Music artist Julia Deans. Photo / Brett Phibbs
Our top picks for your next weekend getaway.
Singer-songwriter Julia Deans is celebrating the release of her new album We Light Fire with a tour around New Zealand, which reaches Gisborne's Dome Cinema and Wellington's San Fran this weekend. It's the first headline tour that Deans has performed with a
full band in more than seven years and the talented singer has chosen to shine a light on gender disparity and select local support acts accordingly — female, female identifying gender non-binary fronted bands or solo artists — while her tour team is also predominantly female. Dome Cinema, cnr Childers Rd and Customhouse St, Gisborne, Friday, August 10, 7.30pm; San Fran, 171 Cuba St, Wellington, Saturday, August 10, 7.30pm. Tickets $40 at undertheradar.co.nz
Step by Step. Oh baby!
The annual Step Up Sky Tower Stair Challenge takes place this Friday, which sees business and community teams — including members of the fire service in all of their heavy gear — from all over New Zealand race up the 1103 steps of Auckland's famous tower to raise money for Leukaemia & Blood Cancer New Zealand. The goal for individuals is to raise $1000 via sponsorship for the cause while teams of five are aiming for $5000. If the thought of all those stairs is just too much you could lend your support with a much-appreciated donation. SkyCity Auckland, cnr Victoria and Federal streets, Auckland, Friday, August 10, 1-6.30pm. Visit stepupclimb.org.nz
Quirky cuisine and a circus
