Gigs in April

April 22nd, 2008

TUESDAY 22 April
Sarah Bettens (former lead singer of K’s Choice) is kicking it at the Klein Libertas Theatre tonight from eight. Stealing Love Jones (freshly back from their tour of the States) are the support act. Sarah Bettens is releasing her second solo album soon and she’ll be in SA with her full band. Klein Libertas Teater, Du Toit Str, Bergzight Plein, Stellenbosch

If you’re a singer or a writer of them tunes then you can express your ass at Zula’s Acoustic Sessions tonight. Watch some other creative peeps express their souls as well. If you’re in the mood, call Vusa or Joe on 021 424 2442. At ten thirty Stage Fright starts – Organandy is going to be playing. Visit www.zulabar.co.za for more. ZULA SOUND BAR 196 Long Street, Cape Town

If you’re not in Cape Town but you still feel the urge to let it all out in front of a crowd, you can do so in Joburg at Back2Basix tonight. Plus you could get prizes for doing so. How about a 12 month management contract by VIP Events Management? Or a 6 track EP recording by Gunston Records, website design and hosting by WCIC Information Consultants and an advertising contract by Grapevine ad agency? Oh, oh, but wait. That’s still not good enough. Radio play and interviews on various stations will also get chucked in there as will adverts by Rocking SA, interviews in magazines by AudiophileSA, music equipment by Sound Tech and official brand advertising on openmikenight.co.za for twelve months. No under 18s are allowed to enter though…. You need to book a week ahead of the week you’d like to play so mail warren@vipevents.co.za for more. Visit www.back2basix.co.za

WEDNESDAY 23 April
Arno Carstens and Albert Frost are at Die Blou Hond tonight from six thirty. But also remember students of life, “What starts early can end early. Although sometimes it does not. (Zen Saying, Anonymous), Die Blou Hond, 67, 4e Laan, Linden, Johannesburg.

Check out Klein Saterdag night at the Corner Bar in the Northern Suburbs tonight. That means old fashioned tunes to shake your student ass to. (Bloody students) And the drinks are cheap which means you might score. Corner Bar is on the corner of Queen and New Street, Durbanville. Have fun out there peeps.

If you like the movie you’ll probably like the show. Chicago is on in Joburg at the moment – at the Musical Theatre at Teatro Montecasino. Prices start from R95 up to R325. I think it’ll definitely be worth it. Begins at eight. Montecasino Fourways, Montecasino Boulevard – Cnr William Nicol and Witkoppen Roads, Fourways – Sandton, Johannesburg

Nungarin are playing at Zula Bar tonight. According to Zula’s site they’re ‘a symphony of originality (that) keeps this band a must see. The soundscapes are awesome and the songs exceptional’. It will only cost you R25. Zula Sound Bar, 196 Long Street, Cape Town www.zulabar.co.za

Remember Henry Ate and Karma? Well, they’re playing at Cafe Barcelona tonight from eight. It’s been around five years since Karma and Julian played together as Henry Ate, but now they’re doing a national tour… No they didn’t just disappear. Karma went to the States for a little while. But now she’s back! In case you need some tugging at your memory, Henry Ate played songs like ‘Just’, ‘Hey Mister’ and ‘Henry’. Tickets will cost you R70. Cafe Barcelona, Shop 24 Barnard Street, Elardus Park Shopping Centre, Elardus Park, Tshwane www.cafebarcelona.co.za

I’m really naughty when it comes to this sort of thing and I am sorry if I have sent you to gigs that were really crap. But if I like the name of a band I tend to want to tell you about their gigs. Macguyver Knife and The Juli are hopefully kicking it at Mercury Lounge tonight. I say hopefully in that I mean I know they’ll be there, I just hope they play kick ass music for you. But I mean come on! How cool was Macguyver right? He’s like, right up there with the A-Team! (Get it? Right up there with the A-Team, like, in their helicopter…) Be there at eight with R20. Mercury Live and Lounge, 43 DeVilliers Road, Zonnebloem, Cape Town

