What's On

Dance

It seems Kiwis love dance, or more specifically, competitive dance. If this is true, the New Zealand Amateur and Professional Dancesport Championships this weekend could be a busy affair. Dancers of all ages will compete in this premier ballroom and Latin dance event at Auckland's ASB Stadium. Each evening there will be a dance demonstration by the All Japanese Professional Latin American champions.

* The NZ Amateur and Professional Dancesport Champs - ASB Stadium, Kohimarama, July 29 and 30, 9am-5pm and 7pm onwards for the night shows, adult day pass $20, concession $15

Reggae

Hasidic Jew and US reggae sensation Matisyahu brings his culture-straddling show to Auckland's Studio tonight. Expect a melting pot of musical genres including reggae, lashings of rock, hip-hop moments, and echoes of the one and only Bob Marley. After visiting Israel as a teenager, Mathew Miller returned to the States where he dropped out of school and toured with bands before being sent to Oregon by his concerned parents. He met a rabbi, adopted his Hebrew name, and joined a synagogue which encouraged worship through music.

*Matisyahu with Che Fu - Studio, K Rd, July 27, tickets from Real Groovy Records and Ticketek

Comedy

Rock, paper, scissors is that famous game that decides who does the dishes, who answers the phone, or who gets the next round. But now there's something more at stake: the prestige, the kudos, the social status someone will gain when they become the 2006 Rock, Paper, Scissors national champion this weekend. The Bog Irish Bar in Manukau hosts the National Grand Final tonight, in which nine regional champions from around the country battle it out for the title on Sunday night, from 6pm.

* 2006 Rock, Paper, Scissors National Grand Final - The Bog Irish Bar, Manukau, this Sunday, 6pm

Jazz

The late Miles Davis was a man at the forefront of the genre we call jazz. From the early bebop days through to his involvement with other jazzy sub-genres like fusion and modal, Davis' influence on jazz, and music in general, is undeniable. Some of New Zealand's top jazz musicians have decided to throw a tribute concert this Saturday night as part of Massey University's Winter Music event. Musicians performing from 7pm include Phil Broadhurst, Alberto Santarelli, Julie Mason and Rodger Fox.

* Winter Music: Miles Davis Tribute - New Zealand School Of Music, Albany Campus, Massey University, July 29, 7pm

Rock

The Arctic Monkeys are something of a phenomenon. Their debut album Whatever People Say I Am, That's What I'm Not had the highest first-week sales for a debut album in Britain. The Sheffield four-piece have gone on to perform around the world, including a show here in New Zealand, at Auckland's St James tomorrow night. They're famous for their use of the internet as a promotional tool, in many cases bypassing traditional methods. With all the hype swirling around these guys it's easy to forget the most important thing - this will be a great show.

* Arctic Monkeys with The Grates - St James, Auckland, July 28

Family

Brrr. What better time to leap into the ocean for a swim! Take the family down to Selwyn Reserve, throw on the togs and give yourself one heck of a winter wake-up. It's the annual Mission Bay Winter Splash this Sunday, and the first official icy dunk is scheduled for 10.45am. Before that children under 15 can compete in the Big Dig where entrants dig in the sand for coloured discs to win prizes, and all proceeds go to Rotary Auckland East. Register before the swim to win spot prizes, and those wanting to get really crazy should enter the fancy dress competition.

* Mission Bay Winter Splash - July 30, Big Dig starts 10am, swim at 10.45am

Hip-Hop

For those who haven't seen the film Rize, krumping is arguably the fastest growing hip-hop related dance form in the world. It was born in South-Central LA, and is a highly energetic dance. It often involves two or more people "fighting" through dance similar to the Brazilian dance capoeira. Avondale hosts Auckland's first official krump battle, this Saturday night. Organised in part by New Lynn krumping "family" (not crew, they say) Monarch, the event is titled W.A.R. - When Angels Rize. Head along and witness the rise of this new subculture.

* W.A.R. - Nafanua Community Hall, Rosebank Rd, Avondale, July 29, door sales only

Dance

Trinity is the latest show to be presented by the Royal New Zealand Ballet. As the title suggests there are three separate works performed within the one show. Christopher Hampson's Esquisses is billed as a "sweetly subversive homage to the 19th century tutu tradition". Venezuelan choreographer Javier De Frutos delivers his new work Banderillero and local choreographer Michael Parmenter explores Stravinsky's 1923 score Les Noces. This ballet draws on classical influences, but isn't afraid to give a nod to the contemporary.

* Trinity - ASB Theatre, Aotea Centre from Wednesday, Aug 2-5, 7.30pm, tickets from Ticketek $21-$85

Rock

New York band the Strokes are known for an electrifying live show which they have taken around the globe on the back of three albums. The five-piece group released their most recent effort First Impressions Of Earth late last year. Front man Julian Casablancas is the epitome of New York hip, and drummer Fabrizio Moretti is currently enjoying the affections of actress Drew Barrymore. Their influences range from The Ramones to The Clash to The Velvet Underground, so expect another world-class gig in Aotearoa this Tuesday night.

* The Strokes - St James, Auckland, Tuesday August 1