Earthdance For Heritage Day

A Musical Extravaganza

The South African heritage is a complex and fascinating one, and we celebrate it on Monday, 24 September; Heritage Day. From 21 to 23 September, the world’s largest synchronised dance and music festival held for global peace takes place in Johannesburg, Durban (only on 22 and 23 September) and Cape Town. Since such a large proportion of our heritage is about the struggle for peace and equality, this is the perfect way to celebrate this special day.

Earthdance is a global collaboration that began in 1997. Since then, it has been held in 80 countries and a total of more than 500 venues. All events are characterised by the simultaneous joining together of its attendees in an official Prayer for Peace. Continued

GOGGAS! A New South African Musical at the Children’s Theatre

GOGGAS! – The Musical

Gillian Katz has created a new South African musical. GOGGAS! is directed and staged by Francois Theron and will be staged at the National Children’s Theatre in Parktown from 10 September 2012.

Meet Lady Caroline, a beautiful British butterfly, who has has accidentally landed in South Africa. Join Antony the picnic ant on his travels through Jozi to help her find her way home. On their journey they meet typical local “goggas”: like Lola the Ladybird, Conrad the wily Chameleon, and Boykie the befuddled Bumble Bee, the stick insects: Twiggy and Leafy, the ever pompous old Queen Bee, Hugo the “Joller”, Beulah the Black Widow spider and various other colourful creatures. Continued

A Noteworthy Sunday at Budmarsh Country Lodge – with Adrian Galliard

Adrian Galliard

On Sunday 2 October 2011 join in the festivities of spring with a picnic and wonderful music from Adrian Galliard at the Noteworth Sunday at Budmarsh Country Lodge in Magaliesberg, Gauteng. Bring along your picnic blanket and order your picnic box filled with delicious goodies and sit back, relax and enjoy the music.

Gilliard is a classically trained lyrical tenor with lilting lyricism and offers and endearing performance of a Celtic troubadour. He is steadily gaining a strong following in the Johannesburg music scene.

Born in Joburg, Gilliard was awarded a bursary to attend St John’s College – which has strong musical traditions. His family also has a special bond with music as is father is still a member of the South African Welsh Male Voice Choir. Continued

Zip Zap zests up with added vooma by Adele Blank

Zip Zap Circus

I’ve never been to watch the Zip Zap Circus in Cape Town. I’ve known of its existence, especially since it moved into its ‘tent’ just behind Artscape. Who wouldn’t. What a great space, all you see from the N1/N2 fly-over above Table Bay Boulevard is the dome to your left, the words Zip Zap emblazoned for all to view. It is a home and enviable advertising space all in one.

And let me tell you there is some serious circus magic at work within the dome’s perimeters. On nearing the circus, the children (some of them a little older than the term ‘child’ will allow, but still young enough to be deemed youth) begin to weave their spell on visitors straight away. Continued

10 top things (with kids) to do in Cape Town this (winter) holiday

Things to Do with Kids

Just the other day I heard one of the local DJs on a radio station, whilst in my car in the middle of Claremont, talking about the ‘secret season’ in Cape Town. The Mother City’s winters might have a scheduled wet season, but they are, arguably, an even more beautiful time to visit the city.

Incredibly, whilst the worst can happen – it does sometimes rain for days on end, which is why accommodation in Cape Town with a fireplace is nigh on essential – it invariably doesn’t. And those days when the sun shines, the leaves are orange and red on the trees (or not at all) and the city green and glistening, are when Capetonians really come out to play. For without the summer wind or scorching sun, Cape Town turns into a welcoming playground, with plenty to do. Continued

Short & Sweet comes to Cape Town

Short & Sweet

Capetonians are in for a winter treat! Short & Sweet, London’s only weekly short film evening comes to Cape Town for an exclusive five-week special. In association with Highland Park Single Malt Whisky, Short & Sweet launches on Tuesday, 28 June at the Bay Harbour, Hout Bay (31 Harbour Road – opposite Fish on the Rocks). Doors open at 18h00. Films screened from 19h30–21h30 including interval. Entrance costs R20.

Short & Sweet is dedicated to the exhibition of short film as a critical art form in its own right. Each week you can expect to see a selection of the finest short films, music videos and short animations from around the globe: old films, new films, films from established directors to breaking talent. The intent is to inspire all who attend, expose the best talent and ultimately celebrate film. Continued

‘Concert in the Park’ – A review

Concert in the Park

Established in the early 1870s for the purpose of conserving and propagating rare and endangered indigenous plants, the National Botanical Gardens in Pietermaritzburg is always a great venue for anyone looking to relax and unwind amongst the beauty of nature. Flowers of every description birth forth a kaleidoscope of colours and hues while tall trees shade visitors strolling along the neatly manicured lawns creating a sense of utopia seldom experienced in any city setting.