It’s drum n bass night at Tokyo Star in Melville tonight. Reflex presents Mo’Fire… that’s every Wednesday night. Benson, Rude One, Tasha B and Sonar are behind the decks. Enjoy. Oh! One more thing. You get two vodka slush’s for one tonight. Wooh hooh! Tokyo Star
4th St. Melville

If you’re a fan of indie tunes then you might like to go and take a little peep at this here band. Sons of Atlantis are gigging at Back2Basix tonight from 8PM and you will need to pay R40. Apparently the band finds The Strokes, The Killers and The Pixies pretty darn flippin nice, so if you like them too then get there gardarnit. Oh and there’s a surprise guest band there that night as well. That’s funky. Surprises you can’t predict or touch are like proverbial pinatas hanging from the tree of life. Jees. What the hell just came over me? Back2Basix, 67 Perth Rd C/o Kingsway and Lancaster Road, Westdene, Johannesburg www.back2basix.co.za

Van Coke Cartel and aKing are playing at Die Mystic Boer tonight. That’s the pub in Bloem not the sangoma-farmer on your mother’s farm. Starts at eight and will cost you R30.

NuL, Buckfever Underground and Plank are at The Bohemian in Joburg tonight my peoples. Starts at nine and costs R50. Good luck. Wear clean undies. Just in case. The Bohemian, 5 Park Rd, Cnr Menton Rd and Park Street, Ridgemond, Auckland Park, Johannesburg

THURSDAY 24 April
It’s Blueberry Comedy Night at Blueberry Grill. The comedy night will be taking place every second Thursday and will be featuring some of Joburg’s most funniesesesest peoples including Al Prodgers, Shaun Wewege and Melt Sieberhagen. Also, newcomer Dale Amler. I put him on the end there just to add some pressure. ALSO, NEWCOMER DALE AMLER! The show starts at nine but get there early to find a chair to sit in. Or you could just levitate if you’re David Blaine. It’ll cost you R30. Go to booking@blueberrygrill.co.za to book. Blueberry Grill, Kyalami Downs Shopping Centre, Stand No 8, Kyalami Boulevard, Kyalami

Josie Field is playing at Cafe Barcelona tonight from eight. Visit josiefield.co.za for more. Or www.cafebarcelona.co.za, Cafe Barcelona, Shop 24 Barnard Street, Elardus Park Shopping Centre, Elardus Park, Tshwane

Sarah Bettens (former lead singer of K’s Choice) is kicking it at Stones in Bloem tonight from eight. Stealing Love Jones (freshly back from their tour of the States) are the support act. Sarah Bettens is releasing her second solo album soon and she’ll be in SA with her full band. Stones (Bloem), Henry Street, Shop U1, Loch Logan Waterfront, Bloemfontein

If you’re in Durban tonight, then check out ThunderHEAD Comedy at Thunderhead Rock Rock Diner. The comedy nights are going to be held monthly – on the last Thursday of every month. Basically, they’re all about showcasing new talent and punting the comic professionals in Durban as well. If you see yourself being able to make peeps laugh and you’d like to try it out one day, watch this space. They’ll be running open mic competitions in the near future. Glen Bo (international comedian based in KZN when in South Africa) is promoting the night. Tickets are available at the door from 7PM. If there are four or more of you then you’re not allowed to go. I’m just joking! You can go but then you need to book. To book call Mel on 031-201-9147. It’s R30 to R50 and starts at eight sharp. Thunder Road Rock Diner, 136 Florida Road, Morningside, Durban

If you’re in Potch this fine night then watch Van Coke Cartel and aKing and Straatligkinders at Zanzibar Sports Cafe. Costs R30 from eight.

