thinking for you http://thinkingforyou.co.nz Most recent posts at thinking for you posterous.com Wed, 23 May 2012 14:45:00 -0700 Entertainment notes: Riverdance, Ice Skating and The Great Gatsby http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-notes-riverdance-ice-skating-an http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-notes-riverdance-ice-skating-an

Riverdance

I went to Riverdance on Tuesday night – the start of the Irish phenomenon’s final tour in New Zealand. I saw the show about 15 years ago when they first came to New Zealand – I’d watched the VHS video and had the CD and was so excited! I thought that time might have dulled the magic for me, but I really enjoyed the show. The show features the very best Irish dancers – some of whom also sing and live musicians. I’d forgotten so much about the show, but my favourite bits are still the big numbers with the whole cast in line and legs flying everywhere, and the dance-off between some of the Irish lads and American tappers.

Riverdance is on until Sunday at the Aotea Centre, before heading to Wellington and then Christchurch. Check out the dates on the Riverdance website, or get the iPhone app!

Aotea Square Ice Rink

There’s been a huge response to the news that there’s going to be an ice rink in Aotea Square this winter. The rink will be part of a “Winter Showtime” programme of family friendly events that includes shows like The Amazing Bubble Man, Nutcracker on Ice and The Magic Chicken.

The rink opens on 23 June and tickets will be $20 for adults and $15 for children (skates included) – a full programme will be announced soon.

The Great Gatsby

Baz Lurhmann is the man behind such amazing movies as Strictly Ballroom, Romeo & Juliet and Moulin Rouge as well as epic fail Australia (the movie, not the country). He’s back with an adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'Great American Novel' The Great Gatsby which due out at the end of the year. The cast includes Carey Mulligan (who is undoubtedly one of the top actresses around), Leonardo DiCaprio, Tobey McGuire and Isla Fisher – ex-Home & Away star and wife of Sacha Baron Cohen. 

The movie is a very long way away, but the trailer was released this week and is attracting a lot of debate – will it be another let down, or is Baz back to his best?

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 16 May 2012 14:41:00 -0700 Entertainment: Remix the Orchestra and the Shihad movie http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-remix-the-orchestra-and-the-shi http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-remix-the-orchestra-and-the-shi

Remix the Orchestra

The Auckland Philharmonia Orchestra has been running a programme called Remix in Mangere for five years, creating opportunities for urban and classical musicians to work together. This year there’s a special New Zealand Music Month concert at Auckland Town Hall featuring Hip Hop artists and the full orchestra on 31 May.

DJCXL (who’ll be DJing throughout), Frisko (aka Alphrisk), Tyree and Ermehn will all be performing along with longstanding members of the Remix crew JEM and Anonymouz.
Graffiti crew FDKNS will also be involved drawing in real time on tablet computers, and the results will be projected on screens as they work. Read more and book tickets – they start at $20!

Coldplay concert announced for Mt Smart

I used to be a huge Coldplay fan and even though my enthusiasm for them has waned (I find them a bit samey), there’s no doubt that they know how to put on a gigantic and flashy show. A concert in November has just been announced – which means Auckland will see Radiohead, The Black Keys and Coldplay all in one week. Pre-sale tickets go on sale at midday and the general on-sale is 25 May. If you always miss out on the big concerts, my advice is to subscribe to the email databases for the main ticketing agents and venues!

Shihad: Beautiful Machine

Shihad is arguably New Zealand’s greatest rock band of all time and the rise, fall and ongoing journey ‘ew I said journey’ of the band is told in a documentary that is out today. I went to a media screening a few weeks ago and thought it was a very good film – not perfect, but with lots of depth and personality. The film is surprisingly honest about the downsides of rock n roll and what actually happened when the band went to make it big in LA. The family stories are what makes the film rich. I was worried that I wouldn’t like the band members after seeing the movie, but it just made me want to go to one of their live gigs! My full review is here.

On the internet

Totally amazing group photos from all over the place.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 09 May 2012 15:52:00 -0700 Entertainment picks: AWRF, Sir Ian and The Avengers http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-awrf-sir-ian-and-the-aven http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-awrf-sir-ian-and-the-aven

Auckland Writers and Readers Festival

Auckland Writers and Readers Festival has started with the schools programme and gets underway for the grownups on Thursday night. There is a seriously impressive lineup this year with local stars like Rhys Darby, Emily Perkins, Witi Ihimaera and Maurice Gee making an appearance alongside a host of international guests. I’ve been poring through the programme to work out my unmissable sessions and I think one of the most interesting and challenging ones is likely to be one of the last on the programme – Country of Kings – The Beautiful Struggle with spoken word artist Lemon Andersen. The book is a memoir of his life so far – growing up with heroin addict parents who died of AIDS, he turned his life around after discovering his talent as a poet. He’s won a Tony Award and has been the subject of a film (Lemon) which has two screenings this weekend at the Documentary Edge festival. This won’t be everyone’s idea of a good time, but I’m very interested in hearing from Lemon – and if it’s not your cup of tea – there are many other sessions that should interest you and/or make you a much more interesting dinner party conversationalist. See my top ten picks for the festival.

