26 November
Top local blues acts will gather at the ultra-chilled-out Table Mountain Blues Summit, held on the lawns at Bloemendal in the Durbanville winelands. Taking to the stage will be the Blues Broers, Boulevard Blues Band, Albert Frost, Dan Patlansky and Gerald Clark, among others. Food and drink stands and various craft stalls will be available, and there’ll be a jungle gym for kids. Tickets R180, www.bluesfest.co.za
Q&A Gerald Clark
Has there been a resurgence of blues in South Africa?
It has always been popular among the non-commercial crowds and bands. But there has been a resurgence throughout the whole world, since John Mayer and the White Stripes – they have made a lot of young bands and artists aware of blues, such as Adele.
Why did you choose to play blues music?
I really enjoyed listening to it growing up, and I enjoy playing it, so it happened organically.
Who has inspires you?
Albert Frost on guitar, Dave Ferguson on harmonica. Internationally, Stevie Ray Vaughn… I like old-school country blues.
What are you looking forward to at the Summit?
Launching my live DVD there.
What are three things people should bring to the festival?
Money to buy albums, gorgeous lady friends, some chairs … and a thirst for music.
Picnic concerts:
Durbanville Hills:
Unwind under the olive trees on 11 November to the music of Farryl Purkiss followed by Dan Patlansky. On offer are gourmet burgers, boerie rolls, hot chocolate, coffee, soft drinks and Durbanville Hills' wines at the food and wine bar. Picnic boxes can be pre-booked or guests can also bring their own food and picnic blankets, but no alcoholic beverages or chairs. There is a 'Box Full of Fun' for kids, which gives them the chance to create their own pizza. Tickets R100 per person available from www.webtickets.co.za (children under 12 free). Contact 021-558-1337 for more info.
Lievland Wine Estate:
Taking place on the first Sunday of each month is the mini folk festival, ‘What We Are Going To Be Doing On Sunday’ from October to May. The line-up for the next event on 6 November includes: the following artists: Albert Frost, Andrew James, Natasha Meister, Bateleur, Gil Hockman, and Tim Hutchinson. There is a cash bar available, and guests are welcome to bring their own picnic. There is also a dam for swimming. Tickets R70 at the gate, contact wwagtbdos@gmail.com for details on the December eventKirstenbosch:
Voted by National Geographic magazine as the No.1 picnic spot in the world, Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens in Cape Town has once an A-list of acts performing from November to March. Book to see: Locnville and Jax Panik (20 Nov); Van Coke Kartel, Jack Parow, JR and Die Heuwels van Tasties (27 Nov); Lira (4 Dec); The Parlotones (11 Dec); and Zebra and Giraffe (26 Dec). Bring your own blankets, picnic baskets and drinks, or buy from the deli upon arrival. Tickets range between R80 - R125, webtickets.co.za. Call 021-799-8783 for more info.
Paul Cluver amphitheatre:
Set in the among a forest of trees, the 600-seater amphitheatre at Paul Cluver in Elgin will be hosting a list of top acts from December through to March. Book to see Prime Circle on 10 December (R325); Nataniel on 14 January (R200) and Barry Hilton on 28 January (R200). All shows are open air and unplugged. Order picnic baskets before hand or bring your own, wine on sale at the venue. Book tickets through www.computicket.com, for more info visit www.cluver.com
4-13 NovThe Wines2Whales Mountain-Bike Adventure and Race takes place on 4–6 and 11–13 November, respectively. Both start at Lourensford Wine Estate in Somerset West on the Friday and end at the Onrus Caravan Park on the Sunday. The 230km route takes in 13 wineries,
26 private farms, six mountains and nature conservation areas. www.wines2whales.co.za
25-27 Nov
The Cape Town Festival of Beer at Hamilton’s Rugby Club in Green Point offers the best of local and international beers – more than 50, including many by local microbreweries. There’ll also be oompah bands, food stands, braais, taste-offs and other activities. Some of this year’s brands: Camelthorn from Namibia, Darling, Napier, Jack Black, Paulaner, Mitchells, German Erdinger, Belgian Liefmans, Cobra from India and Tiger from Singapore. Single entry R60, two-day pass R100, three days R120. www.capetownfestivalofbeer.com
Q&A with the Darling Brew folk
Do you think microbrewing is on the rise in SA?
