Decortica in Onehunga.

Other acts coming to a library near you include the Auckland Philharmonia, Samoan reggae band Nafatali Aurasta, pop rockers the New Freedom, hip-hoppers Definite and Bling, and many more. More information at www.aucklandcitylibraries.com.

* Live at the Library - at the Auckland Central City Library and community libraries