South Africa Blog

For more than 200 years the annual Oktoberfest in Munich has been a defining part of Bavarian culture and has grown to become the world’s largest festival, attracting more than five million people from around the globe to Germany each year. Attending the Oktoberfest is on the ‘bucket list’ for many, but this year South Africans will not have to travel abroad for the experience, as Oktober Bierfest is coming to Cape Town and Johannesburg.

“Oktober Bierfest is a recreation of traditional Bavarian beer festivals,” says Andrew Douglas, Director of The Entertainment Group (TEG), producers of the event. “Halls will be draped in traditional style and guests can enjoy an array of Bavarian cuisine supplied by the finest local purveyors of German food, be served by Fraulein while listening to an entertainment lineup, including live Oompah bands.”

In order to bring the taste of Germany to Oktober Bierfest, founding partner The South African Breweries Ltd (SAB), will be brewing beers exclusively for the event. “We are committed to supporting the growth of the beer category as a whole and are looking forward to brewing three special limited edition Bavarian-styled beers. For the first time ever, South Africans can enjoy Royal Bavaria Oktoberfest Bier, King Ludwig’s Munich Dunkel and Protea Edelweiss Krystal Weiss,” says Diarmaid De Burca, General Manager of Newlands Brewery, the SAB’s flagship brewery.

With the added involvement of the South-African – German Chamber of Commerce and Industry in the event, the Oktober Bierfest promises to be an authentic Bavarian festival.

“We are delighted to have been chosen as the host venue for an event steeped with such rich history and tradition,” says Steve Howell, General Manager of Montecasino. “South Africa itself is a melting pot of cultures and traditions brought together by a common love of beer, and Montecasino’s Outdoor Events Area is the perfect venue to accommodate these beer-lovers of every demographic in large numbers. The inclusion of an authentic Bavarian Oktober Bierfest is a welcome addition to the annual Jozi social calendar.”

Oktober Bierfest will tour to Cape Town from 29 September to 1 October 2011 on the Village Green, Newlands Brewery and to Johannesburg from 27 to 29 October 2011 at Montecasino’s Outdoor Event Area. The event is open to both corporate functions and the public alike. For ticket sales or more information email bookings@oktoberbierfest.co.za or visit www.oktoberbierfest.co.za.

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The Endler Concert Series will continue its full 2011 programme with concerts on both 13 and 14 August. The first concert on 13 August takes place at 20:00 and features the South African born duo of Dawid Venter (flute) and Ben Schoeman (piano). Praised for his “colourful tone, brilliance and delicacy”, Venter, an alumni of Stellenbosch University, now lives in London and holds the position of Principal Flautist in the Band of Her Majesty’s Grenadier Guards. Schoeman, also living in London, won the UNISA International piano competition last year and has recently released his first solo piano CD internationally. The concert on 14 August is a violin and piano recital and takes place at 16:30. Well known South African violinist, Piet Koornhof will be accompanied by pianist Cara Kleynhans. Koornhof is a member of the Potch Trio, founder of South African Chamber Music Society and associate professor of violin at North West University. Kleynhans, a former student at Stellenbosch University has recently obtained her doctorate from the North West University in Potchefstroom.

The programme on 13 August will include the well known sonata in E minor for flute and keyboard, BWV 1034, by Bach. This will be followed by a sonata by Hendrik Hofmeyr, regarded by many to be South Africa’s finest living composer. These two sonatas will be complimented by other interesting works for flute and piano by Henri Dutilleux, Charles-Marie Widor (most well known for his famous organ toccata) and André Jolivet. On 14 August, Koonhof and Kleynhans will deliver a delightful programme of rareties for violin and piano. These will include Eduardo Toldra’s Six Sonnets, Three Nocturns Op. 16, by Nikolai Medtner and excerpts from Sergei Prokofieff’s powerful ballet, Romeo and Juliet.ay: R110 / R85, Sunday R99  / R75. Box office at the Endler Hall will open one hour before the concert for ticket sales. For further enquiries, please call the Endler Hall Concert Series on 021 808 2343 during office hours.

To find a place to stay for the duration of the concert see Stellenbosch accommodation or visit Cape Winelands accommodation for options in the region.

Taste, eat, drink and play to your heart’s desire at the SA Cheese Festival, taking place from Saturday 24 until Tuesday 27 April at Bien Donné on the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek. This fabulous foodie event sets the scene for an intimate yet festive get-together between cheesemakers, food artisans and those who simply adore the good life. Bring the whole family for a fun-filled day in the countryside surrounded by the most sumptuous eats and treats.

Cheese to choose
The Checkers Cheese Emporium houses the country’s largest selection of cheese under one air cooled 2 400 m2 roof. Strong and bold or familiar and mild – your choice of cheese will be there. The Checkers Food Theatre will come alive with Nataniël’s razor-sharp wit, while the Giggling Gourmet Jenny Morris and YOU magazine’s food editor Carmen Niehaus will captivate you with their imaginative cheese recipes. Free tickets to the Nataniël sessions can be obtained daily on a first-come-first-served basis from outside the Cheese Emporium.