Sir Ian McKellen’s fundraiser tour

I posted all the dates for Sir Ian’s fundraiser for Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal a while back. Now the tour has started and the reviews are excellent. I’m bringing this up again because apparently Hamilton, Tauranga and the Hawkes Bay haven’t sold out like the rest of the country – so hurry up guys! Aucklanders who missed out might even want to consider the short drive to H-Town on Saturday night! 

The Avengers

I’m a few weeks off the pace with this one because I haven’t had a chance to see The Avengers yet, but I have not heard a single bad review. It is based on comic book characters but it’s not a kid’s movie. But it’s really good for adults who love comics and features all the Marvel superheroes and a very good cast.

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Mon, 07 May 2012 17:42:00 -0700 Putting the FUN into fundraising! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/putting-the-fun-into-fundraising http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/putting-the-fun-into-fundraising

Hey guys, you should all come and hang out with me and my friends at this! I have done some research and can confirm that the prizes are GOOD and so is the entertainment (DJ Phillipa and Sophia Nash!). As for the company... you should come along and make it even cooler.
 
Only $15 and whatever you want to spend on the auction. Generosity is such an attractive trait, don't you think?
 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 02 May 2012 16:00:00 -0700 Entertainment picks: Books, Kimbra, comedy & the cello! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-books-kimbra-comedy-the-c http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-books-kimbra-comedy-the-c
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Auckland Writers & Readers Festival

I’ve been to a few sessions in the last few years, but next week I plan to really immerse myself in Auckland Writers & Readers Festival. I’ll talk more about it next week, but a few names worth mentioning are Illustrator and children’s author Oliver Jeffers (pictured - my entire team at work has a bit of a crush on him and here’s an interview with him in LIVE), Former MI5 head Dame Stella Rimmington and locals Maurice Gee, Jolisa Gracewood Dick Frizzell and Emily Perkins. There’s a seriously impressive lineup and the word is tickets are selling exceptionally well, so get on board at www.writersfestival.co.nz.

Kimbra

Hamilton’s own Kimbra has been in the headlines a lot lately – she came second in the Smokefree Rockquest at age 14 in 2004, but that was only the beginning! She released Vows last year and won the NZ Critics Choice Award as well as being awarded Best Female Artist and being recognized alongside Gotye for Somebody That I Used To Know  at the ARIAS.

The Goyte track, which she was guest vocalist on, has gone mental in America in recent times being featured on Glee, American Idol and hitting #1 in the Billboard Charts a couple of weeks ago – the first kiwi to do so since OMC’s How Bizarre in 1997. It’s not all about that one song though – this week, Kimbra was named grand prize winner of the hugely prestigious International Songwriting Prize – it’s not just an empty title – she gets US$25k in cash and the same in merchandising and services – whatever that means! Read the Stuff.co.nz story about Kimbra’s win.

Comedy Festival

The NZ International Comedy Festival is in full swing – see last week’s post for my picks. So far I’ve been to local show Kevin: The Musical (just as hilarious the second time around), Canadian Craig Campbell and Irishman Jason Bryne – I’m getting a good continental spread. I’m still planning on getting to a couple more shows this week, before starting all over again with  a brand new set of shows for week two… and again on week three. Get amongst the LOLS at www.nzcomedyfestival.co.nz.

I love the cello!

A shoutout to the APO - I'm going to see New Zealand Composer Ross Harris' brand new Cello Concerto performed by Li-Wei Qin tonight at the APO's Into The Light concert.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 25 Apr 2012 14:23:00 -0700 How to enjoy the Comedy Festival http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/how-to-enjoy-the-comedy-festival http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/how-to-enjoy-the-comedy-festival
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For the next three weeks we get to laugh, giggle and awkwardly snort as the best of New Zealand’s comedy talent and international visitors tell funny stories, sing silly songs and generally remind us all not to take ourselves too seriously.

I’m a huge fan of comedy –  a couple of years ago I made it to 13 shows during the festival! This year the NZ International Comedy Festival turns 20 and I think everyone should celebrate by getting out of the house and seeing what's on offer.

I know some people are afraid stand up comedians might pick them out of the audience, or don’t want to see anything that might offend them, so here are my comedy tips for nervous beginners:

·         Read the brochure or spend some time on www.comedyfestival.co.nz and see what’s out there. The website even has sections for kids, teens and the brilliantly named You could take your mum to this.

·         See some local comedians. Long gone are the days when NZ comedy was considered cringeworthy and you’d only buy tickets to see an international. I go for a mix of both and some of the shows by local comedians have been my favourites.

·         If you don’t want to be mocked from the stage – don’t be late, don’t get up and down during a show, and don’t heckle. People are there to hear from the comedian, not from you. It’s also wise to not sit right up the front wearing an ugly shirt, talk through the show, etc. Surely all these things (especially the ugly shirt part) are just good manners?

·         Ask friends with similar senses of humour for recommendations.

·         If you’re not enjoying a show – relax! They’re mostly only an hour long. And book for something else immediately! Get back on the bike, etc.

·         If you don’t live in Auckland or Wellington, check out the Comedy Convoy, which is going to heaps of centres around New Zealand.

·         Television is a great way to get a taste of comedians – the biggest night of the comedy calendar is this Friday with the Comedy Gala and then the best bits will be screened on TV3 so you can check out snippets from heaps of the comedians and book tickets for the ones you laughed most at!

