Arts events happening in the capital
Bill Withers Social Club
Wellington Opera House, April 26, 7.30pm, $79+
Join this all-star group of musicians on a journey through the timeless catalogue of a true legend in this intimate yet epic homage. Bill Withers Social Club is a tribute to an iconic American singer-songwriter whose stories of love, hardship, friendship and whānau have shaped a generation of local musicians and touched the world. Tickets: ticketmaster
Thank Grafia it's Friday
Madison's Cafe, Masterton, April 26, 5.45pm, koha
Grafia is playing it's monthly live music show this Friday with Will Prior, singer- songwriter as the special guest. On keys there'll be Keith Austin with Steve Shivas on lead guitar, Mark Bradley on electronic percussion, Paul Maunsell on bass, Maria Warrington backing and occasional lead vocals, Stephan Schulz on violin and recorder and Rob Maunsell on lead vocals guitar and harmonica.
Sherlock Holmes, the pantomime
Little Theatre, Lower Hutt, April 26, 27 10am & 11.45pm, evening adult show,
April 26, 7.30pm. $15+
Where mystery meets mayhem in a hilarious who-dunnit! Sherlock Holmes and Dr Watson are on the tail of the hound of the Pantovilles! Get ready for a paw-some parody – a tail wagging good time for all! School holiday fun for all the family! Tickets: eventfinda
Paekākāriki Art Show 2024
St Peter's Hall, Paekākāriki, April 25-27, 10–4pm, April 28, 10-noon. $2
This very popular event will display artworks from 60 successful artists. Come and enjoy a multitude of styles and media. Immerse yourself in abstraction, realism, colour, form.
Scratch Night Live
Te Auaha, April 26, 8pm, $10-$20
Join the world's only surreal, sketch, award-winning circus troupe on a wild ride as they bring people closer together, one olive at a time. Expect bizarre ideas, high-level circus and a bloody good night out. Tickets: eventfinda
The Golden Ass
Circa Theatre, to May 11, Dates: 20 April – 11 May, $30-$55
Coming at you full force via ancient Rome, Michael Hurst’s free-wheeling adaptation of the notorious original is a wild ride through a timeless world of bandits, goddesses, witches, circuses, sandals, slaves and sex. Tickets: circa.co.nz
Author Talk: The Beautiful Afternoon by Airini Beautrais
Unity Books, April 26, 12.30pm, free
Join us to hear from award-winning author Airini Beautrais, who’ll be in conversation with essayist Megan Dunn about The Beautiful Afternoon, Airini’s first essay collection. All welcome.
Laser Kiwi – Rise of the Olive
Te Auaha, April 27, 8pm, $34-$36
Laser Kiwi hosts a night of firsts, flops and diamonds in the rough as they welcome a wonderful spread of local performers giving their newest and most ridiculous material a crack. Tickets: eventfinda
Apple Harvest Festival
Molewood Orchard, 17 Mole St, Greytown, April 27, 10am-3pm
Set in the beautiful surrounds of a working apple orchard, , the new Greytown Apple Harvest Festival will be a day of good old fashioned fun. Entry is free with games and activities for kids, over 40 stalls, food trucks, pony rides, cider and fruit wine tasting. And you can pick your own apples for $2kg.
Amici Ensemble: String Quintets
Waikanae Memorial Hall, April 27, 2.30pm, $5-$40
Regular favourites at Waikanae Music Society concerts, the Amici Ensemble consists of principal players from the NZSO, led by Associate Concertmaster Donald Armstrong. They will perform two of the greatest string quintets ever written – by Mozart (K515) and by Brahms (Opus 111). There will also be two short items by New Zealand composers Ronald Tremain and Salina Fisher. Tickets: waikanaemusic.org.nz