Total eclipse of the art

And just like that, it’s Friday again. As the sun keeps shining, our thoughts naturally turn to entertaining ourselves and today we’ve been casting our eyes over an office copy of the 2015 Auckland Arts Festival program. There's a distinct vintage flavour to many of the acts at this year’s festival (March 4-22). Whether it's jazz, vaudeville, burlesque, acrobatics or pop art that floats your boat, you're bound to find something that tickles your fancy in this year's world-class festival line-up. Read on for Glory Days Magazine's first three top picks of the festival. Next week, we’ll choose three more, stay tuned.

Limbo (Global): March 4 - 22

Offering up a dark, sexy smorgasbord of acrobats, jugglers, contortionists, aerial work, balancing feats and displays of strength, the Colenso BBDO season of Limbo is a saucy circus-cabaret featuring aerial acrobatics, contortion, illusions and fiery flames – all housed within the shabby-chic embrace of the Festivals’ Paradiso Speigeltent. And with music inspired by the spirit of New Orleans courtesy of Sxip Shirley's live band and a top ensemble cast of cabaret and circus artists from around the world, Limbo will leave you gasping for more.

Lady Sings the Blues (New Zealand): March 18

It's been a century since the birth of seminal jazz singer Billie Holiday and to mark the occasion, some of New Zealand's finest vocalists including Annie Crummer, Whiromako Black, Julia Deans and Hollie Smith are performing a tribute to the lady herself.

Jazzamatazz: (Australia) March 6 - 8

Got little ones who like to bust a move? Get them into the good stuff early by taking them to the award-winning Jazzamatazz, which will whip then up into a frenzy of singing, prancing, twisting and dancing. Performed by multi-talented opera singer, actress, jazz singer and mother Ali McGregor, Ali and her band rock 'n' roll, swing and jive along with the little ones, teaching them moves and creating an atmosphere of pure unadulterated fun.

Book tickets at http://ticketmaster.co.nz/

Glory Days has a double pass to see Limbo to give away to a lucky blog reader. Simply comment on this post, telling us why you'd like to go and we will select a winner at random. Competition closes Friday 30th January at midday.