Shows I’m already booked in for (you’ll notice a strong musical comedy theme):

·         Steve Wrigley in Kevin: The Musical – my favourite show last year and I’m very excited that it's back

·         Brendon Green: Everything is meaningless and nothing matters, lol

·         Jason Byrne: People’s Puppeteer

Also on my must see list:

·         Idiots of Ants – these are the guys who did the Facebook in real life video

·         Rose Matafeo: Scouts Honour – the rising star of New Zealand comedy/television presenting

·         Axis of Awesome – watch this crazy awesome video

 

Update:

I've been reliably informed that I need to see Bombs Away: A Musical, Jamie Bowen, Greg Behrendt, Andrew O'Neill, Revolver Circus and David O'Doherty too.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Mon, 23 Apr 2012 02:48:00 -0700 Food adventures: Mozzarella class http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/food-adventures-mozzarella-class http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/food-adventures-mozzarella-class

Cheese_class

I love eating and I LOVE CHEESE. A couple of years a friend did some cheese making courses and I knew that if I was going to be awesome, I too needed to learn to make mozzarella.

On Saturday headed out to beautiful Muriwai to go to a course with The Gourmet Gannet  and a couple of hours later I was heading back to the big city with my first, but hopefully not last, self-made mozzarella balls. I got to wear a cute apron. The class was very straightforward and easy to follow. There is talk of returning for one of the sausage courses.

Some things I learned:

  • Mozzarella isn't very hard to make
  • Focus is necessary, particularly on temperatures
  • You shouldn't take your cheese out of the iced water too soon, unless you want to create new shapes
  • Friends are super impressed when you serve them cheese you made yourself

I was extraordinarily proud of what I'd made. This must be what being a parent feels like.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 18 Apr 2012 14:32:00 -0700 My entertainment picks: I've been to Jersey Boys + We Built This City + I'm going to see Sir Ian McKellen http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-picks-ive-been-to-jersey-boy http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-picks-ive-been-to-jersey-boy

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There are a few things that I’ve been excited about for a while, so it only seems right that I report back now that I’ve been to the shows. (Plus, last weeks radio spot didn't quite happen due to an American musician running late for an interview, so we're revisiting a few topics).

JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli and The Four Seasons

I’ve been looking forward to JERSEY BOYS for almost a year now. I’ve crossed paths with people from the show a few times and been to an early rehearsal and seen a few songs performed - but even taking into account my high levels of buy in and huge love of musicals – I WAS BLOWN AWAY. It really is a stunning show with an incredible cast and those unforgettable songs. Enough hyperbole from me? Watch this video and see what some of the opening night guests had to say.

Tickets are now on sale for all shows until the end of the Auckland JERSEY BOYS season on 17 June. After that, they’re back off to Australia!

We Built This City

We’re building a cardboard city in Aotea Square this week – by we I mean kids aged 3-7 as well as a few ‘helpful’ adults. I went along yesterday – officially to help the photographer – and managed to get involved in building some epic tunnels! The show is from Melbourne, Australia and has travelled all over the world. There are three shows a day where kids build anything they like with the help of a cast of 'engineers' and 'builders' before they get to demolish the buildings and tunnels. It’s performance art for kids and it’s ridiculously fun. It’s been amazing seeing dozens of photos pop up on Twitter and Facebook since the show started being set up on Tuesday. It all wraps up on Saturday – book yourself in quick!

Sir Ian McKellen

I’ve managed to snap up tickets for Sir Ian McKellen’s one man show in Auckland on 26 May. If you haven’t caught up with the news, Gandalf himself is doing a tour around New Zealand – performing Shakespeare and Tolkien, telling stories and answering questions – all in the name of rebuilding Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal. The word is that tickets are selling super fast, but if you want to see if there are still tickets in your area, read last week’s picks – I’ve posted all the dates and ticket sellers.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Fri, 13 Apr 2012 13:32:57 -0700 Shore to city http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/shore-to-city http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/shore-to-city

I tried it. I didn't hate it. But now I've left the North Shore (thanks for all those jokes about passports you hilarious jokesters you!) and I'm living at an unspecified location in Auckland's CBD. The shore treated me well - there's nothing like the sight of the sea to lift a kiwi's heart and the drive across the harbour bridge was almost always lovely. Other than the reasonable rental prices and closeness to beaches that I would forget to visit. These are my top five places to eat on the shore:

5. Northcote Food Court (Food City) - I love its "never cook again" slogan. Lovely cheap and delicious food. 
4. Stafford Road Wine Bar - like a great city wine bar but you can wear jeans.
3. Jam - Takapuna's great little super healthy organic cafe.
2. The Department Store - equally for the coffee I'd pop in for, the chocolate and custard twists, and the frocks I accidentally bought ever now and then.
1. Takapuna Beach Cafe - Great brunches. Very expensive sides. So delicious.

So I've been in the city for a week now and have been trying out the local supermarkets, cafes, shops and places to eat. I've been live tweeting my startlingly exciting daily coffee adventures on the way to work - I've been to a different place for a flat white each morning and so far Grind on High is in the lead. Recommendations are welcome! I'm also thinking about coming up with my own rating system for eating out in the city. I need categories to judge places by - perhaps price, menu fonts, flavour, staff hotness, bathrooms... any other suggestions?

