Esteemed and award winning writers such as Breyten Breytenbach, Gert Vlok Nel, Deborah Steinmair and Danie Maraishave have previously performed in the intimate atmosphere of the old homestead art gallery, which is situated in a centuries-old garden in the centre of Durbanville.

On 24 May from 19:30, acclaimed poets Gus Ferguson, Karin Schimke and Finuala Dowling (winner of the Ingrid Jonker, SANLAM and Olive Schreiner Prizes for Poetry) will be Painting With Words at the Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery in Durbanville.

• Gus Ferguson: A publisher, poet and cartoonist whose work the Witness describes as “witty and playful, demonstrating the writer’s verbal agility (and) idiosyncratic humour. Intelligent, original, informed, Ferguson’s work never fails to arrest attentions”. Gus Ferguson is a major figure in South Africa’s poetry circles. His published works include the poetry anthologies Snail Morning (1978), Doggerel Day (1982), Carpe Diem (1992), The Herding of the Snail, with Niki Daly (1995), Icarus Rising, Light Verse at the End of the Tunnel (1996), Stressed-Unstressed (2000), and Arse Poetica (2003). He has also published the cartoon collections Love Amongst the Middle-Aged and Waiting for Gateau
• Finuala Dowling: David Medalie in the Sunday Independent had this to say of Finuala Dowling: “the reader is drawn in by the humour, the pathos, the wry stoicism: but also by the tongue-in-cheek mischievousness, the evident delight in the swirl of words.” Finuala Dowling is an award winning poet and novelist. Her first volume of poetry, I Flying, won the Ingrid Jonker Prize and her second collection, Doo-Wop Girls of the Universe, was joint winner of the SANLAM award. Her third volume of poetry, Notes from the dementia ward (2008) won the Olive Schreiner Prize and was also short-listed for the University of Johannesburg Award and the Herman Charles Bosman Prize.
• Karin Schimke: A widely published journalist and columnist, and the Cape Times books editor. She also works as a writing tutor and mentor, an author of non-fiction, children’s books and short stories. She edited Open, an anthology of erotic short stories written by some of South Africa’s best known women writers. Her poetry has appeared in South Africa Writing, New Contrast, New Coin and Carapace magazines, and two poems have been anthologised. Her first collection of poetry was published by Modjaji in March this year, and is entitled Bare & Breaking.

The Painting With Words poetry evenings also serve as a platform for upcoming poets with an opportunity for open mic readings after the featured poets have performed.

Seating is limited and booking essential via the Rust-en-Vrede Art Gallery on 021 9764691.

Intimate Stranger

Price:

It’s time to once again Get Dressed for Success as Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle bring their old favourites plus new material back to South Africa after last year’s seven sold out performances.

Last year the talented duo released Charm School, their first studio album in a decade, and in March this year, Travelling: Songs from Studios, Stages, Hotelrooms and Other Strange Places. The album entered the top ten in three countries, including Sweden and Germany. Travelling features a mix of both new songs and re-workings of previously unreleased older material.

Albums such as Joyride and Crash! Boom! Bang! contributed to them selling an estimated 60 million albums worldwide – and had people crooning “Hello, you fool, I love you” and “Sleeping in my car, I will undress you”, in showers and karaoke bars everywhere.

Generations of people have fallen in love to the crooning lyrics of Listen to Your Heart and wiped tears away over It Must Have Been Love, come and sing along to Roxette live in action at GrandWest to remind yourself why they achieved 19 UK Top 40 hits and several US Hot 100 hits.

Roxette hit the Mother City on Friday 8 June 2012 at 20h00 in the GrandWest Grand Arena, Cape Town. Tickets cost from R320 to R480 from Computicket.

A Collection of Roxette..

