With April well and truly upon us and autumn in full swing, it’s time to delve into what we can expect from the month ahead. Luckily, there appears a veritable cultural feast that awaits us over the next few weeks, from live music to lauded theatre and special exhibitions. Here, we round up all the cultural happenings that deserve to be on your radar right now.
Waiheke Jazz Festival
Give your Easter celebrations a musical twist with Waiheke’s Jazz Festival, set to take over the Island this weekend. Offering a series of immersive and enthralling musical events at venues like Artworks Theatre, Cable Bay Vineyard, Allpress Olive Groves and Batch Winery, there is plenty to see and do for those who love jazz or anyone who wants something different to do over the Easter break. (For anyone looking to travel to Waiheke by ferry, Fullers360 is also offering 50% reduced rates for off-peak fares.)
More information and tickets here.
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Rod Stewart
Celebrate Easter Sunday (the 9th of April) with Rod Stewart, as he brings his highly-anticipated The Hits! tour to Auckland’s Spark Arena. Set to be joined by special guests Cindi Lauper and Jon Stevens, this is one musical event that fans of the iconic artist will want to get tickets to immediately.
More information and tickets here.
The 1975
Fans of iconoclastic frontman Matty Healy, brace yourselves — The 1975 is bringing its At Their Very Best tour to Auckland’s Spark Arena on Friday the 21st of April. Since forming in Manchester in 2002, this band has established itself as one of the defining sounds of a generation, with a unique sonic approach that has won it a legion of fans around the world. Set to delight audiences with tracks from its forthcoming album Being Funny in a Foreign Language (out on the 14th of October) alongside some of its most famous hits, this one-night-only performance is one you certainly don’t want to miss.
More information and tickets here.
Ocean Film Festival World Tour
With a vision to inspire audiences to love, respect and protect our oceans, the Ocean Film Festival World Tour screens some of the most inspirational, educational and entertaining films related to the ocean by independent filmmakers from around the world. On Friday the 28th of April, the tour will come to Auckland’s SkyCity with a unique selection of films of varying lengths and styles that cover topics such as ocean adventure and exploration, the oceanic environment, marine creatures, ocean-related sports, coastal cultures and more. In each tour location, the organisers work with local ocean charities to support their crucial work conserving our oceans, so as much as it promises a night of entertainment, it is also benefiting a worthy cause.
More information and tickets here.
Fish Saw
Inspired by the family of internationally award-winning Japanese artist Sachie Mikawa (who has been creating musically driven theatre for the last 20 years), Fish Saw is a collection of poignant and funny stories told by ‘The Little Girl With Glasses’ and her best friend, ‘Mr Fish’. Tracing an unlikely friendship that spans oceans and five generations of a family who lived by the sea for hundreds of years, this piece of theatre was created by a team of artists from Japan, Argentina, and the USA and boasts original animation and a spectacular musical score. It will be taking over Basement Theatre from the 4th until the 6th of April.
More information and tickets here.
ALT-J
One of the most globally-successful British alt-rock bands, alt-J are bringing their The Dream Tour to our shores on the 18th of April. Set to wow audiences with award-winning hits like ‘Left Hand Free,’ ‘Breezeblocks,’ ‘Tessellate’ and so many more, this concert (held at Spark Arena) is shaping up to be one for the books.
More information and tickets here.
Stage of Being (New Zealand Dance Company)
Experience the captivating double-bill celebration of Stage of Being, presented by the New Zealand Dance Company. Premiering at the ASB Waterfront Theatre on Friday the 21st and Saturday the 22nd of April, this exciting production will showcase the talent of Aotearoa’s Sāmoan and Chinese choreographers. Offering a captivating juxtaposition of perspectives and cultures, this show will present a poignant reflection on the beauty of our diverse human experience and is promising contemporary dance at its finest, delivering an unparalleled sensory journey that will linger in your mind long after the final curtain call.
More information and tickets here.
Waiting for Godot
Step into the world of theatre with Waiting for Godot, a thought-provoking comedy on now at Q Theatre and directed by the renowned Michael Hurst and written by Dave Hanson. Follow the journey of two hapless understudies as they anxiously wait to take the stage in this Beckett classic, all the while questioning the meaning of life, art, and their existence in the world of showbiz. With an irresistible blend of wit and humour, this enthralling production will leave you pondering the iconic play Waiting for Godot like never before. Only on until tomorrow, we suggest getting your tickets STAT.
More information and tickets here.
Denzel Curry
Hip hop sensation Denzel Curry, known as the “GOATED” superstar, is set to perform in Auckland on the 25th of April as a stop on his Groovin’ The Moo sideshow tour. His new album Melt My Eyez See Your Future, delivered hit single ‘Walkin’ and showcases his dynamic rap style, infused with hip hop, drum and bass, trap, poetry, jazz, and more. As the artist himself has said, “I like traditional hip hop, I like drum and bass, I like trap, I like poetry, so a lot of that is going to be interwoven in this album…and a lot of genres that I came up on as a kid.” Here, Denzel promises an unforgettable performance that any fan of music should make an effort to see.
More information and tickets here.
Candlelight Vivaldi Four Seasons
On Good Friday (the 7th of April) rediscover the magic of Vivaldi’s Four Seasons with this exquisite, candlelit performance at the Presbyterian Church of St Luke’s. Brought to life by the Invictus Quartet, this rendition of the renowned classical piece will transport you to another world, and promises to be an event that will remain with you long after the echoes of the final notes.
More information and tickets here.