The ever popular ‘Concert in the Park’ has been staged annually in the Botanical Gardens since 2005 and when Continued

A Pocket Oliver Twist at the National Children’s Theatre

A Pocket Oliver Twist at the National Children’s Theatre from 6 June to 23 July: “Please Sir, I want some more!” These immortal words will be transformed and given a new lease of life onstage at the National Children’s Theatre (NCT) during the winter school holidays from 6 June 2011. This production will transport audiences of all ages into the vibrant, visual heart of Victorian England.

Multi-award winning Artistic Director Joyce Levinsohn, adapted this Charles Dickens timeless tale of the orphan boy who dared to ask for more, into a fun, professional piece of entertainment. She creates a story telling space that engages audiences from the opening scene. Great care has been taken to highlight the messages from the Dickens’ classic. Both young and old will be enthralled by this new musical version … Continued

Jesus Christ Superstar on at Artscape

On at the Artscape Opera House in Cape Town and presented by Pieter Torien is one of the world’s best musicals: Jesus Christ Superstar. The musical tells the story of the last days of Jesus Christ and highlights the political and interpersonal struggles between Judas Iscariot and Jesus.  The new production is a spectacular, dramatised version of the last seven days of the life of Jesus of Nazareth as seen through the eyes of Judas.  Jesus is played by Cito and Mary Magdalene is played by South African singing sensation Nadine.  Continued

Showing in May, June and July at Theatre On The Bay

There are three very different productions on during the months of May, June and July at the popular Theatre On The Bay in Camps Bay, Cape Town.  As always there are ticket price reductions for some of the shows on a Thursday so you have no excuse not to treat yourself to some cultural fun!  See below for further information on what is coming up at Theatre on the Bay from May until July … Continued

The Flamjangled Tea Party

Flamjangled Tea Party

Set on the Contermanskloof Wine Farm, only 30 minutes from Cape Town, the Flamjangled Tea Party in Durbanville is a unique, colourful weekend long party and celebration of music. With its ‘Mad Hatter’s Tea Party’ theme, festivalgoers need little encouragement to dress up in psychedelic costumes, embracing the opportunity to dust off their zaniest outfits. A magical array of props and festival décor set the scene for one of Cape Town’s most beloved festivals, which attracts a more folksy and artistic crowd than most.

This year’s party promises to deliver, with a stellar line-up of great bands and artists performing on Saturday and Sunday, with performances by the Ruby Robins, Mzfitz, The Jack Mantis Band, Mr. Cat and The Jackal, Peachy Keen, Guy Buttery and Hot Water, amongst others, which are sure to delight! Continued

The First Stellenbosch International String Symposium

This year will see the first ever International String Symposium comes to South Africa and it will take place between March 22^nd and 26^th at the University of Stellenbosch.

The music department at the University of Stellenbosch has, over the years, become well known with their innovative projects with both the Stellenbosch International Chamber Music Festival and the Endler Concert Series setting a benchmark for the rest of the country to follow.  The concerts feature internationally acclaimed artists along with the best South Africa has to offer. Continued

What’s on at Theatre on the Bay in March

Perfect Wedding

Theatre on the Bay in Camps Bay always has a great line-up of productions and March and April are no different.  If you are about to get hitched and have your hens party or stag do circled in red on the calendar then perhaps going to see a Perfect Wedding (on from March 16^th to April 9^th) will be worth your while!

The production centres around Bill, who on the morning of his wedding wakes up in the bridal suite to find a stranger, albeit a very attractive and naked stranger in the bed next to him!  The problem is though that he can’t, for the life of him, remotely remember how or where he was introduced to the beautiful woman and his post party hangover is not helping either.  Continued

Gugulethu Tenors at uShaka Marine World

Gugulethu Tenors

Saturday February 19^th might see the start of the ICC Cricket World Cup on the sub-continent and closer to home the Super 15 rugby tournament kicks off with the Sharks playing the Cheetahs but don’t be caught short and find yourself without a ticket to the very impressive Gugulethu Tenors.

uShaka Marine World will be alive with the sound of music on Sunday evening as this Afro-operatic pop sensation entertains Durbanites from the Upper Deck.  The tenors will only be at uShaka for Sunday night Continued

Franschhoek Oesfees at Solms-Delta Wine Estate

Franschhoek Oesfees

It’s oh so very nearly Oesfees time again and I for one have penciled it into the diary already!  The 4^th annual 2011 Franschhoek Oesfees will take place on March 26^th at the Solms-Delta Wine Estate in Franschhoek.  I went last year and had an absolute ball so I would imagine that this year will be bigger and better than before!

The Franschhoek Oesfees is an event like no other, bringing the farm workers and farm owners of the valley to kuier and celebrate together; giving thanks for the end of the harvest and the hard work that went with it.  The day is one of live, traditional Cape music, and proper Kaapsekos …. Continued