Over their long career Swedish power-pop duo Roxette (Marie Fredriksson and Per Gessle) have had more hit records than they can probably remember. This compilation, put together to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the duo’s involvement with music, is an assiduous and timely reminder of their prestigious legacy. This compilation presents their greatest achievements to date, covering their significant releases from 1986 to 2006. Fans get a good long look at the band’s output, from 80s hits like “It Must Have Been Love”, “Dressed For Success” or “Listen To Your Heart”, through 90s singles “The Look”, “Dangerous”, “Joyride”, and “Run To You”, and right up to recent examples of the group’s extraordinary pop prowess, such as “Sleeping In My Car” and “The Centre Of The Heart”. The set even contains recent singles “One Wish” and “Reveal”. If this doesn’t provide a salve for your Roxette itch, nothing will. –Danny McKenna

List Price: £9.99

Price: £4.46

Music video by Roxette performing It Must Have Been Love.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Roxette @ Credicard Hall


Image by Focka
Segundo show da turnê brasileira da dupla sueca Roxette, realizado em São Paulo na Credicard Hall, em 10.04.2011

www.focka.com.br | Bruno Oliveira

In keeping with GIPCA’s interweaving of intellectual discourse with the experience of art, the weekend long event features a symposium, panel discussions, exhibitions, performances and film screenings.

The opening function includes an address by the highly respected writer and inspirational speaker Dr Sindiwe Magona, and a visit to the Fugard Theatre for the double Olivier Award-winning Kramer and Peterson musical, Kat and the Kings.

In addition to Dr Magona’s keynote speech, the opening evening will also be addressed by Deputy Vice Chancellor of UCT, Professor Thandabantu Nhlapo and Salley. Other discussions through the weekend feature speakers from a range of disciplines – taking place around the subjects of “Abundance”, “(Over) Abundance”, “Euphoria” and “Affinities”. Amongst several others are Wits University’s Thembinkosi Goniwe (Fine Art); Edgar Pieterse (UCT’s African Centre for Cities); Deborah Posel (Institute for Humanities in Africa); Nick Shepherd (UCT’s Centre for African Studies); Abdulkader Tayob (National Research Foundation Chair on Islam, African Publics and Religious Values) and Gabi Ncgobo (co-founder of the Centre for Historical Reenactments in Johannesburg).

Writer for The Sunday Independent and CNN African Journalism award winner Mary Corrigall speaks to the topic ReQuoting the Masters: Countering impoverishment through Dandyism; while internationally renowned scholar, curator, cultural theorist, and writer Jane Taylor looks at irrationality and excess in the face of destitution. The highly respected playwright and cultural activist Mike van Graan addresses the responsibilities of society in taking ownership of cultural production and its dissemination. Dr Zethu Matebeni, from HUMA (Institute of Humanities in Africa), considers notions of exuberance and female bodies, and same-sex interracial desire. Respected theatre director James Ncgobo will consider abundance and exuberance as perennial themes in his theatre productions; and artist, curator and academic Virginia MacKenny addresses issues of our natural world and environment.

The panels also feature several young award-winning artists and academics: Mamela Nyamza and Michael MacGarry (Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners and Donald Gordon Fellows), Christopher Swift (Spier Contemporary) and Mwenya Kabwe (Fleur du Cap).

The Exuberance Project points to a welcome turnaround in the enactment of all that emerges from the African continent; embracing themes that shift from lack to abundance, from Afro-pessimism to exuberance, from myths of a dark and brooding continent to vibrant, dynamic realism. Salley explains: “Exuberance is an abounding, effervescent emotion; but it is also a shining, flickering, fragile state”.

There will be performances by Mwenya Kabwe and Mamela Nyamza; and film screenings which include the acclaimed Grey Matter – set in Kigali, Rwanda; and directed by Kivu Ruhorahoza, it premiered at theTribeca Film Festival in 2011 and won both a Best Actor prize and a Special Jury Mention for its “audacious and experimental approach”.

Conference goers will also be treated to a visual feast with the opening of the Exuberance Project Exhibition at the Mandela Rhodes Gallery; as well as a walkabout around the city in an innovative project,The Callings; produced by Nicole Sarmiento, Memory Biwa, Toni Stuart and Tazneem Wentzel; featuring projections of art work on buildings, sound installations and performances.

Part of the vision for The Exuberance Project is to create an atmosphere of debate and discussion. At the symposium, audience will be seated at round tables and will also be posed questions for discussion for interactive, small group discussion. Also in keeping with GIPCA’s approach to create social spaces for disseminating ideas and for networking, the weekend’s conference features an opening cocktail event with supper, a Saturday evening social event, a Sunday brunch and a closing drinks event.

