POPBic Runga, one of our most successful singer-songwriters, is performing her beautiful, haunting pop music on one night only at the SkyCity Theatre as part of the NZ Music Month series, which includes a show by Hollie Smith on May 30. Bic's first solo album, Drive, debuted at number one on the New Zealand charts and she has since become one of our highest-selling artists.Bic Runga - SkyCity Theatre, Auckland Central, tickets $70 from TicketekCLASSICALChinese-born violinist Chuanyun Li returns for his second New Zealand visit next week. Li has toured extensively in China, Japan and the United States and has collaborated with such orchestras as the Rotterdam Philharmonic, Detroit Symphony, Hong Kong Philharmonic, Queensland Symphony, China National Symphony and Singapore Symphony. He also plays Wellington and Dunedin. Chuanyun Li - Genesis Energy Theatre, TelstraClear Pacific Events Centre, May 28, 8pm, This just in - SOLD OUT
THEATREDisaffected. Alienated. Angst-ridden. The same descriptions always seem to be ascribed to the day's youth. Eric Bogosian's play Suburbia was written in 1994 before being made into an independent film by Richard Linklater in 1996. Fourteen years on, it is still relevant. Next week, audiences will be treated to the first New Zealand production, performed by the student-run Stage2 Productions.Suburbia - Maidment Theatre, May 22 until May 31, Tickets $18. Phone (09) 308 2383OPERAPuccini's La Boheme gets a facelift courtesy of the NBR New Zealand Opera. This production sees a vibrant team rejuvenate the classic. La Boheme is the second most-performed opera in the United States with its engaging story of youthful rites of passage, the proletarian struggle against poverty and the artist's quest for integrity keeping audiences captivated since its first performance in Italy in 1896. La Boheme - Aotea Centre, May 29-31, June 3, 5, 7QUIZ A world record attempt is always exciting. Combine that with the opportunity to get together with a few mates, have a few drinks, and test your general knowledge and you've got yourself some great entertainment. At New Zealand's Biggest Quiz Night you have the chance to become a Guinness world recordholder. The winning team gets $4000 with all other proceeds going to the Rotary Club of Auckland's TYLA project.New Zealand's Biggest Quiz Night - ASB Showgrounds, May 24, 7pm, register at www.quiznight.co.nzAFRICANThe 52-strong Soweto Gospel Choir returns with a new show, African Spirit, that blends traditional and popular African gospel and contemporary classics. Since forming in 2002 the group has had a number one album on the Billboard chart, two Grammys, and a support slot for the Red Hot Chilli Peppers. Much of the proceeds go to the Aids orphanage they set up in 2003.