It’s exciting … microbrewery trends are very popular. People are becoming more aware, and restaurants are becoming more aware of the products out there.
Why the name Slow beer?
Slow beer was our first beer, and we wanted something specific to Darling. And eventually we settled on the tortoise. It’s also about the slow brewing process, natural brewing methods – it all ties into our philosophy.
What beers are you looking forward to tasting?
We used to be wine drinkers, but now do random blind
beer tastings at home with friends, so we are always drinking other beers. We really enjoy the Camelthorn range [from Namibia] – it’s nice to see what they get up to.
Any beer-tasting tips?
My suggestion would be to try every beer, do it like you would do a wine tasting.
Start with a lager or pilsner and end with stout – or the other way round – but make sure your palate is cleansed, and your glass is very clean. Rinse between each tasting.
Afropop band Freshlyground are celebrating their 10th birthday with a nationwide tour of more than 20 concerts. Catch them at The Lyric Theatre in Jozi on the 9th, Sibaya Casino in Durbs on the 20th, The Boardwalk in PE on 23rd November and Cape Town Convention Centre on 9 December. Tickets from R140 at Computicket. See where the other gigs are on www.freshlyground.com
11-12 Nov
After the great success of the inaugural event last year, this year’s Swartland Revolution in Riebeek Kasteel promises an equally revolutionary experience for wine lovers this month on 11-12 November. Registration takes place on the Stoep at The Royal Hotel on the Main Road in Riebeek Kasteel on Friday afternoon from 4pm. This is immediately followed by Olivier Clape’s presentation of six world-class French wines, the announcement of the Bollnger Wine Service Excellence Award by Michael Fridjhon and a BBQ extravagana by chef Reuben Riffel with entertainment by the Baardskeerdersbos Orkes. Saturday’s activities include a morning tasting of eight wines by Chris and Andrea Mullineux, expert opinions by London-based wine-writer Jamie Goode and local wine-writer, wine judge and consultant Michael Fridjhon and SA based German Sommelier Jorg Pfutzner, as each share three of their all time favourite wines. A festival feast and auction will be held at the popular Bar Bar Black Sheep followed by a street party with open tastings in the evening in front of the Royal Hotel. The full weekend package costs R1750 per person, www.webtickets.co.za, www.theswartlandrevolution.com
11-12 November
The paths of two unique South African music legends will converge when pop/rock singer Karen Zoid and singer/poet Vusi Mahlasela, also known as ‘The Voice’ share the stage at The Fugard Theatre in District 6, Cape Town. These concerts set the example of two distinctly different greats coming together to emphasise the integration of South African people through combining their music and audiences. R150-R200 at Computicket.
13 November to 18 December.
As part of the World Opera and Ballet Season at the Fugard Theatre Bioscope, The Fugard Theatre in association with Emerging Pictures, New York, as proud to present: Coppelia - Bolshoi Ballet Moscow (13, 20 November); Tosca (26&27 November); Giselle 10&11 December; and Swan Lake - Bolshoi Ballet Moscow (17&18 December). English subtitles will be available. Tickets from R50 at Computicket, thefugard.com
22 November
Presented by Pieter Torien, Broadway’s longest running musical, Andrew Lloyd Webber’s
25-27 November
For a weekend of live bands and top DJs, get to Synergy Live at Boschendal estate in Franschhoek. Look forward to three days of dancing in the sun and moonlight, star
gazing and letting your hair down. The line-up features more than 60 local bands, including Ashtray Electric, Hot Water and Zebra & Giraffe. Tickets from R385 at Webtickets.co.za. More info at www.synergylive.co.za
2-4 December (plan for this in Nov)
Sip on local Cap Classique wines and French champagnes at the Franschhoek ‘Magic of Bubbles’ Festival, held in a large marquee on the lawns of the Huguenot Memorial. Top local restaurants, including Bread & Wine, Mange Tout, Babylonstoren and La Petite Ferme will be offering tasty cuisine to accompany the bubbly. Tickets R180, including a tasting glass and coupons, at Webtickets. www.franschhoek.org.za
Sing along to You Raise Me Up, Believe and To Where You Are at ‘A Special Evening with Josh Groban’, whose return to South Africa includes concerts at the Sun City Superbowl (26 & 27 November), Grand West in Cape Town (29 & 30 November) and Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in PE (2 December). Tickets from R375 at Computicket.
events taken from my pages in the khuluma and horizons magazines*
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