Wellington Events - What's on and happening in Wellington, New Zealand from restaurants and cafes to events and services. http://www.wotzon.com http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026652 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026652 Get ready to rumba with Roberto Rodriguez from Isla de la Juventud in Cuba and his Amigos on Thursday 5 August at TheNewDowse. Now living in New Zealand, Roberto has a passion for the traditional music of Cuba. For the Late Lounge gig, Roberto (guitar & vocals) will be playing with Warwick "The Prof" Murray (guitar) and Adan E. Tijerina (percussion). All galleries, cafe and cash bar open until 9pm so grab a bite to eat and relax on a bean bag to the smooth sounds of Roberto Rodriguez & Amigos. Thu, 05 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026648 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026648 Dine Wellington is the centrepiece of the 2010 Wellington on a Plate culinary festival. From 14-29 August, 88 of Wellington region’s finest restaurants will offer lunchtime set menus including two courses, a cup of coffee or tea, and a glass of Wellington regional wine for $25 or $35. Some also have $15 options available (wine excluded). Dinner deals and discounts are also on the menu. See the full list of participating Dine Wellington restaurants below. The Wellington region is filled with hundered of divine cafes and restaurants, including a hat-trick of Cuisine Restaurant of the Year supreme award winners. Visit old favourites or try something new. Based on our experience from last year, we highly recommend booking ahead to avoid disappointment... and to make sure you don't go hungry! Offers not valid in conjunction with any other discount/value add offer. 2010 Dine Wellington Restaurants Arbitrageur Wine Room and Restaurant Arizona Bar Salute Bay Plaza Hotel Restaurant Beach Babylon Bell House Betty's Function House and Bar Bisque on Bolton Boulcott Street Bistro Brasserie 345 Burger Wisconsin Petone Cafe Mirabelle Café Polo Caffé Italiano Cuba Street Caffe L'affare Capitol Caucus Restaurant and Bar Charlie Bill - Fine Food Bistro CHOW Tory Street Cobar Restaurant Corner Bistro 169 Crazy Horse The Steak House D4 on Featherston Dockside Restaurant and Bar Drift Cafe on the Beach Duke Carvell's Swan Lane Emporium Eclipse Elements Cafe Est Wine Bar and Eatery Finc Dining Room Floriditas Café & Restaurant Foxglove Fratelli Gladstone Vineyard Café Gusto Bistro Hippopotamus Restaurant Hummingbird Café and Bar K & S Café La Bella Italia The Terrace Lagerfield Le Canard Le Metropolitain Lembas Cafe Little India Bistro and Tandoor Logan Brown Restaurant Mac's Brew Bar Maginnity's Maria Pia's Trattoria  Martin Bosley's Matterhorn Mayfair Cafe Monsoon Poon Mr India Olive Cafe One80° Restaurant Ortega Fish Shack & Bar Osteria del Toro Peppermill Delicatessen Phu Thai Esarn Restaurant Plate Restaurant and Bar Plum Pravda Rata Café Simply Paris Soi Restaurant and Bar Sojourn Café & Bar Soprano Ristorante St Johns Heineken Hotel Thai Chef's Restaurant The Cheeky Pipi The Establishment Courtenay Place The Empire The General Practitioner The Greenman Pub The Grill, Solway Park The Grill at the Duxton Hotel The Larder The Occidental The Office The Tasting Room The White House Restaurant Trade Kitchen Vista Cafe Vivant! Restaurant & Bar VIVO Enoteca Cucina Wakefields Restaurant Yangtze Restaurant Zico Cucina & Bar Sat, 14 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026643 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026643 Phoenix Foundation member Samuel Scott will take to the stage on Sunday with the Thomas Oliver Band and the Shot Band to raise money for Kurt Filiga's treatment for terminal leukaemia. Despite Kurt Filiga having terminal leukaemia, his friends and family hope a relatively unknown, intravenous vitamin C treatment may beat the seemingly insurmountable odds. But at $105-a-pop, the treatment is financially crippling his family, leading a group of top Wellington musicians to band together to raise money for the young documentary maker. He receives the intravenous treatment two to four times a week, depending on available funds. With money, his treatments could increase to up to five times a week. The 20-year-old, who will attend the concert if he is well enough, said the treatment worked because afterwards he could eat and drink, which gave him energy. The Shot Band drummer Hamish Graham, a family friend, is helping organise Sunday's benefit gig. He approached Scott because Phoenix Foundation is one of Filiga's favourite bands. "They couldn't do the whole band because a few guys were overseas. Sam was into the idea. He was happy to use his name to promote the gig," Graham said. Already the family had received an "amazing" level of community support, including from Scott and Oliver, neither of whom knew Filiga previously. Oliver said he offered to help after hearing of Filiga's plight through friends at Park Road Post Production, who are helping with his documentary – a film about his illness to share with other young cancer patients. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026635 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026635 From London's smoky jazz clubs, to Europe's music festivals, to back home in the heart of New Zealand's Te Papa Tongarewa. Toni Huata's strength as a performer, style, warmth and depth as a song writer, allows her to stand confidently in Aotearoa and abroad. To coincide with Maori Language Week, being one of the final events, Toni presents her third, beautifully crafted album, Whiti - to shine, transcend and be transported. “It is my hope that Whiti will uplift people. To me Whiti is a positive affirmation and celebration of life,” says Toni. Toni is launching Whiti on level 4, Te Marae, Te Papa. This is where she also launched her first album Te Maori E as a dramatic show nine years ago. Whiti will be available nationwide on the 2nd August through Ode Distribution. To take you on this musical journey Toni employed the talents of Maaka McGregor to co-produce this album. Gareth Farr lends his talents to “Taku Tamaiti e” the core inspiration of “Whiti” while long time collaborator Charles Royal composed the track “Koa”. Toni was delighted when asked by Te Taite Cooper to do the Māori classic “Te Hokinga Mai” 26byears after the original release and is thankful for the delicate guitar renditions that Karl Teariki has played on this song and “River Person and Soul True”. Hira Huata also supports Toni with the dialect of their whānau from Ngāti Kahungunu. "Toni brings forth sounds and feelings from the past, mixes it with today's international musical influences to present a sound for the future" - Tu Mai Magazine, NZ. Hailing from Hastings in Hawke's Bay and surrounded by an eclectic array of influences Toni affiliates to Ngäti Kahungunu and Rongowhakaata tribes. "Her stunning voice has been heard before but 'Te Maori e' is a visual and aural delight" - Real Groovy, NZ Toni is a songstress, actor, tutor and director, having performed around the world, including support to The Neville Brothers (USA) and voice work for Peter Jackson’s blockbuster movie - King Kong. Toni has toured and performed in London - England, Basque, Spain, Holland, Germany, Canada, Australia, Hawaii, Rarotonga, Palau, America Samoa and more recently Manila, Philippines. On the national stage she received many accolades for her starring role in the popular show ‘Maui – One Man against the Gods’. "Toni Huata brings serene strength to Hine, and shows great focus and vocal control, by continuing to sing with effortless beauty, as she flies across the stage". –Theatre review, NZ With 2010 bringing the release of her third solo album ‘Whiti’, Toni is looking at touring back home before returning overseas, to perform her new music once again. "The beautiful vocal power of Toni Huata" - Evening Post, NZ Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026619 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026619 Ludwig Treviranus plays Expressions' Steinway on Sunday 1 August. Upper Hutt's own International classical pianist is home on study break from the USA and gives his first recital at Expressions on their much admired Steinway Concert D Grant Piano. Ludwig has performed throughout New Zealand, Australia and the United States as a soloist, accompanist and chamber musician. Audiences have regarded his performances as "energetic and thought provoking" and enjoy his pre-performance talks before playing each piece. Ludwig studied at Hutt International Boys School over 6 years ago and is now studying towards a Doctorate of Music under the renowned Dr Read Gainsford at Florida State University. Sun, 01 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026612 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026612 Moonlight Flit play their last show in Wellington with generous support from Mercury Crowe, The Dickens, Tony Wilson, Rose Deschamps, and Daniel McClelland. This promises to be a night to remember. Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026601 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026601 Join Tre-Belle, three stunning voices, for one night of cabaret performing your favourites from opera to Broadway on 12 August at the St James Theatre. Tre-Belle, NZ pop-opera trio comprises Karyn Andreassend, Jennifer Little and Jess Segal.  All are experienced, classically trained singers who have performed professionally in New Zealand, Australia and Europe.  At home, they have performed with, amongst others, NBR NZ Opera, Wellington Musical Theatre, Lyon Opera, Pan Pacific Productions, Royal Wanganui Opera House and Theatre Hawkes Bay. You will be dazzled with their striking blend of coloratura agility, beautiful lyric and rich mezzo. Tre-Belle has carefully selected many of the best loved hits from opera to Broadway in addition to well known pop ballads in exquisite three part harmony.  