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Gigs This Weekend

April 17th, 2008

FRIDAY 18 April
Max Normal.tv is playing at The Klein Libertas Theatre tonight and if that isn’t good enough for you, UNIT-R are also launching their CD at the same spot on the same frikkin night my guy. It’s R40 and the doors open at seven. Now, peeps, in Cape Town, when it says the doors open at seven it means the music will probably only start at eight or nine. So, like, the DOORS open at seven. Not the speakers people. I’m just saying… bear that in mind. Klein Libertas Teater, Du Toit Str, Bergzight Plein, Stellenbosch

I love Adamu. Every time I watch him perform I dance like a crazy person, throw my name away and hardly regret it. Adamu is an Angolan singer/songwriter and has played all over Africa including in Congo, Zaire, Gabon, Cameroon and Namibia. His music is a marriage of African and Latin styles and languages and it really is hot. He sings in a variety of languages including Portuguese, French, English, Spanish, Kicongo and other African languages and can switch his musical style from high energy kwasa-kwasa to jazz to world inspired music to afro-beat in one swift second like a ninja tiger. (Sorry I got a bit carried away there.) He does solo performances but when he’s with his band, whobawhibawhooba, it’s really amazing. Check him out tonight at Zula for R30. www.zulabar.co.za

Cold Hand Chemistry is at the Corner Bar in Durbanville tonight from eight. Don’t know how much it is but there is a cover. Enjoy yourself.
Corner Bar, 48 Corner of Queens Rd and New Street, Durbanville

MyEpic, Deity’s Muse, Wake to Wonder and Undertone are at The Black Dahlia in Joburg tonight from eight. Take R30 with you.
The Black Dahlia, 192 Trichardts Street, Boksburg

Shy Guevaras and Kings of Vegas are kicking down the house at Mercury Live tonight from eight in the evening. It will set you back a measly R30. See you there. www.mercuryl.co.za

This is vrek exciting people. Surprise International Guests, brought to you by Redbull Music Academy, are going to blow the roof off The Assembly tonight from eight. Book early and make a plan to be there. This venue is f****** hot. Seriaas. www.theassembly.co.za

The Deadbeats, Counterfits, Lazy Boi Bones and Swivel Foot are gigging at London Calling tonight from eight for only twenty South African Rands. London Calling, Cnr. 76 Browning & Op de Bergen Streets, off Commissioner St, Fairview

Bed on Bricks are a great band. Fabulous to watch live as well. They’re on at Berties Mooring tonight from nine for R20. Plus you can catch a bite to eat there and pick up Gordons Bay girls if you’re so inclined. I hear they’re quite easy. (Sorry girls. That’s what I heard. No hard feelings. Well, certainly not from me anyway…) www.berties.co.za

Van Coke Cartel, aKING and HiKaToRi are playing at Blue Moon in Nelspruit tonight. For those of you who suddenly find yourself in Nelspruit. Or who actually live there – GASP! Starts at nine and tickets are R50 from Look and Listen or R60 at the door.

SATURDAY 19 April
For all you digi freaks out there. It’s the DigitalLife Expo at the Sandton Convention Centre. From ten in the morn until five in the afternoon you can explore a completely digital, hi-tech style of life that includes personal and mobile technology, digital life on the go, gaming and entertainment, technology at work, appliances and home automation and digital services. One super fortunate person will walk away with the whole contents of the Digital Home on show that’s valued at R250 000. It’s worth going to try and win that! Check out www.digitallifeexpo.co.za It’ll cost you R30 to get in.

Jules and the Fools are gigging at Zula tonight. They’re a Cape Town based band that plays a friendly mix of catchy pop and radio friendly rock style tunes. They’re releasing material this year so go and support ‘em mense. See if ya like ‘em. Then also tonight at Zula is Little Kings. They’re a new band that is playing a blend of Brit-pop, ska and some of their own genre ideas… R30 gets you in. www.zulabar.co.za

It’s 16 Stitch at Back2Basix tonight from eight at the cost of, for you, R40. www.back2basix.co.za

Have no clue what the hell this is about but I think the Arcade parties are pretty fun. It’s the ARCADE presents Fast Food Staff Party at Mercury Lounge from eight tonight. It’ll cost you R30. Not sure if you have to dress up but I would go on their site and check if I were you. www.mercuryl.co.za

Sarah Bettons (former lead singer of K’s Choice that had hits like ‘I’m Not an Addict’, ‘Believe’ and ‘Almost Happy’) and Stealing Love Jones (freshly back from their US tour they funded all by themselves) are kicking it at The Assembly tonight. Starts at eight. Check out www.theassembly.co.za for more. They’re at Zula Bar on Sunday night at eight as well.

