5.30pm: An artistic network between two cities confronted by disaster form ''Shared Lines'', the new exhibition in Toi o Tahuna Gallery above Rees St.
The Shared Lines: Sendai-Christchurch Art Exchange is a growing collective of 60 contemporary artists from both earthquake-affected centres. The exhibition includes work from about 30 artists from both Japan and Christchurch.
Artists Kim Lowe, Linda Lee and Mirabel Oliver, who all travelled to Sendai last year, will attend the free Queenstown launch.
Proceeds of art sales would be put towards future exhibitions and exchange projects and help artists to keep working in their chosen areas, despite a lack of studio space and closed galleries, Toi o Tahuna owner Mark Moran said.
7pm: Globetrotting Queenstown singer-guitarist Brian Foden serenades in the Friday Jazz Club in Les Alpes. Free.
8.30pm: Travelling one-man-band Sonic Delusion, also known as Andre Manella, originally of New Plymouth, blends musical genres into his own ''funky loop folk pop'' and launches his album Positive or Negative in Bardeaux. Free.
Tomorrow
8.45pm: Tickets are still available from TicketDirect to see acclaimed American singer-songwriter Paul Simon play live at the Forsyth Barr Stadium, Dunedin.
New Zealand's own rhythm and blues and pop songstress Aaradhna performs an exclusive set for the Dunedin show at 6.30pm. Stadium doors open at 5.30pm.
9.30pm: Invercargill band Quantum, featuring couple Wendy Kent on vocals and Stu Kent on lead guitar with Geoff Burn on keyboard, guitar and vocals, play pop and rock covers for their debut in SkyCity Queenstown Casino. Free.
Thursday
6.30pm: Dorothy Brown's Cinema, Arrowtown, presents a ''comprehensive programme of French cinema at its best'' in the Alliance Francaise French Film Festival. The showcase opens with Haute Cuisine, based on the true story of Daniele Mazet-Delpeuch, who is forced to navigate the treacherous corridors of power when President Francois Mitterand hires her as his private cook. Tickets $25 per person including refreshment.