This weekend event will take place at Hiddingh Hall, University of Cape Town (UCT) Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, Cape Town from 11 – 13 May 2012. The full programme is available from www.gipca.uct.ac.za. For more information, contact the GIPCA office on 021 480 7156 / fin-gipca@uct.ac.za.

Afrocartography Barcelona

Bookings and ticket sales through Computicket (www.computicket.com).
Ticket prices – Adults:

• R150 – includes all lectures, panels, performances and film screenings, transport to the Fugard Theatre, exhibition opening and walking tour, the opening cocktail function, Sunday brunch, teas and closing drinks.
• R100 – Friday 11 May includes as above where applicable
• R50 – Saturday 12 May includes as above where applicable
• R50 – Sunday 13 May includes as above where applicable

Ticket prices – Students:

• R100 – includes all lectures, panels, performances and film screenings, transport to the Fugard Theatre, exhibition opening and walking tour, the opening cocktail function, Sunday brunch, teas and closing drinks.
• R75 – Friday 11 May includes as above where applicable
• R30 – Saturday 12 May includes as above where applicable
• R30 – Sunday 13 May includes as above where applicable

Author: Gilly Hemphill
Website: http://www.computicket.com

This week is also Book Week for Young Readers, and 50 children’s authors are busy making their rounds to every class in seven Franschhoek schools, where they are talking to over 4 300 learners – engaging in readathons, writing workshops, spelling bees and book competitions. Early feedback indicates that this is a resounding success with teachers and learners blown away by the programme.

Some of the events already sold out, or nearly fully booked, include the following: Pieter, not Evita, Freedom of information?, Favourite poems, On being bolshy, Challenging Beliefs, The Garden of Evening Mists, State secrets, Shooting Angels, What do publishers want?, Letting the cat out of the bag, Learning from our mistakes and Rolling up our sleeves.

There are however a few seats left for other exciting events, including Heroes & zombies, Novels as entertainment?, Don’t fence me in, The Technology Tsunami, Cellphone fiction: MXit with M4Lit, Gay writing: niche to mainstream?, Angola’s long shadow, Aid to Africa under the spotlight and Growing up: Joburg.

The FLF is also proud to be associated with a publication that encourages mother-tongue creative writing, and celebrates the publication of This is My Land, the UWC Creates anthology in three languages in event [20]. Duncan Brown will introduce Sindiwe Magona and Meg Vandermerwe, UWC creative writing teachers who, together with Antjie Krog, compiled this multilingual anthology of student writing. Contributing students will read, followed by a discussion about the anthology’s themes of land and home, and how this next generation of writers perceives them.

Vir wie’s wat lief is vir die geskrewe word in Afrikaans, gesels Helen Naude met Deon Meyer (7 Dae), Dana Snyman (Hiervandaan) en Kerneels Breytenbach (Piekniek by Hangklip) in So sien ek dit.

Pre-bookings can still be made on www.webtickets.co.za, and the full programme is available onwww.flf.co.za. Tickets will also be sold at the Franschhoek Town Hall during the long weekend.

The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund.

Sarah Lotz

Author: Gilly Hemphill
Website: http://www.flf.co.za

Celtic Woman featuring vocalists Chloë Agnew, Lisa Lambe, Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt and newest member Susan McFadden will be performing a range of classic Irish songs including “The Water Is Wide,” “Green Grow the Rushes,” “A Woman’s Heart,” “The Parting Glass”, timeless pop anthems – “Sailing”, and inspirational songs – “You’ll Never Walk Alone,” “Ave Maria” with their signature Celtic Woman twist,

Each of Celtic Woman’s past project releases debuted at #1 on the Billboard World Music Chart. With more than six million CDs/DVDs and over two million concert tickets sold worldwide, Celtic Woman has distinguished their sound with a spectacular live performance under the distinct musical direction of Emmy-nominated music producer, David Downes. When chatting about the tour he commented “our new BELIEVE tour is going to be an enthralling live stage production featuring the incredible Chloe, Lisa, Mairead and now the inspiring voice of our newest member Susan.” Susan joins the group as founding member Lisa Kelly is expecting her fourth child.

