Best of the Weekend

Best summer tunes

There's more fun to be had in Auckland parks this weekend with the final instalment of the bFM Summer Series at Albert Park tomorrow. Get a great slice of the next-big-things in New Zealand music, with the bonus of a hold on the normal liquor ban in the park. Music for the afternoon comes from Wellington's Module, the exciting Open Souls, Minuit, Cornerstone Roots, Melbourne-based Cassette, DJ Timmy Schumacher, and more. The perfect way to end your weekend, and to continue to savour the summer weather.

The 95bFM Summer Series - Module, Open Souls, Minuit, Cornerstone Roots, The Chandeliers, Cassette, Dubhead, Timmy Schumacher and MC Kyla, DJ Exile, tomorrow (Sunday), Albert Park, Auckland, 12pm-7pm 


Best old love

Who could resist a tale of love and sex in a seniors' home? Half Life, in mid-season at the Herald Theatre, is that tale. Lead characters Clara and Patrick are resthome residents who have developed an intense emotional and sexual relationship. Throw into the mix Patrick's daughter, who fully supports the romance, and Clara's scientist son, who sees it as a desecration of his late father's memory. The classic Romeo and Juliet story in reverse, this is a show to make you laugh, think, and perhaps change your perceptions of the elderly.

Half Life - The Herald Theatre, Aotea Centre, to March 4


Best outdoor flicks

It's the last chance to catch a film at the Open Air Cinema in the Viaduct. This season audiences have seen a huge range of films, from The Wedding Crashers to the New Zealand award winner No. 2. Bombon el Perro closes the season tonight. Bombon is a quirky South American film, described by one reviewer as "an optimistic road movie in the vast empty stretches of Patagonia, about a man and a dog".

Open Air Cinema - Bombon el Perro, 8.30pm tonight, Auckland Viaduct


Best heroics

It's either your thing or not, but it never fails to be one heck of a party - the 2006 Hero Party is tonight at Studio and Galatos. Since the demise of the annual parade, the Hero Party has become the centrepiece of the celebration that is the Hero Festival. This year's party features a laser light show, multiple rooms, and a large outdoor area between the venues for smokers, or those just looking for some fresh air. Special guest DJ talent includes Paul Heron from Britain and Australians Matt Steer and DJ Ruby, as well as live vocalist Therese.

The 2006 Hero Party - with DJs Paul Heron, Jamie Head, Matt Steer, Ruby, plus local support, at Studio and Galatos, 340 K Rd, tonight, 10pm


Best variety show

It's a musical extravaganza, with everything from opera to Goldenhorse bolstered by the Auckland Philharmonia. Tonight in Auckland's Domain it's the Sky City Starlight Symphony. Opera sensation Jonathan Lemalu is back especially for this event, while MCs John Campbell and Carol Hirschfeld will keep the crowd smiling between acts. Watch out for performances by Frankie Stevens, choir Viva Voce, and even a guest waltz from Norm Hewitt. Tonight's event is free, but all funds collected on the night will go to Variety - the children's charity.

Sky City Starlight Symphony - Auckland Domain, concert begins at 7.45pm