Moving is a great excuse to get new things, like this punch bowl, new sheets, new walking to work outfits. If you know me well, come over for a creme egg.  

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 11 Apr 2012 15:58:00 -0700 Entertainment picks: Jersey Boys, Sir Ian McKellen and the Breakers! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-jersey-boys-sir-ian-mckel http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/entertainment-picks-jersey-boys-sir-ian-mckel

JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

Jersey Boys fever has hit Auckland! The preview shows are on this week at The Civic before the grand opening on Saturday. This show is one of the biggest hits around the world at the moment and I’m very excited about seeing it later this week. I’ve been lucky enough to see a little bit of rehearsals and it’s really going to be something special. #JerseyBoysNZ was trending on twitter by the interval of the first show and the feedback has been amazing. Find out more.

Here’s a great clip of Frankie Valli on TVNZ’s Close Up after his show at Vector Arena last week – he talks a lot about the show and there’s some great footage of him meeting the cast backstage.

Sir Ian McKellen on Stage for Christchurch

We all know Sir Ian McKellen is back in the country reprising his role as Gandalf for The Hobbit, but here’s some exciting news for theatre fans. Sir Ian has announced a tour where he’ll answer questions, share anecdotes and perform from his Shakespeare and Tolkien repertoire. If he doesn’t promise to thunder “You shall not pass” then I’m not going.

Why would one of the most acclaimed actors in the world do a tour to the cities and towns of New Zealand? It’s all to fundraise for a rebuild of Christchurch’s Isaac Theatre Royal – the last place he performed on stage at in New Zealand during Waiting for Godot. This is HUGE news. In fact, it’s such a big deal that I’m going to post all the dates!

Saturday 5 May 7.30pm: Kings Theatre, Stratford | Book by phoning 0800 765 670 or 06 765-6708 or by emailing info@stratford.govt.nz

Sunday 6 May 1.00pm: Centrepoint, Palmerston North | Book at Centrepoint  06 354 5740 or  www.centrepoint.co.nz

Saturday 12 May 7.30pm: Clarence St Theatre, Hamilton | Book at Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

Sunday 13 May 2.00pm: Baycourt Theatre, Tauranga | Book at TicketDirect 0800 224 224 or www.ticketdirect.co.nz

Sunday 20 May 2.00pm & 7.30pm: Theatre Royal, Nelson | Book by phoning (03) 548 3840 option 2 or www.theatreroyalnelson.co.nz

Saturday 26 May 8.00pm: Q, Auckland | Book at Q 09 309 9771 or www.qtheatre.co.nz

Sunday 27 May 2.00pm: Q, Auckland | Book at Q 09 309 9771 or www.qtheatre.co.nz

Saturday 2 June 7.30pm: Aurora Centre, Christchurch | Book at Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

Saturday 9 June 7.30pm: Lake Wanaka Centre | Book by phoning 03 443 4172 or www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

Sunday 10 June 2.00pm: Lake Wanaka Centre | Book by phoning 03 443 4172 or www.festivalofcolour.co.nz

Saturday 16 June 2.00pm: Hawkes Bay Opera House, Hastings | Book at Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

Saturday 23 June 7.30pm: Opera House, Wellington | Book at Ticketek 0800 TICKETEK (842 538) or www.ticketek.co.nz

Sunday 24 June 2.00pm: Events Centre, Carterton | Book at Dash Tickets 06 379 4082 or www.dashtickets.co.nz 

NZ Breakers into the finals series

New Zealand has one team in the Australian National Basketball League and last year they were the first kiwi team to win any Australian tournament. This year they’re on track to do it again and they play the first of the best of three finals games against the Perth Wildcats tonight at Vector Arena. It’ll be live on Sky too, but if you want to be there, check out ticketmaster.co.nz. Go the Breakers!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Sun, 08 Apr 2012 22:44:00 -0700 Shihad: Beautiful Machine http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/shihad-beautiful-machine http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/shihad-beautiful-machine

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It's always risky making a movie about a band that people have a strong connection to. I immediately had questions when I heard there was going to be a movie about Shihad (aka New Zealand's greatest ever rock band). Would it only be stories about the good times? Would it be honest? What would they say about the Pacifier name-change debacle? Would I still like them at the end?

It opens opened with family, not an angle I was expecting. Jon's mum's tattoo reinforces her status as number one supporter. The inclusion of parents, partners and children is clever, making the film deeper and the stories richer. Don't panic, there's still plenty of music, but it's more than just a rock n roll story.

I'm not going to go into detail about how the story unfolds. Of course it takes you from the beginnings of the band until now - with some very revealing moments along the way. Sometimes it's funny. Sometimes it's so honest, it's raw. There's drama, humour and hilarious hair - they've been around for over two decades after all. There's footage from the early days, touring, Big Day Outs and the famous concert in Aotea Square, plus some hilarious footage from NZ Music Awards in days gone by. 

It's great to have stories in the band's own words with them reminiscing together as well as solo interviews. These are three-dimensional people, likeable in spite of their issues with themselves and with each other. A recurring theme is the determination Jon, Tom, Karl and Phil have to keep working on the dream, whatever it takes. Sometimes it has taken everything.

