South Africa Events Calendar

Bringing you the latest goings on in South Africa this winter season.

Cape Town

JULY

Danscape 2011

This annual showcase of dance allows the young up and coming Jazzart dancers and choreographers the chance to perform in a professional environment. A number of young artists and companies who have never before featured on this platform will perform. Artscape Theatre.

7 to 10 July 2011

Kylie Minogue Aphrodite-Les Folies

Aphrodite was released in July 2010 and became Kylie`s fifth #1 album in the UK, hitting the top spot a full 22 years to the week since her debut album Kylie entered the chart. Grand Arena / Grand West

13 and 14 July 2011

The Nutcracker - Ballet

Imperial Russian Ballet - The Nutcracker: Following their 2009 sell-out season of Carmina Burana by Carl Orff, the Imperial Russian Ballet Company returns to South Africa to perform The Nutcracker. They are joined by South African children from ballet schools. Artscape Theatre

14 to 16 July 2011

Indigenous Orchestra Ensemble

Is an eclectic mix of indigenous to mainstream South African contemporary music and jazz, accompanied by brass instruments, keyboard, Imbira, traditional instruments and dancers. It is narrated through storytelling, which tells the tale of how indigenous instruments were introduced in our communities. Artscape Theatre.

28 to 30 July 2011

AUGUST

James Blunt – Some Kind of Trouble Tour

This 5-time Grammy award nominee has many hits which include You’re Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover and 1973. Blunt has been compared to the likes of Damien Rice and David Grey. He has sold over 15 million albums world-wide. Grand Arena at Grand West Casino.

30 August 2011

Swan Lake Ballet

The greatest of all classical ballets ever choreographed, this masterpiece embodies mystery and romance portrayed in sublime, ethereal movement. Tchaikovsky’s score transports the viewer and inspires the dancers in their portrayal of this tale of love’s triumph over evil. Artscape Opera House.

19 to 26 August 2011

Cape Town Fashion Week,

Africa’s largest gathering of fashion talent, has grown into one of the premiere “new world” fashion weeks providing an international platform for designers from across sub-Saharan Africa. The thirteen collections will showcase emerging designers along with industry heavyweights. Cape Town International Convention Centre.

11 to 14 August 2011

Johannesburg

JULY

Parlotones Dragonflies and Astronauts

This rock theatre production is complete with storyline, sets and characters revolving around the greatest hits of The Parlotones. On the 16th of July the show will be broadcast live from The Teatro at Montecasino in 3D. The transmission - a world first - will be beamed via satellite to 3D outlets around the globe. Teatro at Montecasino.

13 to 17 July 2011

The International Ballet Gala

Showcases a galaxy of ballet stars, in showpieces from legendary ballets such as Swan Lake, The Sleeping Beauty and The Nutcracker. Glittering performances by international ballet stars. Teatro at Montecasino.

7 to 10 July 2011

Trio Fibonnaci

Relax with JMS and enjoy the world’s musical masterpieces, brought to you by exciting international and local artists of the highest caliber. Linder Auditorium.

30 July 2011

Mediatech Africa

Mediatech Africa showcases cutting edge technologies and services from industry leaders in television and broadcast, sound and audio, lighting and staging, animation, communication and related fields. Coca Cola Dome – Randburg

20 to 22 July 2011

National Antiques & Decorative Arts Faire

Local and international exhibitors showcase their collections. There will be a wide range of furniture from the Victorian, Georgian, Edwardian and Art Nouveau collections. There will be jewellery, glassware, porcelain as well as prints, maps, coins, military memorabilia and books on display. Sandton Convention Centre.

22 to 24 July 2011

AUGUST

James Blunt – Some Kind of Trouble Tour

This 5-time Grammy award nominee has many hits which include You’re Beautiful, Goodbye My Lover and 1973. Blunt has been compared to the likes of Damien Rice and David Grey. He has sold over 15 million albums world-wide. Coca Cola Dome.