Choose your cheese and top up your bag or basket with some sweet seducers such as handmade chocolate, Turkish delight, nougat, and sweet or sparkling wines, and you’re set for a taste celebration.

Cooking Pot action
Several of your favourite entertainment, food and other icons will be stirring up a storm in the Cooking Pot. Enjoy the antics of the uproariously funny Soli Philander, or let Sarie and Sarie Kos’s food fundis Herman Lensing and Barbara Joubert, who was recently lauded as the Galliova Food Writer of the Year, share with you the what’s hot of creating with cheese. The Pinotage icon, Beyers Truter, and Johan Badenhorst, presenter of the travel TV programme Voetspore, team up for an adventurous outdoor food and Pinotage demonstration. A combination of quirks and canapés brings RSG presenter Johan Rademan, TV presenter and comedian Nico Nel and outstanding chef Alet Erasmus together. Aperitivo dishes, paired with Peroni will be the speciality of chef Craig Hounsman. Whether you’re a gourmet guru or a closet cook you are sure to enjoy the energy of the Cooking Pot which is by now a legendary hotspot for cheese innovation.

Cool options for busy kids
Kids 12 years and younger enter for free and then the fun and games begin! Expert entertainers will encourage kids of all ages to safely shed some of their energy in the Wilde Fruit Juices Kiddies Corner run by the professional party people, Crazy Chameleon. Life-size cartoon characters of the Boomerang Channel will be sharing hugs and a magician and balloon artists will intrigue the young ones with their tricks. Also bring your kids for an experience of the udderly amazing journey of milk from the cow, goat or sheep to the table while they enjoy being near these peaceful big eyed, four-legged friends in the Renault & Kia Milk Factory.

Shop till you drop
Cheese on its own is a treat but with the right partners it provides for a feast. The new SA Olive Experience in The Mall will allow olive enthusiasts to enjoy this ancient fruit in surprisingly innovative ways – taste the purest olive oils and gleaming black and green table olives, tapenades and even olive jams. Some ten olive producers from as far as Beaufort West, Montagu and Porterville bring you their delicacies, by one producer described as the wonderful gifts of good earth and captured sunshine.

Wine is of course the other constant companion of cheese – taste your way through the many cultivars and then stock your home cellar with your favourites. Make sure you buy enough delectable goodies including nuts, homemade preserves, bread and pesto’s to cater for the rest of your autumn picnics or for chilly winter evenings.

Meet at the Market
Artisan cheese makers who craft superb cheeses using age old methods and lots of patience share this space with special deli products which bring new dimensions to tasting pleasure. Savour the flavours that abound in this laidback country market, do not miss the products in the snail trail and then make your choice: what will you take home? Or unpack your purchases there and then and enjoy them on the shady market square.

Do lunch in the Gourmet Lane
The marvellous variety of tastes and aroma’s emanating from the Gourmet Lane will entice you to settle down and enjoy a bite with the music from the band BRAWOU! accompanying your appetite on this exciting journey. Don’t forget to browse in the herb nursery and buy some to take home for your cheese cooking and pairing adventures.

Festival goes green
The organisers of the Cheese Festival are also committed to the ‘greening’ of the event. To this purpose the contracted stand builders are strongly associated with the green movement in their industry and annually recycle their products. Furthermore a group from previously disadvantaged community in Franschhoek was invited to sort and recycle all waste from the festival and then benefit from the profits derived from the effort.

Buy your tickets now
A limited number of tickets are available from Computicket or Checkers stores (no tickets at the gate) at R110 for Saturday and Sunday, and R90 for Monday and Tuesday. Senior citizens pay R70 and children 12 years and younger enter for free. The festival runs each day from 10:00 to 18:00 and closes the last day at 17:00. For more information contact Agri-Expo on tel 021 975 4440 or cheese@agriexpo.co.za or visit www.cheesefestival.co.za.

If you plan to stay overnight for the festival check Paarl Accommodation and Franschhoek Accommodation to find the perfect place to stay.

Other articles about this event: South Africa’s Cheese Festivewl – its not just for turophiles.

Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, Splashy Fen will mark its coming of age this Easter from 1-5 April with its most exciting line-up yet, rumours of which have been causing a stir around the country for the last couple of months. Many of the faces who have helped to make Splashy a world-class festival will be there, joined by the cream of South Africa’s rising new talent as over 80 artists play on two stages.