They will be joined by acclaimed musician, Mark Dorrell on piano and Wellington’s own Dan Hayston on guitar. This magical evening promises you an enjoyable feast of defining moments from West Side Story, Phantom of the Opera, Cats, Moulin Rouge, Company, Wicked, Porgy and Bess, La Boheme, Gianni Schicci, Songs for a New World and much, much more. It will be a night to remember. Tre-Belle is due to release a CD reflecting the repertoire of ‘Opera to Broadway’ later this year. Come along and relax over a sumptuous bottle of wine, platters and snacks, all of which can be purchased on the night. This is a general admission show so come along early to secure your seats. Bookings of six or more will receive table allocation. Proudly supported by the Museum Hotel and Blue Cactus. Book your tickets by 31 July and go in the draw to win a romantic night for two at the Museum Hotel. Thu, 12 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026597 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026597 Wellington Dubstep & Grounded present:  Ramadanman (UK) at Sandwiches on 13 August. With an epic collection of massive releases across many of the worlds most respected Dubstep & bass music labels Ramadanman has established himself as one of the worlds foremost Dubstep & Future bass music producers. This is one for those that know. HESSLE AUDIO / SWAMP 81 / TEMPA / APPLE PIPS / SOUL JAZZ 2ND DROP / HEMLOCK / SUB FM / DUBSTEP ALLSTARS (VOL. 7) aka. Pearson Sound DARKESTRAL / SOUL JAZZ / AUS / HESSLE AUDIO / Support: Presha - [Samurai Music] P-Vans - [DPR / Aquatic Lab] GRL (Aus) - [Kiss & Tell] Tremor (Ak) Dischord Midian - [Grounded] Dirty Red - [Acetate / Bassweight] Thief - [Bassweight] Spinsta - [RBG] Synapse ft. Blac Sax Kyren Shrink Fri, 13 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026576 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026576 Dainty Consolidated Entertainment are thrilled to confirm that Katherine Jenkins, the world’s most successful mezzo-soprano, will tour New Zealand in November 2010. The intimate theatre tour will travel to Wellington on Monday 1 November with Australia’s Mark Vincent as Special Guest. Tickets go on sale on Monday 19th July from Ticketek. Katherine Jenkins is a rare singing talent, the Welsh born artist has released 7 studio albums selling in excess of 4 million copies worldwide. Katherine's unique take on classical opera fused with pop elements has enabled her to crossover from the classical charts to the top of the pop charts around the world. Katherine Jenkins has performed for The Queen, The Pope and The Prime Minister. From her breakout in 2003 where she signed the biggest ever classical deal, 29 year old Katherine has become the premiere ambassador of bringing classical music to a mainstream audience. She is cherished as one of Britain's favourite singers, equally at home performing in her homeland Wales, or performing on The X Factor. The elegant performer brings a maturity beyond her years to the stage. Since her debut in 2004 Katherine has performed with greats such as Placido Domingo and Andrea Bocelli. She performed sold out shows in Australia in 2006 where audiences were captivated by this young, beautiful and enchanting singer and returned in 2009 on a promotional visit. Katherine's 7th album 'Believe' was released late last year through Warner Music, under the stewardship of producer David Foster (credited with the careers of Josh Groban and Michael Bublé as well as working with superstars such as Whitney Houston, Céline Dion and Barbra Streisand). This is truly Katherine's most ambitious album to date. With a broad mix of contemporary and traditional repertoire the record not only delivers for existing fans but will also broaden her audience across the globe. From the haunting Sarah McLachlan song, 'Angel', through to a stunning working of 90's Evanescence's 'Bring Me To Life', the mezzo soprano's unique vocal interpretations bind seamlessly with Foster's arrangement and production. Additionally, Katherine partners up for a stunning duet with award winning tenor, Andrea Bocelli. 'I Believe', beautifully arranged by Foster himself, is a tender operatic ballad that unites two of the world's finest voices. Grammy Award winning writer Richard Marx, most famous for the likes of 'Right Here Waiting' and 'Dance With My Father', contributes 'Fear Of Falling'. Further collaborations are with award winning trumpeter Chris Botti and acclaimed Dutch violinist and composer, André Rieu. Special Guest on this tour will be young Australian opera star, Mark Vincent. Since exploding onto Australia's musical radar in 2009, Mark has proved to be an inspiring talent and remarkable singer. His first album 'My Dream - Mio Visione' debuted at No.2 on the ARIA charts and reached Platinum sales. Mark's newly released 2nd album Compass debuted in the Top 5 proving that Mark's