What’s on in the Wellington region this week
Summer Concert Series
Porirua’s Aotea Lagoon rose garden, today, 6-8pm, free
With top 10 hits from the 50s through to today, Mojo will get the crowd dancing with an impressive set list. Lead singer Grant Sullivan is the voice of Dancing with the Stars.
Welly Weekend Waterfront, today, free
This Welly Weekend there’ll be amusement rides, circus performances, a kids’ zone, live music and food trucks, all located around the stunning location of the city’s waterfront. See wellington. govt.nz\wellyweekend.
Andrew Paterson is Werking on It
BATS Theatre, January 26, 29 and 30 at 6.30pm
A solo theatre show full of joy, pleasure and connection written and performed by Andrew Paterson, directed by Tessa Waters with performance design by Meg Rollandi. This is a development season of a new work and will be a chance for audiences to witness the creative process of three internationally acclaimed creatives. Tickets from bats.co.nz/whats-on/ andrew-paterson-is-werking-on-it/.
The Great Big Waterfront CleanUp
Wellington Museum, tomorrow, noon-2pm, free
In partnership with Sustainable Coastlines, Wellington Museum will host the third annual Great Big Waterfront Clean-Up. This community event is perfect for families, team-building and karma. Learn about our harbour and bestpractice recycling with experts.
Zealandia by Night Tour
Zealandia Eco-Sanctuary, Thursday, 8.30pm-11pm Explore the sanctuary by torchlight as your guide leads you in search of some of the more distinctive sights and sounds of New Zealand’s native forest. Experience many of the rare and endangered species, including those that only come out at night. See unique species such as we¯ta¯, glow worms, and tuatara. Your group may see some of the 130 little spotted kiwi who call Zealandia home. visitzealandia. com/zealandiabynight.
Comedy at Cavern Club
The Cavern Club, Allen St, Thursday, 7pm-9pm, $15 door sales Comedy gold and comedy coal, each night is a guaranteed gamble. With a mix of new performers doing their best, and established acts trying something new, Comedy at Cavern is the great place to spot the next big thing. The Look of Love: Ali Harper Circa Theatre, Until Feb 20, $52
Ali Harper, with Tom McLeod (piano) and Callum Allardice (guitar) is back and this time showcasing the extensive hit songs of Burt Bacharach in The Look of Love. A musical feast for the heart and soul. Tickets: circa.co.nz.
Gardens Magic
Soundshell at the Botanic Garden, until January 31, concerts 8pm9.30pm, light displays 9pm10.30pm Grab a rug, a picnic, your friends and wha¯nau for many evenings of free outdoor entertainment because Wellington’s annual concert series Gardens Magic is back. Full programme at wellington. govt.nz/gardens-magic.
Mute Report: Art Exhibition Opening
BATS Theatre, January 28, 5.30pm, free exhibition Harriet Hawksworth will be the first artist to show in The Pit Gallery for 2021. Mute Report is a collection of both visual and audio sculpture, emphasising on organic forms cast in synthetic materials. More details at bats.co.nz/whats-on/pit-galleryopening-mute-report/.
Van Gogh Alive
TSB Arena, various times, $34.90 New and final shows have been added to Wellington’s Van Gogh Alive season due to popular demand, from Monday, February 1 to Sunday, February 7. Van Gogh Alive sets aside traditions of tiptoeing through silent galleries and viewing paintings from afar in quiet contemplation as visitors find themselves interacting with the art of Vincent van Gogh in ways they never imagined. Tickets vangoghalive.co.nz.
Exhibition: Ronda Thompson Alfred Memelink Artspace Gallery, until February 21
Through her paintings, Ronda Thompson shares her love of Wellington, in particular the city’s waterfront scenery depicted in dawn or dusk moods, a time of day that inspires her most with calm water reflecting city lights. Originally from Wellington, Thompson now paints from her seaside studio in Paeka¯ka¯riki. She paints in oils, mainly using a palette knife so that she can give her paintings depth and texture.
City Gallery Art Camp
School holiday programme, Tuesday to Friday, 11–4pm, $50 a day Creative kids aged 5-12 years will love playing with different kinds of art in our cool school holiday workshops. Have fun with drawing and painting, learn about printing, pattern and stamp art, get hands on with clay, and create your own 3D sculpture. Come along to one, some, or all sessions. See citygallery.org.nz/art-camp.