Splashy’s line-up this year is set to raise the bar in its breadth and variety, with the likes of all-girl vamp-rock band Cortina Whiplash, the show-stealing progressive Celtic fusion outfit Haggis and Bong (bagpipes and all), and Joburg rockers The Shadowclub performing on the Grant Erskine Marquee stage. Other acts to look out for are Straatligkinders, the multi-award winning rock powerhouse from Potchefstroom, as well as Indie pop sensations New Holland, ska-punk veterans Hog Hoggidy Hog and fellow Capetonian skankers, Captain Stu.

A must-see is one of Splashy’s favourite sons, world-renowned folk guitarist Syd Kitchen, who was honoured last year for performing at every Splashy since the fest’s inception in 1990. In contrast, Afrikaans comedic rapper Jack Parow, the moustached godfather of zef from Bellville in the Cape whose hit single “Cooler as Ekke” has taken YouTube by storm, will be making his much-anticipated Splashy debut. Also hailing from Bellville and pushing the boundaries of Afrikaans music to new limits are the notorious Fokofpolisiekar and electro-rock outfit Die Heuwels Fantasties, both of which are sure to make their mark on this year’s festival.

For fans of African-influenced roots music, there is plenty on offer as revered Jozi reggae-rock stalwarts Tidal Waves stir it up, and Capetonians Hot Water bring their cross-cultural fusion of funky, bluesy Afro-rock and a dynamic stage show. David Jenkins, hailing from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, plays a fusion of maskandi and bluegrass, and Bongeziwe and The Fridge offers urban folk music diversely influenced by soul, hip hop and mbaqanga. Splashy also presents the Underberg Community Showcase, featuring local choirs and dancers from the Kwa Sani area.

Tree Houses On The Sea (T.H.O.T.S.) from Durban will also be making an appearance with their engaging experimental hip hop, while acclaimed singer/songwriter Ard Matthews will perform a rare solo set. Also not to be missed are heavyweights Prime Circle, melodic rockers Plush, featuring the talents of front man Rory Eliot and the boys, as well as the wildly popular dance trio Goodluck, who will debut their fusion of sounds at Splashy in a late-night set.

For those who love a bit of blues in their rock, get ready: the Redhand Blues Band, PE’s Jack Rabbit Slims, the Albert Frost Trio and Dan Patlansky will be on hand with some smoking blues to get you grooving. There won’t be any rest for the wicked though, because Southern Gypsy Queen, one of the hardest-working bands in the country, will also be treating the audience to their signature style of rock.

An exciting development at this year’s festival is the expansion of the second stage, dubbed the Splashy Fen Stage, which will now also be covered with a marquee and offer more space for bands and fans. In addition to hosting a selection of musicians’ clubs from around the country during the day, the evenings will offer a blistering line-up that includes Zoe, Sheep Down, funk ‘n soul monsters Voodoo Child, the hard rocking Catlike Thieves, Dimeshift, and pop-punkers Holly and The Woods.

Definitely not to be missed is California-based rock outfit, Horse the Band, performing on Sunday, 4 April as part of their upcoming Reigns in Africa tour. Other bands to watch out for are Dead Cat Bounce, Kissed by Katie, True To Adopted, Nonchalant, Outbreak, and Joburg indie-pop stars The Sick Leaves, hot on the heels of the release of their new album.

Held on a farm near Underberg in KZN, Splashy Fen is geared up to present one of its strongest and most diverse line-ups to date. In addition to awesome music, a wide variety of food and drink outlets, arts and crafts, and a range of outdoor activities for the whole family, it will also feature an Eco Village powered by the elements – all in the midst of the breathtaking natural beauty which makes Splashy Fen so unique. To find a place to stay why not see Drakensberg Accommodation, for those of you who are not into camping.

Tickets cost R425 at Computicket and selected Game stores or R550 at the gate. The price includes camping for the entire festival. For more information, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact 031 563 0824.

Splashy Fen celebrates its 21st festival this Easter and with the coming of age, comes greater awareness and responsibility. With this in mind, the organisers of South Africa’s longest-running annual music festival have joined forces with The Green Depot and the Corner Café in Durban to create an eco village that will give festival-goers an opportunity to see green initiatives in action and encourage a more sustainable lifestyle.

Powered solely by wind, water and solar energy, the village will offer zero-waste, eco-friendly camping, product displays, an environmental film festival, as well as the cool cuisine and fabulous coffee of the Corner Café eco-restaurant.

All food prepared by the Corner Café will be purchased from farmers in the community and eaten using 100% biodegradable utensils. Organic waste will be fed into a giant worm farm, while other recyclable matter will be disposed of by YES (Your Environment Spotless), a waste collection and recycling company that aims to create a culture of environmentally responsible South Africans.

“We’re very excited at the prospect of having an eco village at Splashy, where people can either camp or come in as day visitors to experience practical, everyday ways of protecting the environment,” says Andrew Payne of The Green Depot.