26 August 2011

Rain - A Tribute to the Beatles

Direct from Broadway; listed as number 17 in Pollstar’s top world tours this adoring Beatles tribute band will take you back to a time when all you needed was love and a little help from your friends. Teatro at Montecasino.

23 August to 11 September

Johan Botha Gala Concert

For a one-night-only gala performance, Johan Botha returns to Gauteng where he studied and made his stage debut (as Max in Weber’s Der Freischutz in Roodepoort in 1989). Conducted by Sebastian Lang-Lessing and including glorious Romantic repertoire by Verdi, Puccini, Leoncavallo and Lehar, this concert is a rare opportunity to hear one of the world’s foremost singers live on stage. Teatro at Montecasino.

20 August 2011

Old Mutal Jazz at the Theatre

A monthly jazz experience, happening at Nelson Mandela Square’s Old Mutual Theatre, it brings Jazz lovers the very best of SA Jazz talent in an intimate Theatre setting.

7 August 2011

Standard Bank Joy of Jazz

Celebrating its 12th anniversary in 2011 The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has a fantastic line up of top international and local artists. This year international aritists hail from America, Sweden, Spain and the Netherlands and will be joined by top performers from South Africa and the African Diaspora. Newtown.

25 to 27 August 2011

Photos courtesy Gretchen Healey

Events in South Africa - March 2011

EVENTS & FESTIVALS : South Africa, March 2011

Cape Town

Mummenschanz

This extraordinary Swiss theatre troupe, are masters of make-believe and illusion. By using everyday objects and materials, such as cardboard boxes, rolls of toilet paper, refuse bags, etc., they create ingenious costumes and masks, and portray everyday situations. Mummenschanz`s quirky humour and imaginative visual shows are appealing to audiences of all ages and cultures. Baxter Theatre

1 to 13 March 2011

A Handful of Keys

Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth at two grand pianos, give a dazzling display of pianistic virtuosity and hilarious impersonation. Music that ranges from the great classic masters Bach and Beethoven, through the kings of soul Ray Charles and Fat Waller and via the queens of showbiz and pop, Elton John, Freddy Mercury and Liberace.Theatre on the Bay.

2 February to 12 March 2011

Andre Rieu Arena Tour

Having topped the tour rankings with his sold out SA Tour last year, the Dutch violinist and conductor will bring another spectacular grand-scale production to our shores featuring his Johann Strauss Orchestra, choir and soloists, plus a number of surprise special guest performances. Held at Grand Arena at Grand West.

11 to 13 March 2011

Cape Argus Cycle Tour

The Cape Argus Pick ‘n Pay Cycle Tour is the largest timed cycling event in the world. Attracting in excess of 35 000 cyclists from around the globe each year. Based in Cape Town, the Cycle Tour represents 109 km of some of the most scenic spots in the world.

13 March 2011

The Cape Town Carnival

The primary objective of the festival is to bring together the diverse people of the City of Cape Town. An annual theme will be interpreted through a variety of dance styles, carnival songs, and festive floats. One of the main judging criteria will be based on the ability to portray the mash-ups of the different cultures and elements.

19 March 2011

Cirque de Soleil Saltimbanco

The critically-celebrated international entertainment group Cirque du Soleil will perform for the first time ever in South Africa with its vibrant signature production Saltimbanco. Features breathtaking acrobatics. Full of colour, amusement and amazement, a fun show for the whole family. Grand Arena, Grand West

23 March to 3 April 2011

Poetry in Motion - Ballet

highlights the beauty of ballet, interwoven with music and the spoken word - a production that transports the viewer into the realm of fantasy in movement. The work features a series of dance vignettes to enhance and showcase the Poetry that is ballet! Artscape Opera House.

26 March to 6 April 2011-02-02

Cape Town International Jazz Festival

2 Day Jazz Festival, 40 international and national artists and 5 stages. Cape Town International Convention Centre

25 to 26 March 2011

Johannesburg

Strictly Tap Dance Fever

Direct from its smash UK tour, the adrenalin-driven show takes the audience on a whistle stop roller-coaster ride of the greatest tap dance moments in show business history. Featuring fantastic musical classics mashed with modern day beat. The Mandela at Joburg Theatre

15 February to 6 March 2011

Hobby-X Johannesburg

Leading exhibition of materials, equipment and supplies used for a wide variety of hobbies and crafts. From DIY-home décor to creative hobbies, from adventure and outdoor to fine art, fashion and scholastic. With theatres of activity where you can learn new decorating tricks; demonstrations of exciting new techniques. The Coca Cola Dome, Randburg.