SUNDAY 20 April
Sarah Bettons (former lead singer of K’s Choice that had hits like ‘I’m Not an Addict’, ‘Believe’ and ‘Almost Happy’) and Stealing Love Jones (freshly back from their US tour they funded all by themselves) are at Zula tonight. Check out www.zulabar.co.za for more.

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Who’s Playing where this Week

April 15th, 2008

MONDAY 14 APRIL
Comic Cokey Falkow is doing sy dinges called ‘Odd One Out’ at The Little Theatre in Gardens tonight at eight. You might have seen a show or three of his. If you haven’t, you can expect him to make you squirm. Really. Also, don’t get drunk and pick on him from the front row – unless you want to feel like a complete ass. I once saw Cokey verbally hack a man to shreds after attempting to distract him from his comedy duties. It ain’t happening. Apparently our fellow Falkow is heading off to make the Aussies laugh in Melbourne and Perth and the Yankees laugh in Los Angeles. Hope they know what they’re in for. Catch him while he’s here. It’s going to cost you R70 to get in. R35 if you’re a student or a pensioner. Bloody students, always get to pay less, grumble, grumble… Oh! But if you go on Tuesday you’ll only have to pay R35! It doesn’t matter who you are on Tuesday…
The Little Theatre, 37 Orange St, Gardens
To book e mail bookings@jujuproductions.co.za although I would suggest calling them up straightaway on 072 159 3630
For more information check out:
www.jujuproductions.co.za

TUESDAY 15 April
Arno Carstens and Albert Frost are gigging at Die Blou Hond tonight from 6:30. Not sure if the gig is so early because these men need their beauty sleep in their older age, or if it’s because the encores go on for so long. Hmmm. Find out for yourself.
Die Blou Hond, 67, 4de Laan, Linden

Cokey Falkow is at The Little Theatre. There’s nothing little about his, um, performance. It’s only R35 tonight – it’s R70 on the other nights unless you’re a student or pensioner. Scroll up to Monday’s gigs to see what he’s like….

If you’re in P.E, first of all, you poor bugger. Here, I dedicate a second of silence to you…. Okay, the silence is over. Go listen to international DJ Clint Lee and local chap Coco Loco smashing up the decks at 52 Parliament from 10 at night. Uh, yes, the address is 52 Parliament Street, P.E. Or do we rather call it Nelson Mandela Bay?

WEDNESDAY 16 April
Bastille is performing at Zula Bar tonight. Zula’s site describes the band as ‘a band who makes you smile, laugh and who put the joy back into music.’ Ag sweet chokkerktjie. The Jack Mantis Band is also playing tonight at Zula. I am a bit confused though because according to Zula’s site they are playing on Wed 19. But 19 April is a Friday. Maybe they got their numbers mixed up by accident. Check out www.zulabar.co.za for yourself.

Chris Chameleon is at The Performer Theatre tonight from 6:30PM. If you want to see someone who can really, REALLY sing, contort his face (and sometimes his body) into fascinating shapes then this is the show for you. Yes, Chris was the lead singer of Boo. You asked me that already.
The Performer Theatre, c/o Thomas Edison &13th str

Valiant Swart Solo is playing at Honderhoek Teater in Kuilsrivier tonight. Call 021-906-0123 for more information.