“We’re also fortunate to have the support of suppliers and sponsors like Freight Max, which has kindly provided an 8-ton truck to transport the wind turbines and other equipment to the festival in one load, as opposed to many smaller vehicles doing multiple trips. This will help reduce our carbon footprint.”

Payne is quick to point out that while environmental issues are serious business, the eco village promises to be hip and happening, with live music, a wine bar and a host of other activities. For those willing to try something a little different, there’ll even be daily scuba workshops down at the river, presented by UKZN Underwater Club.

People wishing to camp in the eco village (situated on the riverbank, below the main festival site) can contact sales@thegreendepot.co.za or buy their tickets directly from the Corner Café at 197 Brand Road, Glenwood. The cost is R425 per person, which includes your Splashy Fen entrance ticket.

Alternatively, day visitor tickets will be available at the festival for only R10, which also secures you entry into a daily draw to win a range of great prizes like free coffee for a year and trips to eco-friendly holiday destinations. For more information about the eco village or if you’d like to get involved in the project, contact Andrew Payne at 083 263 3382.

Supported by Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the Splashy Fen Music Festival is held on a farm near Underberg in the southern Drakensberg and runs from April 1-5. It offers a four-day line-up of some of the country’s hottest acts, as well as fun outdoor activities for the whole family, arts and crafts, a wide variety of food and drink outlets and various camping and accommodation options. Artists confirmed so far include the likes of Prime Circle, Hot Water, Fokofpolisiekar, Plush, Tidal Waves, Ard Matthews, the Albert Frost Trio, Haggis and Bong, New Holland and Syd Kitchen.

More details at www.splashyfen.co.za.
Find a place to stay at Drakensberg accommodation.

CAPE TOWN: WEEKEND 26 – 28 FEBRUARY AT NEKKIES HOLIDAY RESORT IN WORCESTER.
JOHANNESBURG: SATURDAY 6 MARCH, EMMERENTIA DAM.

RAMfest has grown over the past three years to be a highlight on the annual Music Festival calendar in the Western Cape. An unforgettable experience with a collective of like minded music- and fun lovers, mark those calendars and join us for a mind blowing adventure into the realm of RAMfest 1V.

After what was certainly one of the most memorable events in Cape Town in 2009, 2010 is set to be the Year of the Spectacular. Audiomatik Events has secured a phenomenal line up, including international acts Pendulum from Australia and Johnny Foreigner from the UK and top SA acts Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi Violence, Jack Parow The Dirty Skirts and many more. RAMfest is also proud to present performances by much loved bands that have not performed in SA for a while: BOO!; Lark and The Narrow.

Thanks to all the dedicated followers, RAMfest is Cape Town’s number 1 alternative music festival and is now also teaming up with Oppikoppi SA to bring RAMfest to Johannesburg.

RAMFEST 1V CAPE TOWN:
WEEKEND 26 – 28 FEBRUARY AT NEKKIES HOLIDAY RESORT IN WORCESTER.

The line up on the MAIN STAGE includes:
Pendulum (Dj set) & Verse(UK/AUS), Johnny Foreigner(UK), BOO!, The Narrow, Lark, Fokofpolisiekar, Taxi Violence,Isochronous, Desmond & the Tutu’s, Kidofdoom, 7th Son, The Rudimentals,Tidal Waves, Red Five Point Star,Half Price, The Monroes, 3rd World Spectator , Cutout Collective, The Ragdolls, Stereo Zen, The Sleepers, Heldervue, The Realist , Jack Parow , The Dirty Skirts, Yesterday`s Pupil, Checked Zebra.

For die hard Metal fans, presents the METAL 4 AFRICA STAGE with performances by:
A B Turbo,Betray the Emissary,Cold Hand Chemistry, Day Turns Night, Enmity, Facing The Gallows, Guns Go Bang, Mind Assault, Moment Of Clarity, New Altum, Pestroy,Reverse The Sands, SacriFist, Strident, Symphonic Schitzophrenia ,The Warinsane. Also featuring: The Untamed Dj’s – Brad & Chris from SA’s biggest alternative clubs Zepplins & The Doors, DJ Zuul (Mordor & Eye Of Horus)

ELECTRONIC STAGE: Dynamo Robo Disco”, Pretoria’s most advanced audio-visual dance-floor-destroying experience is charging it’s batteries and gearing up to bring the fun to Cape Town. GRIET presents ‘ROBO-RAM!’ RAMFEST’s first official dress up after party! When the band stages close down at night, go back to your tent and transform into the cyborgs we all know you are and come back to rock out to, Sassquatch, Niskerone, Richard The Third, Haezer, Moe Joe, Mr Sakitumi, Markus Wormstorm, Codec, Bruce Willis and many more.

Do pack that Hawaiian shirt because on Saturday morning we will be throwing a beach theme party down by the river starting at 11:00am.