Described as ‘Riverdance for the Voice’ this Irish female singing sensation should not be missed.

• Johannesburg – presented by M-Net. 28th September 2012 at the Big Top Arena, Carnival City. Tickets from R320 – R735
• Cape Town – presented by M-Net. 2nd October 2012 at the Grand Arena, GrandWest. Tickets from R375 – R735. All tickets from Computicket – 0861 915 8000 or www.computicket.com

A New Journey

• Celtic Woman – A New Journey – Celtic Woman

Cd > Popular Music > RockCD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK

List Price: £15.99

Price: £4.73

Lisa Kelly sings “Caledonia” at the Slane Castle, Ireland
Video Rating: 4 / 5

During this week, more than 40 workshop facilitators and writers of books for children and young adults will visit every class (from Gr R to Gr 12) in seven Franschhoek schools, where they will talk to over 4 000 learners about topics relevant to their ages and home languages. The young readers will also take part in readathons, poetry, comic & lyric writing workshops, and book and poetry competitions. The week is supported by Nali’ibali, a reading club initiative soon to be rolled out country-wide by the Sunday Times, one of the FLF partners.

The FLF programme also includes events that young readers will enjoy. Student tickets are R20 for the first 6 events, available from Sheenagh at help@flf.co.za.

There are a few writers who have managed to lure younger readers into their imaginary worlds, and in Heroes and zombies, Edyth Bulbring finds out what the catch is when it comes to writing for teens from Sarah Lotz (Death of a Saint), Darrel Bristow-Bovey (SuperZero) and Palesa Morudu of Cover2Cover. Others have also managed to do crack the teen code, and in Cape voices Tracey Farren (Snake) chats to Yewande Omotoso (Bom Boy) and Maya Fowler (The Elephant in the Room), who more recently is an author of prizewinning teen fiction.

In Cellphone fiction: MXit with M4Lit, Arthur Attwell Hear talks about MXit was born and where books can be downloaded on cellphones, one short sizzling chapter a day, with Alan Knott-Craig Jnr of MXit, Gus Silber (author of The MXit Story) and Mignon Hardie of the FunDza Literary Trust.s. Gamers and geeks will enjoy tech wizard Arthur Goldstuck (World Wide Worx) and broadcaster Simon Dingle on the coming techno revolution in The Technology Tsunami.

In Growing up John Maytham talks to charismatic Chris van Wyk, Hawks spokesman McIntosh Polela and Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina about their childhood memoirs.

In This is My Land: launch of UWC Creates anthology in three languages Professor Duncan Brown introduces Sindiwe Magona and Meg Vandermerwe, UWC creative writing teachers who, together with Antjie Krog, compiled this multilingual anthology of student writing.

Draw Your Life, Publish Your Self! is a double session for graphics enthusiasts with some of SA’s top cartoon and comix artists and publishers (cost: R120. Book via Webtickets)

The FLF is very informal and audiences are invited to ask questions towards the end of the session. In the half-hour between events, festival-goers can grab a bite and a cooldrink from the coffee stall in the Town Hall, vendors on the street corners, or Pick ‘n Pay. The full programme of the 2012 Franschhoek Literary Festival is online at www.flf.co.za, with bookings open on www.webtickets.co.za.

Author: Gilly Hemphill
Website: http://www.flf.co.za

Naturally 7 incorporates a range of styles from R&B to pop, gospel and jazz, and they are known for their distinct a cappella style they call “Vocal Play”. With the unique ability to blend their rich harmonies and replicate the sound of instruments, Naturally 7 have gone from quiet success in Europe to the world stage. The groundbreaking “Ready II Fly” CD, featuring the now famous Paris subway YouTube hit, “Feel It (In the Air Tonight)”, led to the much coveted opening slot for Michael Bublé for the past 3 years and their most recent CD/DVD-release ‘VocalPlay’ also includes a duet with Buble.