It's not a perfect documentary, but it's pretty damn good. If you're a Shihad fan, you've got to see this film. If you're not, and want to understand why they're an enduring New Zealand favourite, here's your chance to catch up on the back-story. I loved this film, and I think I love the band even more after seeing it. I'm glad it's not a swan-song, produced at the end of their career, because I definitely need to rock out at Shihad gigs a few more times. There's nothing like it.

Shihad: Beautiful Machine
101 minutes
Rating: M
New Zealand release date: 17 May
My rating, based on nothing but how much I liked it: ****

Read the NZ Herald review.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 04 Apr 2012 15:12:00 -0700 Turn off the TV these school holidays! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/turn-off-the-tv-these-school-holidays http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/turn-off-the-tv-these-school-holidays

School holidays are upon us, so here are some options for parents, grandparents or people who need to borrow children from friends to give them an excuse to head along to some of these very cool events!

Angelina Ballerina’s Big Audition

Royal New Zealand Ballet is traveling around New Zealand with this special children’s show. The show has been on tour for several weeks already and next week hits Auckland before heading across the bridge to Takapuna, then Wellington, Blenheim, Ashburton, Invercargill, Dunedin, before wrapping up in Timaru on 4 May. Libraries have come to the party with Angelina Ballerina book readings when the show is in town. Find out more.

School Holiday Movies

The Lorax, which I really enjoyed a few weeks ago, is now on and is my pick for the school holidays! Who doesn’t like singing and dancing after all? Mirror Mirror is also on, but I suspect this ‘re-imagining’ of Sleeping Beauty is aimed a little bit older than primary school. The Pirates, which opens today, looks much more fun. I wouldn’t mind seeing this – it’s made by the Wallace and Grommit people so is bound to make grownups laugh too. Check out all the movies at www.flicks.co.nz.

We Built This City

We’ve got something pretty special coming to Aotea Square (or Aotea Centre if it rains) this school holidays with We Built This City – an international show that has toured the world! Guided by performers who act as construction workers and other hilarious characters, children are placed in the role of architect, creator and performer to construct a magnificent imagined metropolis using nothing more than thousands and thousands of cardboard boxes. They create something amazing and they learn something too!

Find out what’s on!

Many of the attractions around Auckland and the whole country have special programmes for the school holiday at very reasonable prices, and some are free! If you want to create some memories with your kids but don’t know where to find out what’s on, a good place to start is your local council’s website. For example, there’s a great school holiday event section on the Auckland Council website.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 28 Mar 2012 14:18:00 -0700 My entertainment picks: Ship Songs, Willy Moon and some bonus Elbow http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-picks-ship-songs-willy-moon http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-picks-ship-songs-willy-moon
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Something I’ve been to, something I’m looking forward to and something I’ve discovered plus some bonus Elbow.

Ship Songs

This is not a musical, nor is it precisely a one man play. Ship Songs is the story of how Ian Hughes’ parents met each other – it’s a true tall tale complete with adventure, romance and it’s a bit gory! Ian plays all the characters and he’s a brilliant storyteller and great with accents. The whole thing is helped along by projections and a very good three piece band, which happens to be lead by the show’s songwriter, one Don McGlashan. This is one of the best plays I’ve seen in a long time – not for those easily offended by strong language though. Ship Songs is on at Q Theatre until 7 April.  

Pick & Mix Squared

There’s a free series of music events starting in Aotea Square this Friday evening from 5-7pm. The concerts run for the next five weeks and feature all kinds of music from folk to hip hop and traditional Japanese drumming. This week’s gig features seven-piece Afro-Reggae group Zoh Zoh, supported by Soul Samba Circus. The straight after work timeframe makes it great for a post-work hang out with friends or for family picnics! Find out more and RSVP on Facebook.

Willy Moon

Let me tell you about a guy that is tipped to become a huge star on the international music scene at any moment. Willy Moon is based in London and has just signed with huge label Island Records. He looks like he’s straight out of the 1950s, and his music has a definite retro influence – I LOVE the sound and can’t wait to see this kid (he’s 22) take over the world. Oh, did I mention he’s from Wellington?

  

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Late addition:

I'm still feeling the absolute joy of seeing Elbow play at The Powerstation last night. This band has been together for 22 years and it shows. Guy Garvey has an exceptional voice and stage presence. I can't see how this concert could be beaten as my gig of the year. Haven't loved anything as much since The National. Here's the song they ended on...

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 21 Mar 2012 15:30:00 -0700 Three entertaining things: Art special! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-art-special http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-art-special

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Art special! A few exhibitions on now (that I’ve visited):

 Degas to Dali

Auckland Art Gallery reopened last year and currently has an exhibition on loan from The National Galleries of Scotland – Degas to Dali. What I didn’t understand about the exhibition before I went is that it showcases the work of artists who were revolutionary in the way they created work – there are early works by the people who invented cubism, expressionism and pop art – not just Degas and Dali, but van Gogh, Monet, Warhol and Lichtenstein. I came across an artist I wasn’t aware of - John Duncan Ferguson – who has a couple of works that I loved.