future is looking extremely bright! Audiences will experience a magical evening with the exquisite voice and enchanting aura of Katherine Jenkins. This is truly a night not to be missed! Run Times Act One 8pm-8.50pmInterval 8.50pm-9.10pmAct Two 9.10-10pmMark Vincent will perform with Katherine Jenkins – Katherine is onstage at 8pm Mon, 01 Nov 2010 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026573 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026573 Simply Red have announced four New Zealand dates as part of a worldwide 'farewell' tour. Don't miss the Wellington concert kicking off the tour on 15 October at the TSB Bank Arena. Michael Coppel Presents is very pleased to announce Simply Red’s legions of New Zealand fans will have the opportunity to say a final goodbye when the band’s Farewell Tour reaches New Zealand this October. After 25 years the band has decided that this tour will be their last. "Welcome to the final year of twenty-five mind-blowing years," says Mick Hucknall of Simply Red's final shows. "What an adventure it has been!" Don’t miss the chance to say a final farewell to Simply Red, one of the most successful and acclaimed bands of the modern era. Simply Red will be supported by Opshop for this concert. Tickets go on sale on August 2 from Ticketek. Simply Red Simply Red's classic pop and elegant ballads have provided an uplifting and emotional soundtrack to our turbulent times. The band are saying their farewells all over the world this year, after what has been a remarkable 25 years - their final show will be at London’s O2 Arena on December 19. “I could never have imagined my career would bring me so far,” Mick Hucknall said. “We want to share this closing anniversary with all the people who have enjoyed our sound throughout the years. Celebrate it and gently move on to the second half of a musical story. We all hope to see you at a show somewhere soon.” Since their first tour in 1985, Simply Red have played over 1,100 shows to over 11 million people, notched up over 55 million global sales, over 31 Top 40 UK singles, 3 BRIT Awards, 2 Ivor Novellos, 2 US No.1 Singles and a MOBO Special Achievement. Fronted by the charismatic Mick Hucknall, Simply Red grew out of Manchester and their first UK university/club tour in 1985 and quickly graduated to Europe and the USA in 1986.  By 1987 they had conquered New Zealand and Australia and in 1989 they toured South America and Japan for the first time. By 1990 they had become a true global arena act and continued at that level until this day. Last year’s Greatest Hits tour notched up a further 1 million people across the world. Simply Red has dominated the New Zealand charts from early albums Picture Book (1985) and Men And Women (1987) to the juggernaut’s The New Flame (1989) and Stars (1991). The Farewell Tour showcases all their amazing hits including Money’s Too Tight To Mention, Holding Back The Years, The Right Thing, Stars, Fairground, If You Don’t Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started, A New Flame and Sunrise.   Support from Opshop Over the past seven years, Auckland based four piece OPSHOP has become one of New Zealand’s best loved bands, crafting a constant stream of massive hits with two multi platinum selling albums, You Are Here and Second Hand Planet. OPSHOP recently released their new single Pins & Needles and their highly anticipated new album is set for release on August 2nd. Fri, 15 Oct 2010 00:00:00 +1300 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026572 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026572 No Ordinary Moment and Radio Active are proud to present the next iteration of Break It Up on 6 August. After a hugely successful night we are back with an even bigger and better lineup. NAPT (UK) In an exclusive New Zealand performance we have UK heavyweights NAPT bringing their N-Funk magic down under. **09-10 Best producer award winners at the World Breakspoll Awards** APT, aka Ashley Pope and Tomek Naden, are an multi-award winning British electronic dance music production and DJ duo whose popularity has rocketed in the last 2 years. Their self coined N-Funk sound is a heady concoction of breakbeat, electro and house spawned from the UK underground. As DJ's NAPT have headlined and performed shows all over the world, from Fabric in London, Glastonbury Festival in Somerset to Ambar in Perth; the N-Funk continuously infiltrates many a dance floor. Successfully traversing a multitude of genres, the NAPT N-Funk sound refuses to be boxed in with their innovative, mutated, high sheen productions rocking the most discerning of dance floors. Prepare yourselves wellington NAPT are going to bring the house down! Timmy Schumacher (AK) Throughout the years Timmy has proven you don’t need to think inside one genre to keep people on the dance floor. Playing across the board with breaks, house, techno, garage, drum ‘n’ bass, electro, booty bass, hip hop and