TICKETS CAPE TOWN: Tickets are available from Computicket nationwide:
STRICTLY NO: Under18′s. Children must be accompanied by a responsible adult, Glass bottles (please decant your drinks into plastic bottles).
Contact: 021 8833607.

RAMFEST JOHANNESBURG: SATURDAY 6 MARCH, EMMERENTIA DAM.
RAMfest is proud to present it`s very first one day Festival at Emmerentia Dam. Put your boots on and make sure to join us for a celebration of top SA Rock Talent, as well as a chance to see an exclusive SA performance by Pendulum (DJ set) & Verse from Australia and UK.

The line up: Pendulum (Djset) & Verse, aKING, BOO!, The Narrow, Lark, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Isochronous, Wrestlerish and The Sick Leaves. Stalls, arts and crafts market and water sports, this is one Saturday of the year not to be missed.

TICKETS: Available from Computicket nationwide.
Gates open: 12h00.

Calling all wine connoisseurs and organic food fundis! Some of the town’s most award-winning farms will be offering wine tasting at their cellars, wine walks, live music, food stalls & markets, quad & mountain biking, etc. R60 gives you access to all the farms, plus a complimentary tasting glass and map. Kids u12 are free. You can purchase your armband at the Tourism Bureau.

Venue: Wellington’s surrounding wine farms
Dates: 20-22 March 2010
Please contact 021 873 4604 for more details.
Where To Stay: Wellington Accommodation

After an extremely successful year, idols dynamite Pixie and her band will kick off 2010 with a show in Cape Town. Catch them at the V&A Waterfront on Sunday, January 10th at 5pm in the amphitheatre. Albums and merchandise will be available and all ages are welcome!

Their new single SO SPUN has experienced huge success on nationwide and KZN radio stations and they are set to release a further single in January. Both songs, as well as their EP album were produced by Tree 63’s John Ellis. The band have performed alongside some of SA’s top artists: Prime Circle, Zebra and Giraffe, Stealing Love Jones, Wondeboom and Loyiso to name a few.

Recently, the Durban based musicians had the opportunity to perform at a concert that headlined international artist Busta Rhymes as well as local TV stations. Securing an endorsement from Mr Price and further sponsors is a testament to the support that they are receiving throughout SA.

Please contact Pixie on 079 439 8915 should you require further information!

One river, three stages, more than 30 live music and comedy acts and 2000 festival goers with a passion for some of South Africa’s best music in common – get yourself ready for Up the Creek 2010.

The line up includes: The Dirty Skirts, The Rudimentals, Bed on Bricks, Flat Stanley, Dan Patlansky, Hot Water, The Black Cat Bones, Andra, Ryno Velvet, Dave Ferguson, Piet Botha, Akkedis, Ashtray Electric, Van Coke Kartel, Taxi Violence, The Pretty Blue Guns, Taxi Violence, Mr Cat and The Jackal, Willem Welsyn and the Sunrise Toffies, the Plastics, Fox Comet, an AC/DC Tribute slot and the debut performance of The Gods, with Albert Frost, Schalk van der Merwe on bass, Parri Luckhoff on vocals and Francois Kruger on drums.

Creekers can look forward to the return of Corné and Twakkie, together with a selection of some seriously funny comedians, including Dave Levinson. In typical Up the Creek tradition we will be running the main stage, the river stage and the all-night-long Breede River bar stage once again.

For the die-hard Creekers, we are putting on a show at the bar stage on the Thursday night. You can claim the best camping spot and enjoy an extra day Up the Creek. Watch the website for the Thursday night line-up.

In 2010, we will bring you the same of what worked last year and more: More food vendors to get you through the days in style, including coffee maestros that can deliver your caffeine to your tent-step, more stalls and more bars throughout the festival. Once again, there will be an area with committed staff to look after the kiddies, as well as dedicated life-guards to look after the young at heart at the river.

We are also revamping the loo’s and have already started watering the campsite for a nice green touch. But if this still does not get you excited about the idea of pitching a tent, simply pitch up, and rent one of our pre-pitched tents.

Tickets are available from 11 November– at the same price as the 2009 festival. Get yours for:
Pre-event:
At the gate
Full weekend plus Thursday: R500
Full weekend: R400
Saturday and Sunday: R325
Sunday: R150

At the gate:
Full weekend: R450
Saturday and Sunday: R375
Sunday: R150

Contact
To buy your tickets, or for any enquiries, phone Gareth at Red Hot events on +27 (0)21 510-0547
Not into camping? Find accommodation in Swellendam and stay in style.

Grammy award winning, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, lend their voices to World Aids Day

This event is formal with a touch of red and is the biggest event on the African continent commemorating 21 years of World Aids Day. The event has been hosted since 2005 by the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University.