This exhibition isn’t going anywhere else in the world – it has come from Scotland to Auckland and is going straight back after the exhibition closes on 10 June. Tickets are only $20, which is pretty amazing when you consider the incredible artworks on display.

Find out more at Auckland Art Gallery’s website – if you want to pre-book tickets to avoid queues, you can get them from www.buytickets.co.nz.   

 

Kermadec Exhibition

I visited the Kermadec Exhibition at Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum a couple of weeks ago. It was another exhibition that exceeded my expectations. I hadn’t realised that Aucklanders can visit the Maritime Museum for free (and $12 for visiting adults and $6 for children), or how much there was to it. There are a number of spaces chronicling the maritime history of the area, and as the cherry on top, this great exhibition that is on until early July. The exhibition showcases a collection of works by nine artists who visited the Kermadec region last year and the styles of work are really broad ranging. The group I went with really enjoyed it and I’d recommend a visit for anyone wanting to get out of the Auckland rain!

 

Force Things

A group exhibition at Gallery 3, Corner Mount and Symonds Street in Auckland until Saturday. I loved the bottles made into recycled speakers by Michael Grobelny (pictured) and the broom that changed colours by Eddie Clemens. You'll have to go along and see - it's on until Saturday. www.stpaulst.aut.ac.nz.

There are also heaps of small exhibitions on at the moment – probably all over the country. It’s worth having a Google to see what’s on in your area.

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 14 Mar 2012 14:54:00 -0700 Three entertaining things: Shakespeare, The Lorax and Ryan Gosling fever http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-shakespeare-the-lor http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-shakespeare-the-lor
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The Maori Troilus and Cressida

The New Zealand Arts Festival has been on in Wellington over the last few weeks and wraps up this weekend. Brilliant programming saw concerts by Bon Iver and Death Cab for Cutie, as well as myriad dance, theatre and music shows plus a writers and readers festival. I haven’t been able to get down to Wellington for any of these performances, so  I’m delighted that The Maori Troilus and Cressida is coming to Aotea Square for three performances next week. These are the farewell performances before the company heads participate in The Globe to Globe Festival at Shakespeare’s Globe Theatre as part of the Cultural Olympiad.

 

The cast features Rawiri Paratene (Whale Rider) leads an outstanding cast of eighteen Maori performers, including renowned actor, Waihoroi Shortland (Taika Waititi’s Boy) and Te Reo Professor, Scotty Morrison (Te Karere). Troilus and Cressida is directed by Rachel House. The play is just over two hours long and you can come down to Aotea Square with a picnic or blanket – and the only cost is a KOHA to support the company on their travels to London. RSVP on Facebook!

 

The Lorax

I went to a preview of the latest Dr Seuss film The Lorax on Sunday – a film that can only be described as an animated 3-D musical comedy with a message. For those not familiar with the book, the story revolves around a town called Thneed-Ville – a walled, artificial city. Young Ted, voiced by Zac Efron, has a huge crush on high school girl Audrey, played by Taylor Swift and aims to win her over by finding her the one thing she most wants – a real tree.

 

There is singing, dancing, greed, family dramas, animated animals and all kinds of things almost happen – but as it should be with children’s films, there is a happy ending. This movie definitely benefits from a stellar cast – Betty White, Danny De Vito and The Office’s Ed Helms are all great, as always. Not every review has been positive, and some called the environmental too preachy, but I enjoyed it and it’s made me think twice about the habit of purchasing bottled water. I thought the 3D was excellent too – and I’m not generally a fan. The Lorax opens in New Zealand on 29 March.

 

 

Ryan Gosling Mania

On Tuesday, Twitter went crazy with the rumour that Hollywood superstar Ryan Gosling was in Ponsonby. The story spread to news outlets quickly as the outrageous claims continued - although no photos surfaced. Some said that people had confused Formula One driver Nico Rosberg for Gosling, but I have studied the photos and don’t see that much of a similarity. If you don’t know who Ryan Gosling is and why he’s one of the biggest names in entertainment right now, here are a few things to help you understand:

·         He appeared on the Mickey Mouse Club for two years, and lived with Justin Timberlake’s family during filming

·         He lived in Auckland suburb Ponsonby while filming Young Hercules

·         His breakthrough role was in 2004 tearjerker The Notebook

·         Last year saw him in four films, including Drive and The Ides of March and he has four films coming out in 2012

·         He has a reputation for being a nice guy with pictures of him with puppies appearing often on the internet and footage emerged of him breaking up a fight last year, so he’s also pretty heroic. And handsome.

 

Here's the Hey Girl, I love New Zealand blog. One of many. Many, many.

 

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 07 Mar 2012 14:27:00 -0800 Three entertaining things: 8 March http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-8-march http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/three-entertaining-things-8-march
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Junior Masterchef

One of the most delightful TV shows in existence is back on TV every Monday night – Junior Masterchef! This Australian show has children as young as eight whipping up dishes most of us have never heard of. There’s a charming enthusiasm that the cut-throat adult Masterchef doesn’t have, with the kids genuinely excited for their friends’ success and the judges also help the kids out if they look too close to a meltdown.

I do wonder how these kids will survive when they go flatting and can’t afford truffle oil… and I think the 8:30 timeslot excludes the target audience, which is a strange scheduling decision. Nonetheless, I recommend this show as one of the most enjoyable on the box. Junior Masterchef Australia, Prime, Mondays at 8:30pm.