3 to 6 March 2011

Tina Turner – Simply the Best

Rebecca O`Connor first came to international attention as the winner of the prestigious European impersonation competition Stars in their Eyes in 2002. The Tina Turner Tribute Show, SIMPLY THE BEST, toured all of Europe to much success. The Mandela at Joburg Theatre

10 to 20 March 2011

Dreamgirls – The Musical

Full of onstage joy and backstage drama, Dreamgirls is an international award winning smash hit Broadway musical featuring a multi-talented all-South African cast that brings to life the brilliant energy, history and magic that grew out of the music of the 1960`s and 70`s. Teatro at Montecasino

11March to 17 April 2011

EVITA The Musical

The rise and fall of Argentina`s first lady, Eva Peron, is played out in this hit musical. With lyrics by Tim Rice and music by Andrew Lloyd Webber, and featuring the hit song "Don`t Cry for Me Argentina". Pieter Toerien Main Theatre

25 February to 27 March 2011

Streets of Gold – The Musical

An original South African musical, tells a rousing story of the fight for freedom and love in a world choked by corruption and greed. Award winning playwright Alan Swerdlow delivers a provocative and delightful script, fusing elements of film noir, animation, high fashion and gold jewellery design. The Lyric at Gold Reef City Casino

25 March to 3 April 2011

Gardenex Green Living Fair

The biggest gardening and floriculture exhibition in the Southern Hemisphere. The show now incorporating pets, patio decor, pools and outdoor leisure activities.

26 to 28 March 2011

Durban

High Notes and Highlights

Rory Rootenberg, much loved by Durban audiences, returns for two weekends of charm, wit and beautiful music. Celebrating his friendship with his long time Durban pianist Anne Duthie, Rory will thrill with renditions from some of the great musicals, and also some past highlights. Rhumbelow Theatre

11 to 20 March 2011

Trends and Tastes 2011

This year Decorex SA in collaboration with the KSA Kitchen and Bathroom Fair are proud to announce the launch of an all new décor and lifestyle exhibition, Trends and Tastes 2011. Durban Exhibition Centre.

Photos courtesy Gretchen Healey

18 to 21 March 2011

Two South African Restaurants Make World's 50 Best List

Two South Africa Restaurants have been voted to S. Pelligrino's 50 Best Restaurants in the World 2010. Very few countries have multiple restaurants in the top 50, and this speak in general to the many world-class restaurant offerings that South Africa provides.

Jumping up 26 places from last year, Cape Town's La Colombe takes the number 12 spot for 2010. "Under the new stewardship of British Chef Luke Dale Roberts, La Colombe has won praise for his Asian influenced French cuisine. Nestled between the Constatina Uitsig Estate, La Colombe has a stunning wine list, and Dale Roberts creates outstanding dishes such as Home Cured Ox Tongue with Jerusalem Artichoke, Lentil Puree and pickled Shimeji."

Le Quartier Francais, located in the Franschhoek Winelands region, takes the number 31 spot in 2010, up six places. "Le Quartier Français is a heavenly rural retreat, and Margot Jansen runs a restaurant to match. Margot uses seasonal local ingredients, so visitors can expect to see Wildebeest, Franschhoek Trout or Ganzvlei Vastrap Cheddar on the menu." Recently AAC's Gretchen Healey visited Le Quartier Francais and says that the corn soup was some of the best she has ever tasted. Gretchen notes that are plenty of other fantastic restaurants in the area, which makes Franschhoek a true destination holiday for the gastronomically inclined. Check our our South Africa Wine & Safari for an excellent culinary adventure, including a 6-course tasting dinner at Le Quartier Francais!