Spindle Sect is playing at The Klein Libertas Theatre tonight. If you’re into a fusion of electro sounds then this is for you. Really. If you like electro, just go. No more question mmmkay? The Klein Libertas Theatre has been hosting some really interesting gigs and my prediction is they’re going to get big – both this group and this venue. Watch this space with these boys and girls. The gig starts at seven in the dark night. Klein Libertas Teater, Du Toit Str, Bergzight Plein, Stellenbosch

To be honest (yet again) I have no idea who these people are. One should never judge a book by its cover so I guess one shouldn’t judge a band by their name, but I like this name, so I hope they’re good. Heart Shaped Heresy is at Mercury Live tonight. Watch ‘em. Love ‘em. Hate ‘em. But just see ‘em. You can add it to your little book of experiences when you’re sixty. The show starts at eight and it’s going to set you back about two litres of petrol. Not literally. I mean it’ll cost about the same – R20. www.mercuryl.co.za

Prime Circle is at Back2Basix vanaand. If you don’t know who they are then you’ve been living in Khazakstan, under a rock – or have been smoking rocks. The show starts at eight and costs you R100 if you’re a big person, R70 if you’re a student and R30 if you’re a beef or chicken burger with chips and wine or beer. No, I’m kidding. Burgers can’t attend this event. But if you want to eat one then you have to pay R30. www.back2basix.co.za

If you’re a little drum n bass fiend and you’re in the Joburg area – Melville to be exact, then head on over to Tokyo Star and check out Reflex presents Mo’Fire with Benson, Rudeone, Tasha B and Sonar. It’s free to get in and you’ll get two vodka slush’ for one at the bar so bring money for that. This happens every Wednesday so if you like it you can go back next week. Sweet. Starts at eight until early the next morning.

Also in Joburg tonight is Van Coke Cartel and aKing. They’re gigging at Stones in Centurion from ten. It’ll cost you R50. www.stones.co.za

THURSDAY 17 April
Running With Scissors, Cortina Whiplash and Middleklass are gigging at Cafe Arc in Joburg tonight. That’s from eight and you need to like rock style musiek… Take R30 to get in. Cafe Arc, 22nd Street off, Charles Street, Hazelwood

he Shy Guevaras are at Mystic Boer in Stellenbosch tonight from eight. It’s a fun venue and you can be sure of plenty of young flesh to feast your eyes on, eager drinking buddies and good music. Starts at eight. Die Mystic Boer, 3 Victoria Street, Stellenbosch

Bed on Bricks are gigging at Bohemia in Stellenobosch tonight. I love those boys. They’re really great live, have fun songs and make ya happy. Or maybe that’s just the tequila. Whatever it is, it works. Call 021-882-8375 for more.

Maybe I should be taken outside and shot but I don’t know this venue. Bambu ring a bell with anyone? On Somerset Road. Well, on Thursdays they’re going to be having urban, funk and old skool nights which, if it’s what I think it is (Quentin Tarantino style tunes mixed with some 70s disco and funk) then it could be plenty of good times. I’m NOT saying that is what it is by the way. That is what I am hoping for though. Starts at ten. Bambu, 21b Somerset Rd, (above Bonzai Lounge) Green Point.

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Events at the Olive Station in Muizenberg

March 26th, 2008

Friday, 28 March, 2008

‘Cape Cooler what-what whatever’ is happening at The Olive Station.

Tessa Dowling and Jeremy Blackburn make you laugh on being in the dark (literally) along with some other silly stuff along political, public and personal lines. It’s R60 for the show. It starts at 8:30PM and the gates open at 6:30PM for dinner. If you are hungry on the night you can snack on a limited menu of mezze, Lebanese stuffed veg and Leb burgers. (See The Olive Station review on LONER if you don’t know what those are…)

The Olive Station, 165 Main Rd, Muizenberg

BOOKING IS ESSENTIAL! Phone The Olive Station on (021) 788 3264. Payment needs to be made prior to the show via credit card, internet bank transfer or with cash.