The group have been invited to perform at the prestigious Princes Trust in the UK, the TED conference, BET Honours where they received a standing ovation for “Rockit”, their Herbie Hancock tribute song, and at the Martin Luther King Jr. National Memorial Week celebrations, as well as other TV-shows like Jay Leno’s ‘Tonight-Show’, ‘Ellen De Generes’ and Germany’s ‘Wetten Dass…’. Naturally 7 has also teamed up with Quincy Jones and Ludacris for Quincy’s CD, “Soul Bossa Nostra”. -The group has released 6 CD’s including “Ready II Fly”, “Wall of Sound”, “Vocal Play” and “Christmas: A Love Story”.

Michael Buble Tour Itinerary

• Cape Town: 1,2 and 3 May 2012 at the Grand Arena, Grandwest Casino and Entertainment World.
• Sun City: 5 and 6 May 2012 at the Sun City Superbowl.

Call Me Irresponsible (Standard Edition)

• Michael Buble – Call Me Irresponsible Brazil Import

Cd > Popular Music > RockCD > POPULAR MUSIC > ROCK

List Price: £8.99

Price: £3.48

© 2007 WMG Michael Bublé – “Everything” as heard on Call Me Irresponsible available on iTunes: wbr.fm Connect with Michael: www.michaelbuble.com http www.facebook.com www.twitter.com www.itunes.com LYRICS: You’re a falling star, you’re the get away car. You’re the line in the sand when I go too far. You’re the swimming pool, on an August day. And you’re the perfect thing to say. And you play it coy but it’s kinda cute. Ah, when you smile at me you know exactly what you do. Baby don’t pretend that you don’t know it’s true. ’cause you can see it when I look at you. [Chorus:] And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing. You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything. You’re a carousel, you’re a wishing well, And you light me up, when you ring my bell. You’re a mystery, you’re from outer space, You’re every minute of my everyday. And I can’t believe, uh that I’m your man, And I get to kiss you baby just because I can. Whatever comes our way, ah we’ll see it through, And you know that’s what our love can do. [Chorus] So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la [Chorus:] And in this crazy life, and through these crazy times It’s you, it’s you, you make me sing. You’re every line, you’re every word, you’re everything. You’re every song, and I sing along. ‘Cause you’re my everything. Yeah, yeah So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la So, la, la, la, la, la, la, la
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Naturally Seven´s recorded a music video thats rocking on mtv like crazy in europe.
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Michael Buble at 6am <3


Image by FonnaTasha

Daily workshops in the newly refurbished Gordyntjies pub and restaurant will demonstrate how to rejuvenate and care for old hand-me-downs, vintage items, used household items and even gardens. The graciously elegant lodge provides over 1,5-hectares of covered display space for vintage collectables such as décor items, jewellery, glass and silverware, vintage-inspired clothing, kitchenalia, garden accessories and irresistible bric ‘n brac and priceless antiques. Incanda experts will conduct daily presentations on furniture restorations with fascinating DIY tips. Special entertainment for kids will be provided to keep the little ones busy, while parents enjoy a leisurely stroll around the market.

Learn how to pull off the hottest vintage fashion looks with a vintage fashion workshop presented by a well-known South African style guru Isabella Niehaus on Friday, 27 April. Visitors are encouraged to bring along a vintage item and be part of a make-over to create real vintage va-va-voom, include clothing, accessories, hair and make-up. Other sessions and demonstrations include author Neil Stemmet chatting about heritage food and his best-seller book sout + peper as well as décor techniques demonstrated by Paint & Décor in conjunction with lemon & lime.

The Simondium’s Country Lodge is located along the R45 between Paarl and Franschhoek. Visitors can browse through the market and relax in the lush gardens for refreshments. The Vintage Ideas market will be open from 09h30 to 16h00 from Friday, 27 April, to Monday, 30 April. Tickets are R30 for adults, while children enter free. Ample parking and security are available on site.

Pull off the hottest vintage fashion looks with a vintage fashion workshop presented by a well-known South African style guru Isabella Niehaus.

Prof De Vos’s talk will engage with an article published by Rhodes University philosopher Samantha Vice entitled “How do I live in this Strange Place”, in which she reflects critically and sensitively on what it is to be white in a country like South Africa and how white people should live in this country – the “strange place” of her title.