Musical Goss

I’m an unashamed fan of all things musical theatre, and hugely excited about the upcoming season of Jersey Boys. I thought I’d mention a few other shows that have crossed my radar… I was excited to see that Legally Blonde The Musical is opening in Sydney in October! The other big musical being talked about across the ditch is the WORLD PREMIERE of An Officer and a Gentleman in Sydney in May. The stars were in Auckland on a promo trip this week. There’s also a very small musical on at the Herald Theatre at the moment – The Last Five Years is a two person show about the life or a relationship and has been getting very good reviews.

Pasifika Festival

The annual Pasifika Festival is on at Western Springs this Saturday. Auckland is the Pacific capital of the world and there’ll be ten island nations represented with food, stalls and entertainment. Performances range from cultural groups to gospel to hip hop. Head to http://www.aucklandnz.com/pasifika to download the programme and map.

So. Much. Awesomeness.

PS. I finally get to see Ryan Adams tonight. He’s just one of the greatest songwriters around… cannot wait!

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 29 Feb 2012 14:48:00 -0800 My entertainment big three for this week - 1 March http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-big-three-for-this-week-1-ma http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/my-entertainment-big-three-for-this-week-1-ma

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What I'm overexcited about this week...

BALLET

Royal New Zealand Ballet’s NYC opened on Wednesday night at The Civic – this is a triple bill of three short ballets inspired by the Big Apple. This is the first season programmed by the companies new artistic director Ethan Stiefel – someone who is considered one of the most advanced dancers in the world – since he took over the creative reins late last year. He’s involved some impressive names from the American ballet world including hotshot choreographers Larry Keigwin and Mr Natalie Portman Benjamin Millipied of Black Swan fame. His fiancée Gillian Murphy, principal dancer with American Ballet Theatre is making a guest appearance – after this season she’s performing at the MET in New York. Plus you get to see the stars of The Secret Lives of Dancers in real life, not just on TV.

I was lucky enough to go to opening night and it was brilliant. The second ballet Final Dress was particularly breathtaking - fresh, energetic and beautifully performed. This work is brand new and really could be performed anywhere in the world – and I hope it is!

 NYC is on for three more nights at The Civic before touring to Takapuna, Hamilton, Ashburton, Dunedin, Wellington and Napier. Info at www.NZBallet.org.nz.

COMEDY  

The NZ International Comedy Festival is turning 20 this year. Comedy is on the up and up in NZ with the success of shows like 7 Days, and it’s no longer just the international comedians drawing the crowds. The festival kicks off every year with the Comedy Gala – a tasting plate of many of the top comedians performing in the festival. This year it will be hosted by American Greg Behrendt who is known just as much for his books as he is for his stand up – he wrote that famous relationship book He’s Just Not That Into You’. I’ve checked him out on YouTube and this is one funny guy.

 

The gala is still a few months away, but it sells out really fast, so if you don’t want to miss out on big shows like this you should definitely head to www.comedyfestival.co.nz to sign up to the ‘comedy family’ so you can get all the pre-sales.

Radiohead

One of the biggest bands of my generation confirmed the rumours that they are heading this way – Radiohead’s Vector Arena concert for 6 November was announced on Monday and the concert was on general sale on Thursday morning at 9am via www.ticketmaster.co.nz - I was lucky enough to get a ticket before it sold out - apparently in 20 minutes!

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Wed, 22 Feb 2012 14:51:00 -0800 All you never knew you wanted to know about entertainment - 23 February http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/all-you-never-knew-you-wanted-to-know-about-e http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/all-you-never-knew-you-wanted-to-know-about-e

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I'm doing a weekly radio spot on Pat Brittenden Mornings - here are the notes and links for my three entertainment stories for this week.

  

Mayer Hawthorne

Soul sensation Mayer Hawthorne is in town with gigs in Wellington last night and Auckland’s Powerstation tonight promoting his new album How Do You Do. I saw him last year at Auckland Town Hall and it was an absolute riot! Some would say that Soul music never died, but whatever your stance it’s certainly making a comeback, and Hawthorne is leading the charge. The Detroit bred white boy was first known as DJ Haircut and started recording soul originals a couple of years ago because he thought that the samples of old school soul were being overused. He played some of the songs to Peanut Butter Wolf (the head of his label) who at first refused to believe they were anything other than unknown recordings from the 60s, and it all happened from there.

 I’m heading along to see him on tonight at the Powerstation and fully expect the infamously ‘too cool to dance’ Auckland crowd to dance the night away.

 

 

Reality Television – X Factor Australia winner Reese Mastin

Thanks to X Factor Australia being screened in New Zealand several months after it was recorded in Australia, New Zealand gets to see 16 year old winner Reese Mastin straight after the final. I received the pre-sale email for his Vector Arena concert 20 minutes after the show finished. It’s not every 16 year old who can book huge venues like Vector Arena in Auckland and TSB Arena in Wellington – but anyone who watched the show has to recognize that he’s seriously talented. He has the teenage girls seriously on side – he brought traffic in Ponsonby to a standstill when he made a radio station appearance.