This year, Ladysmith Black Mambazo joins American born singer Jimmie Earl Perry to celebrate this 5th Annual World Aids Day Gala Concert. Perry is both producer and director of this event and as a former broadway performer he will bring something special to this event. Joseph Shabalala, the lead vocal of Ladysmith is delighted to join this project and to collaborate on such a necessary event to continue the fight against HIV/Aids

Venue: Artscape Theatre
Time: 19h30
Dress Code: Formal with a touch of red
Tickets: Computicket
When: Tuesday, 01 December 2009
Accommodation: Foreshore Accommodation

Two days of art, music, culture, street markets, parades, good food, good company & good times. Join the fun and excitement of the Uitenhage Street Carnival! Lots of Free entertainment, stalls for great buys, and yummy food. Entertainment includes musicians, dancers and performers, as well as a Street Parade on the Saturday, complete with floats.

The climax of the event will be the Saturday night, when the Christmas lights will officially be switched on.

When: Friday 4th to Saturday 5th December 2009
Where: Uitenhage
Categories: Entertainment / Outdoor Events
Contact: Telephone +27 (0)41 585-0906.
Address: Caledon Street, Uitenhage, Eastern Cape.
Where to Stay: Eastern Cape Accommodation

Lovers of classical music will be glad to know that the programme line up for the Johannesburg International Mozart Festival has been announced. So here is just a little taste of what you can expect from 23 January to 9 February 2010. Originally organised in 2006 in celebration of Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s 250th birthday anniversary this year’s festival will see almost 20 performances in various venues around Johannesburg.

The first of 4 full scale symphony concerts is the opening of the festival at the Linder Auditorium (20h00). The Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, conducted by Richard Cock, performs Mozart’s Overture from Abduction from the Seraglio and Clarinet Concerto in A major as well as Dvorak’s Symphony No. 9 in E minor. If you enjoy the works of Wolf and Schumann the head down to Northwards House on Sunday 24 January at 18h00 where Dietrich Henschel will be accompanied by Florian Uhlig on the piano for a song recital.

On Wednesday 27 January the Linder Auditorium will once again be filled with wonderful melodies with some of South Africa’s finest musicians performing on stage. Florian and Dietrich are joined by the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra, under Thomas Sanderlings baton, performing Moerane’s Fatse La Heso, Mozart’s Piano Concerto in D minor and Hartman’s Song of the four winds.

The following evening, Thursday 28 January, is the when chamber musician fans can relax and be entertained by first of 4 chamber concerts during the festival. Taking place at Northwards House some favourite works by Mozart, Nielsen and Schumann will be performed. The second chamber concert takes place on Friday 29 January when violinist, Lidia Baich, is joined by pianist, Matthias Fletzberger, to perform Sonatas by Marx, Beethoven, Prokofiev and Mozart. With the third symphony orchestra performance on Saturday 30 January.

A husband and wife duo, Nina Schumann and Louise Magalhães, take to the stage on Sunday 31 January with the festivals first piano recital with works from Debussy, Stravinsky and Ravel. With the final piano recital of the festival being performed by Florian Uhlig on Thursday 4 February, he will be playing Mozart’s Fantasy in C major as well as a number of other pieces.

If you’re looking for something a little different then the final symphony performance should be just what you’re looking for. Titled “Rock me, Amadeus” this performance has many surprises and is conducted by Richard Dickens. This is only some of the fantastic music you will be able to listen to throughout the festival. There are also choral concerts, outreach and development concerts and workshops.

Tickets for performances at the Linder Auditorium are available via Computicket, while tickets for performances at Northwards House are available from Caroline on telephone +27 (0)11 447-9264.

Source: http://blog.sa-venues.com/

Auction of Red Dresses by Top South African Designers to Benefit Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa
In support of the Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa, MasterCard Worldwide has announced that it will be presenting the inaugural Go Red for Women – Little Red Dress initiative – to be showcased at the MasterCard Style in the City event taking place in Cape Town from the 29 October to 1 November 2009.

Go Red for Women presented by MasterCard will see eight sought-after South African designers each creating their own unique beautiful red dress, which will be worn on the runway by eight well-known South African female personalities, magazine editors and businesswomen.

The exclusive red dresses will be designed, created and modelled by the following designers and women at the opening gala dinner of MasterCard Style in the City on the 29 October:

1. Jackie Burger, editor, Elle, for Abigail Betz
2. Jill Docherty, business leader, MasterCard Africa, for Gavin Rajah
3. Jo-Ann Strauss, presenter, Top Billing, and host of MasterCard Style in the City, for Gabi Rosenwerth
4. Kate Wilson, editor, Marie Claire, for Marianne Fassler
5. Lerato Tshabalala, editor, Sunday Times, Lifestyle for David Tlale
6. Michelle van Breda, editor, Sarie, for Stefania Morland
7. Pnina Venster, editor, Glamour, for Jacques Lagrange
8. Samantha Page, editor, O Magazine, for Bongiwe Walaza

All eight dresses will be on auction on the evening of the 29 October. There will be a reserved minimum bid for each dress and all proceeds raised will benefit The Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. The dresses will then be put on display for the duration of MasterCard Style in the City to give all attendees an opportunity to view the beautiful designs, and how much was raised for the Foundation.