Saturday, 29 March. 2008

Check out some belly dancing and eat a Lebanese Feast at The Olive Station. Natasha is the belly dancer of the evening and apparently she’s very good. There’ll also be a spread of authentic Lebanese mezza and hot dishes (vegetarian and carnivorous) and you can also do the whole dessert and coffee thing afterwards. That means kibbeh nayee [dish made from freshly ground beef or lamb, spices and lots of mint that can be eaten baked, fried or raw…get a recipe for the stuff here if you can't get to The Olive Station on the night http://www.fabulousfoods.com/recipes/main/lamb/kibbehnayee.html] through to wara areesh and baklava cigars.

R160 will get you in but you’ll also have to pay a 10% service charge. Be there at 7:30PM. Booking is a must so call The Olive Station on (021) 788 3264. Payment needs to be made prior to the show via credit card, internet bank transfer or with cash.

In case you don’t know where The Olive Station is:

The Cellar, The Olive Station,
165 Main Rd, Muizenberg

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Don Pedros in Woodstock, Cape Town

March 26th, 2008

Memory is not always very reliable. What was I just saying? No, I’m kidding. I went to Don Pedro’s the other day for a cuppa and oh my hat, I had completely forgotten about how much I’d actually been through behind its doors. Like what, you might ask? I broke up with a boyfriend over cheap red wine and good pizza one night – perhaps not such a good move looking back now. I mean breaking up with the boy, not drinking the wine or eating the pizza. He was good lad, he was. I also had a fight with another boyfriend that I lived with, in Woodstock as well – and then went to drown my sorrows with White Russians and Irish coffees. The remaining memories are not related to romantic endeavours at all, thank goodness. They are a combination of (more) pizza, red wine, beer and laughs with friends amid political ramblings and discussions on vegetarianism. I know! (You can pull a face…) Although I’ve changed a hell of a lot since then, the place hasn’t changed all that much. The decor is still super simple. Tables bedecked in plastic Coca-Cola tablecloths surrounded by blue garden chairs and the occasional bench are pretty much the gist of it. Couple that with mustard and red walls – one holding a Henry Matisse (that I doubt is an original although if it was it’d be a great place to put it in because no one would suspect) and a couple of black and white Jazz Art photographs. The other walls are plastered with posters advertising events in Cape Town as well as a couple of framed paintings. The building has probably been there for a long time – it has the feeling of lots of people having been through the doors with plenty of food served. On the way to the bathrooms (which are in good shape hallelujah!) I got the idea that the restaurant might’ve been a house way back when. Either way it’s got a definite Woodstock vibe about it. At the door I noticed a political poster that says, and I quote

“Long Live the Spirit of Richard Ishmail. Champion of the Poor. 1963-2007.”

It’s an appropriate poster to have up considering what I’ve overheard people discussing at Don Pedro’s. It really is, the more I think about it, a fabulous spot to go and have an un-pretentious meal and talk about whatever you want. But of course I must not forget to mention the food. Don Pedro’s has pretty much everything you need from your basic starters to salads, pastas, pizzas, vegetarian meals, carnivorous treats and desserts. The day I was there the blackboard said the kitchen was serving Greek starters, snoek curry, mince frikkedelle on mash and chicken schnitzel. In terms of drinks it’s all about beers, wines (I bet you picked that up already) and spirits. If you’re not a drinker you can choose your basic soft drinks, tea, coffee and shakes. At the back of the place is a room I’ve coined the velvet room. It’s all red and velvety and full of, well, things. I think it’s meant to be a place you can sit when you just want to have a drink. I was there in the middle of the day though so it looked very empty which made it difficult to figure out what it was actually for. If you’re a ‘puffer’, you’ll be glad to know that there is smoking section inside although you can take a seat at one of the tables outside on the pavement if you feel like it. Just watch your stuff. Woodstock isn’t exactly Kansas – as in The Wizard of Oz kind of Kansas. So, yes, that’s Don Pedro’s chaps. I’ll definitely go back for a meal and a drink sometime – hopefully not to break up with a boy.
Don Pedro’s
– 113 Roodebloem Road,
Woodstock
Tel: 021 – 447-4493.

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