Now X Factor Australia is over, my picks for best reality TV shows are American Idol for the music lovers, Sir David Attenborough’s Frozen Planet and my favourite The Secret Lives of Dancers. I’m going to the opening night of Royal New Zealand Ballet’s new show NYC next Wednesday so can report back!

 

JERSEY BOYS – The Story of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons

There’ll be much more on this later, but the four leads of Jersey Boys arrived in New Zealand this week to start rehearsing for the Auckland Season that gets underway on 10 April. This is the biggest musical to come to New Zealand in a very long time and has already been seen by a million Australians. These guys play the Four Seasons - one of the most successful bands of all time – so it’s crucial that they’re right for the roles! Frankie Valli signs off the voice of the guy that plays him!

The four guys announced for the NZ season have pretty impressive backgrounds:

·         DION BILIOS is Frankie Valli – Dion has been seen in many Australian musicals, as well as TV and film and has most recently been in the huge hit Mary Poppins 

·         DECLAN EGAN is Bob Gaudio – Declan continues as Bob after taking over the role in the Sydney season

·         ANTHONY HARKIN is Tommy De Vito – Anthony has just joined the cast, straight from Rock of Ages in Australia and he’s been in everything from Shane Warne the Musical to TV’s Hospital programme All Saints.

·         GLASTON TOFT is Nick Massi – Glaston has been with the show right from the beginning and has a brilliant bass!

I’m really excited about seeing the show. From the snippets I’ve seen, it’s going to be spectacular, both with the famous songs like “Sherry”, “Big Girls Don’t Cry”, “Rag Doll”, “Oh What a Night” and “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You” and the gritty storyline about the boys from the wrong side of the tracks making good.

 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Mon, 20 Feb 2012 00:41:00 -0800 Windless Wellington, Webstock & The Oatmeal http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/103515650 http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/103515650

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It's me and The Oatmeal!

I just had a long weekend in Wellington. By weekend, I mean it included Saturday and Sunday - it definitely wasn't a vacation, more of a geekcation.I was super lucky and got to go to Webstock and then talked Social Media related stuff to a few comedians down there and up here in Auckland. I had a blast though - it's always fascinating hearing from industry experience (in any industry) and talking to people about their projects. Webstock highlights included hearing from flash people from Google, Microsoft, Pixar, almost hearing from the guy from Twitter but accidentally going to Wilson Miners thought provoking and beautifully presented session and local overachiever Derek Handley. But my super favourite favourites were when usability guru (an actual guru, not a wannabe) Jared Spool bounced across the stage in time with a bouncing car on the Lings Cars website, the gorgeously creative Jessica Hische explaining why calling hand-created typefaces a font is hurtful and getting to hear the story of how my favourite website on all of the interwebs The Oatmeal came to be. Seriously, if you're in need of a laugh, this is the place. I recommend the grammar section, or What it's like to own an Apple product. 

For a tech conference, webstock was a lot about feelings. My big take away point was about how the most important thing - more than product, brand, team or even customer service - is the user. This started with Kathy Sierra who outlined the difference between rewards - the gamification type 'achievement unlocked' and genuinely make users feel amazing. This seemed to pop up a lot, and never more than the session with the co-founders of Delivering Happiness Jenn Lim & Tony Hsieh. Now, it can be a little bit much for Kiwis to cope with talk about happiness and success, but if I'm going to listen to anyone, it's the guy who sold a company to Amazon for over a billion dollars and (so I hear) flew to NZ on his private jet. I've been thinking about this happiness and culture thing a lot, and I have to admit, I like talking to anyone - individual or company - who aims to make me feel great. Plus it was cool to meet my first ever billionaire.

I won't say much about the little comedy workshops, only to say that I'm even more inspired to see heaps of comedy during the festival this year and I want to up the amount of local shows I see.

This week is full on with New Performance Festival (I'm going to Canadian show Invisible Atom and Maybe 2 Dimensional Life of Her tomorrow), Mayer Hawthorne on Thursday (could it possibly be as toe-tappingly awesome as last year's concert?), Silo Theatre's first show of the year Top Girls and The King's Singers on Saturday. They say variety is the spice of life... 

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell Mon, 06 Feb 2012 21:10:00 -0800 February FabFest! http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/february-febfest http://thinkingforyou.co.nz/february-febfest

I had a tee-totaler February a couple of years ago (interesting to see how much people freak out when you request a non-alcoholic beverage), but this year I’m embracing the notion of a FabFest. I don't know what that means, except that I'll be aiming to have as much fun as possible and will probably buy some new shoes.

 Here are some of the events I want to get to this month. Some are in the diary, some are on the wishlist.

The top of the list has to be seeing ROXETTE this Saturday night at Vector. Some naysayers have rudely called them one hit wonders... those people don't know what they're talking about. Let me list a few of the memorable songs from my (extreme) youth. Listen to Your Heart, Joyride, Fading Like a Flower, Dressed For Success, It Must Have Been Love and of course The Look...

 

 

Other picks for the month:

 

What are you looking forward to? Are you doing #FebFast? Keen to join in the #FabFest?

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]]> http://files.posterous.com/user_profile_pics/1962167/new_profile_pic_april_2012.jpg http://posterous.com/users/4aARx6QkINVL Josie Campbell josiecampbell Josie Campbell