Photograph: Stefania Morland – Red Dress Collection

“The Go Red for Women initiative, symbolised by the little red dress, is an important platform for us to bring home the message of heart health to women in South Africa. Our collaboration with MasterCard will enable us to get our message across in a way that is close to women’s hearts: fashion,” says Ashleigh Kuttner, Programme Director: Projects, Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa.

The initiative specifically aims to raise awareness of the risk of heart disease and strokes – which are the number-one killer of women worldwide. It is also part of the international Go Red for Women movement that aims to empower women with the knowledge and tools to take better care of their own and their families’ heart health.

An alarmingly small number of women in South Africa are aware cardiovascular disease remains one of the major killers of women – one in three before the age of 60 will suffer from some form of heart condition. With the right knowledge and tools, women can protect themselves and their loved ones.

“The red dress is the symbol of the initiative, serving as a red alert for women to take action to protect their heart health,” said Jill Docherty, business leader, Marketing & Communications in Africa for MasterCard Worldwide.

“MasterCard has long been involved in programmes reaching out to women to educate and empower them. We would like to encourage all potential bidders to express their generosity and bid for a little red dress taking a big message from the heart, about the heart, to the women in their lives,” she says.

“The Foundation is so grateful to MasterCard for their commitment to and support of Heart and Stroke Foundation South Africa. We are reaching out to all bidders to dig deep when they bid for the dresses on the 29 October; we will put all funds raised to very good use for the purposes of the Foundation,” concludes Kuttner.

The upcoming MasterCard Style in the City event is taking place in Cape Town from the 29 October to 1 November 2009 at the V&A Waterfront. The four-day interactive fashion, beauty and health event will feature the fabulous fashion-duo Trinny and Susannah of BBC’s Undress the Nation, who will be entertaining South African audiences with their Style Academy that has already proved its popularity internationally.

MasterCard and Women
Go Red For Women presented by MasterCard is among other initiatives that MasterCard has undertaken to support, educate and empower women. In May this year, MasterCard supported the Singapore Heart Foundation with Go Red For Women presented by MasterCard. The initiative involved ten rising fashion designers from Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines, who created their own masterpiece of a red dress that was auctioned for the cause.

MasterCard also worked with the Hong Kong Heart Foundation on a similar campaign for the MasterCard Luxury Week 2009. In support of the Hong Kong Heart Foundation, MasterCard auctioned four red dresses specially designed by internationally-renowned Hong Kong designers. Part of MasterCard Luxury Week Hong Kong 2009, the exclusive red dresses by Shanghai Tang, Dorian Ho, Vivienne Tam, and Ports 1961 were shown at the closing show—The Red Dress Collection presented by MasterCard.

Another women-focused initiative is the U21 Global Scholarship for Women in Travel and Tourism launched in 2006 to provide scholarships to working women professionals to develop their leadership skills and realise their full potential in the area of travel and tourism.

MasterCard has dedicated significant resources to knowledge leadership of women. Its ongoing annual MasterCard Worldwide Index of Women’s Advancement measures the socio-economic development of women across 21 markets in Asia/Pacific, Middle East and Africa.

Photograph: Gavin Rajah – Red Dress Collection

The Red Dress Collection presented by MasterCard:
The Designers and their Red Creations:

Stefania Morland
I wanted to design a beautiful dress that was also very versatile, glamorous, timeless and ageless – something that could be worn in many different ways, and that looked like a totally different gown every time you wear it, (the perfect travelling companion). Taking into account the fact that there’s no way of knowing who the lucky lady that will walk off with the dress will be, the dress will fit quite a few sizes. This dress can be worn as a long skirt, teamed with various tops, as a cheeky baby doll dress, or a glamorous off the shoulder ball gown worn with a generous tulle skirt to give it more volume. It can even morph into a sexy halter neck. So, this red beauty is a coat of many colours, made of luxurious red silk, and will make whoever wears it look and feel like a million dollars.

Marianne Fassler
This delicate creation epitomises my style. I have over-dyed some silk tulle, and silk chiffon. Together these fabrics have been draped and intertwined to give substance to an otherwise very diaphanous silhouette. The detail is in the dye technique and the texturing of the fabric. There is no additional beading or trims to distract from the sensuality of the colour and the feel of the luxurious fabric.

Bongiwe Walaza
My creation is inspired by femininity itself. It is made of co-ordinated textures, rough and smooth. The design is made to enhance the beauty of a woman’s body shape and movement. It is a 30 panelled dress with appliqué trims crafted down the panels. It is a combination of stretch satin, tulle and sequin which is matte and shiny.

