Best of the weekend

BEST BABY BOP

For those of you that think classical music is a bit beyond your average toddler, wait till you see Baby Proms. Intended for children aged 2 to 5, the annual Auckland Philharmonia concert features a combination of short, familiar classical works and children's songs. The 50-minute concert provides a great opportunity for youngsters to experience the thrill of a live orchestra without becoming bored or restless.

Auckland Philharmonia Baby Proms, Auckland Town Hall, today, 12.30pm and 2pm, tickets $10 adults, $5 children

BEST FUNK STYLER

Although 64, George Clinton still knows how to funk things up. The inventor of P-Funk and founder of bands Parliament and Funkadelic even advises concert-goers to "bring two booties to the show". Backed by a 25-piece band, tonight's one-off Auckland show is a rare chance to see this master at work, so you better get your butts down there.

George Clinton with Parliament Funk, St James, Auckland, tonight, 8pm, tickets from $80, from Ticketek

BEST STREET SHOW

Only in Ponsonby could a street decide to host its own film awards. The inaugural Richmond Rd Short Film Awards (the Richies) celebrate top local film talent and will feature five world premieres. Hosted by TV One's Hugh Sundae, the event will screen the 12 finalists' short films before announcing the five award winners, who will each take home a hand-made trophy by contemporary artist John Reynolds.

The Inaugural Richmond Rd Short Film Awards, Richmond Rd School, Ponsonby, today, 6pm, tickets $20, from Ticketek

BEST SLACKERS EXPOSE

It doesn't have the original stellar cast, but Kenneth Lonergan's acclaimed hit This Is Our Youth should still be worth a look. The play examines the slacker generation of America in the 80s. Directed by Caroline Bell Booth, this local production features Charlie McDermott, David Van Horn and Hannah Tolich.

This Is Our Youth, Silo Theatre, Lower Grays Ave, today (until April 30), 8pm, tickets $25, from Response Ticketing 

BEST SPEED PADDLERS

Today's Surf Ski World Cup involves neither surfing nor skiing. Instead, the world's best paddlers battle it out in a downwind challenge for $8000 prize money. New Zealand champions Ben Fouhy and Katie Pocock will represent the home side and nine-times world champion Dean Gardiner will bear the Australian colours. Racing will take place between noon and 3.30pm, with prizegiving at 5pm in Market Square.

2005 Surf Ski World Cup, Viaduct Harbour, today, 12.30pm, free