downbeat, Timmy has kept the dance floors heaving for over 18 years. He has played to massive numbers in the Boiler Room at BDO, spinning new years parties Phat and Rhythm ‘n’ Vines, plus support slots for the Chemical Brothers, Adam Freeland, Freq Nasty, Rennie Pilgrem, The Freestlyers, Stanton Warriors, Krafty Kuts, Tayo, Breakfastaz, Aquasky and even Moby! Over 18 years of undying service, smashing clubs, festivals and radio transmitters apart with his fearsome mixing skills and secret artillery of hot tunes. To this day, Timmy’s maxim remains the same : consistent shows, flowing sets, uncompromising selections and responsive playing for the crowd.Support from Double Negative and the No Ordinary Moment crew, featuring Weka and Mindsplitter. Live Visuals by Uji. Set Times 12.30am - 1.30am Double Negative1.30am - 3.30am NAPT3.30am - 4.30am Timmy Schumacher4.30am - close NOM Crew Fri, 06 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026566 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026566 The Diary of Anne Frank is on at Gryphon Theatre from 28 July - 7 August. Dramatised by France Goodrich and Albert Hackett and newly adapted by Wendy Kesselman, this production is directed by Tanya Piejus. Fleeing from Germany to Holland in 1933 to escape the Nazis, Anne Frank and her family, who are Jews, are forced into hiding when Holland itself is invaded by the Nazis in July 1942. They are joined by the van Daan family and, later, by a dentist. The play is set in the family’s hiding place, storage rooms and an attic above a factory, which was their home for two years. The play powerfully conveys the tensions and terrors of the period, and the claustrophobic realities of their daily existence: their fear, their hope, their laughter, their love and their grief. Anne emerges from history as a living, lyrical and gifted girl, who confronts her rapidly changing life and increasing horror of her time with astonishing honesty, wit and determination. The story is well known and the ending unhappy, but the play draws heavily on Anne’s diary, provoking discussion about the way human beings treat one another. Bookings – 479 3393 or info@wellingtonrepertory.org.nz Wed, 28 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026561 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026561 Wellington artists Judi Jenkins and Lucy Jerram Moore share a passion for expressing the experience of New Zealanders separated by war.  Their paintings, textile work and assemblage draw on wartime correspondence to explore the effect of absence, and the desire to connect, felt by those at home and on service abroad during the two World Wars.  War Cry/Letters Home is on display at Toi Poneke Gallery from July 23-August 14. Fri, 23 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026559 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026559 Do you think Wellington should be Party Central during the 2011 Rugby World Cup? While the continuing fiasco over the provision of “Party Central” facilities for the Rugby World Cup rage on, Wellington gets on with being the real “Party Central”. Maybe it’s time to tell the government and Auckland that the best parties are in Wellington and that our city should be hosting the major parties. Join us on Facebook - become a fan of the 'Party Central is in Wellington' fan page to show your support. As reported in the media recently, there are doubts over Auckland's ability to host a party central. Below are excerpts from a news article in the Dominion Post on 13 July 2010. The Government's dream of promoting Queens Wharf as the jewel in Auckland's Rugby World Cup crown by establishing a "fan zone" for up to 20,000 people, now appears close to tatters after Auckland Regional Council ditched plans to demolish two century-old sheds to make way for a temporary glass and steel party venue. With the Government now looking at alternative venues, including Viaduct Harbour and Victoria Park, there are questions whether or not other events associated with the cup and designed to showcase the best New Zealand has to offer in wine, fashion, food and the arts should be moved elsewhere. Wellington city councillor John Morrison said the city would happily put its hand up because Auckland was "hopeless" and what was supposed to be a showcase event for the Queen City had turned into an embarrassment. "On every count, they've got a cross instead of a tick." Shifting events to Wellington would ensure they were a success. "I'm very happy to put my hand up and say it. They're quite incapable of running anything in Auckland. "We could make a magnificent success of this." Tue, 13 Jul 2010 00:00:00 +1200 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026558 http://www.wotzon.com/eventlisting.php?event_id=5026558 This concert on 18 August showcases Matthew Marshall on guitar. This recital is part of the Organ Restoration Project at St Peters on Willis. Wed, 18 Aug 2010 00:00:00 +1200