Gavin Rajah
Cut on the bias in the finest silk charmeuse, the dress is inspired by antique Chinese lacquer floral motifs. Hand beaded in jet crystal and glass beads with a combination of Chantilly lace – the dress is fluid and has exaggerated movement on the hemline. Think 1940′s Shanghai Art Deco with a contemporary edge to it. True to the Rajah signature it is ultra feminine and dramatic.

The Heritage Awards 2009: Sat 19 September @ 7pm: ICC Durban – The Heritage Awards, a high-profile annual event which sees six phenomenal South Africans honoured for their contribution towards the preservation and promotion of South African heritage and culture – takes place on Saturday 19 September at 7pm at the ICC Durban at a glittering function.

This significant elegant awards evening is believed to be the only major annual award to honour leaders in the field of Heritage specifically, and their contribution to the cultural traditions and legacy of this country. The awardees were carefully selected after contribution from The Premier’s Office; BASA; NAC; Independent Newspapers and Kizo.

Photograph: Centre for Fine Art, Animation and Design’s Nanda Soobben

This year the awards will be going to: Alfred Nokwe (late) for theatre; Johnny Clegg – music and social cohesion; Noria Mabasa – an accomplished sculptor and wood carver; Bheki Mseleku (late) for music; Nanda Soobben – Durban based animator and arts educator and Jay Pather for dance.

The Awards will be a glittering affair as part of the city’s Celebrate Durban heritage season and will be held for the first time at the ICC. The guest speaker at the awards will be Advocate Mancotywa (National Heritage Council CEO). MC is living treasure Gcina Mhlophe. Entertainment is co-ordinated by Mbongemi Ngema and Committed Artists.

The Gateway Theatre of Shopping and Kizo Art Gallery’s annual Heritage Art Festival is once again an ambitious multi-layered, forward-thinking festival of 20 art themed events which will be held throughout Heritage Month at the Kizo Art Gallery and the Gateway Theatre of Shopping. The Heritage Awards is one of the major events of the annual Heritage Arts Festival line up.

Kizo wishes to acknowledge its valuable partners for The Heritage Awards function: Provincial Government; Independent Newspapers; ICC; BASA; NAC; Celebrate Durban, SMG Durban, Beverley Hill Hotel, Paul Cluver Wines, and Committed Artists.

Contacts:
Nathi Gumede – Head Curator – Kizo Art Consultants or
Sharon Crampton – General Manager – Kizo Art Consultants
Tel: (031) 566 4322/4
Fax: (031) 566 2494

Celebrate Oktoberfest at Paulaner Bräuhaus in October from 16 October – 01 November 2009

Capetonians can once again experience Germany’s best-known beer festival, “Oktoberfest”, from 16 October to 01 November 2009 at Paulaner Bräuhaus in the V&A Waterfront. Beer lovers, families, young and old gather to enjoy the true taste and hospitality of Bavaria.

The festival follows the annual Oktoberfest in Munich which takes place from 19 September to 04 October. Oktoberfest started in Munich in 1810, when the citizens turned out to celebrate the marriage of Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. It has since grown into what is claimed to be the world’s largest festival attracting over six million people each year.

In keeping with tradition, Paulaner brewmaster, Wolfgang Ködel, will brew a special Oktoberfest beer which will be available once the festival has been officially opened. The festival opening takes place on the evening of Friday, 16 October 2009 when the first barrel of Oktoberfest beer is opened with the words “O’zapft is”.

The Oktoberfest beer is brewed according to an old recipe resulting in a dark amber-coloured beer, smooth in taste. To compliment the beer, Paulaner boasts traditional hearty Bavarian cuisine such as Pretzel, Bratwurst and their specialty, crispy Pork Knuckle. A Bavarian Oktoberfest band will entertain the crowd with live ‘Umpah’ music periodically during the festival, and live contemporary bands play nightly.

The festival, also known as Wies’n, is popular in Cape Town both among locals and visitors, drawing crowds to the Paulaner Bräuhaus and its beer garden opposite the Nelson Mandela Gateway and V&A Clock Tower. Paulaner is also well known for their live coverage of major sporting events and for being one of Cape Town’s best live music venues.

Customers can see the up-to-date list of sporting events and bands playing at http://paulaner-braeuhaus.com/capetown

“It’s a great cosmopolitan atmosphere and a fantastic way to spend a lunchtime or evening,” says Ködel. “Paulaner is the ideal venue to enjoy parties all year round, but the Oktoberfest brings that extra Bavarian flair to your private or corporate event.”

For more information or to book an event during the Oktoberfest, contact:
Paulaner Bräuhaus at 021 418 9999
visit http://paulaner-braeuhaus.com/capetown

Other useful Links: To book accommodation in Cape Town visit Cape Town Hotels or see Cape Town Accommodation for B&B’s, Guest Houses and Self Catering options in Cape Town.