The talk will explore ways in which South Africans can engage in an ethically responsible manner with the many complex issues faced by the country without trying to erase the past and the effects of that past that lingers still. Vice’s approach of working on the self to become a better person that feels appropriate shame for being white and being part of a system that has benefited one, and of turning away from an engagement with the political reality of South Africa; is both problematic and inadequate, argues De Vos. Relying on the concept of active citizenship, the talk will pose questions about the responsibility of white South Africans in particular to become ethically attuned citizens engaged in the difficult work of building a better society.

Prof Pierre de Vos, a widely respected authority in his field, holds the Claude Leon Foundation Chair in Constitutional Governance in the Department of Public Law at the University of Cape Town, where he teaches Constitutional Law. He has published widely in academic journals on a wide range of topics including affirmative action and equality, sexual orientation discrimination and the enforcement of social and economic rights. He writes a regular and widely read Blog called Constitutionally Speaking and is the chairperson of the Board of the Aids Legal Network, an NGO promoting a human rights approach to dealing with HIV and Aids.

This event will take place at Hiddingh Hall, University of Cape Town (UCT) Hiddingh Campus, Orange Street, Cape Town on Thursday 19 April at 17:30 and entrance is free. Refreshments will be served from 17:00. No Booking is necessary. For more information on the series, please contact 021 480 7156 or fin-gipca@uct.ac.za.

Author: Fiona Gordon
Website: http://www.gipca.uct.ac.za

The Bev Scott-Brown Trio will appear at the Jackson Hall, GrandWest Casino, every Wednesday, Friday and Saturday during May 2012 from 21h00 onwards. Entry is free

Bev Scott-Brown is the lead vocalist for the Jonny Cooper Orchestra and Blaze Band. She was invited to perform for the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in 2007 when she launched her debut album. She is an experienced session singer and her style ranges from Jazz to current Pop.

Pianist and composer, Andrew Ford is vastly experienced in performing all genres of music, writing for orchestra and producing jingles and movie sound tracks. He is a founding member of successful Cape Town band VJR and runs his own recording studio, The Nuthouse.

Bassist Wesley Rustin is a highly sought after bassist, having performed with the likes of Hotep Galeta, Mark Fransman, Winston Mankuku. He performed bass for the 2004 Olympics in Athens with the band Straight and Narrow.

The Hansa Special Inside truck has already made its first appearance in East London and will now move on to Gugulethu, bringing some of South Africa’s hottest live acts such as Zakes Bantwini and Liquideep to perform for fans. Fans will also get to see some of the winners of the Hansa search who had the opportunity to open for Usher at the Hansa Festival of Legends in March.

“With the Hansa Special Inside truck we have tapped into the pop-up party trend which sees those in the know gathering in a non-traditional areas to attend temporary parties,” says Hansa Marketing Manager Mosidi Seretlo. “Pop-up parties have been happening in cities such as London and New York for years, now Hansa is bringing the concept to eKasi. Just like Hansa has something ‘special inside’ each bottle with the kiss of the Saaz hop, each truck also has a unique surprise on board. In addition to an evening filled with entertainment, one lucky part-goer will walk away with R100 000 in cash.”

Lucky East London resident Yolisa Nongauza won the Hansa Special Inside prize of R100 000, which is up for grabs in each city with loads of other prizes.  “The party was great – even more so after I won,” says Nongauza, who plans to use the money to study tourism.

Entry to the Hansa Special Inside parties is R30 per person. The pop-up parties will move around the country to Umlazi, Polokwane, Rustenberg, Thembisa, Ga-rankuwa and Soweto.

No entry for persons under the age of 18.

At Mzoli’s in Gugulethu


Image by hadsie

At a time when many publications are going online and growing numbers of readers move to Kindles and iPads, it seems that there is a hunger for the more tangible experience of meeting the people who write them.

Village venues are all within a short walking distance from the heart of the festival with its pop-up bookshop and coffee stall in the Town Hall. Street-corner vendors will offer quick snacks as people hurry between events, and local cafés and restaurants will be geared to quick service.

Few subjects are taboo at the FLF. Events planned for 2012 vary from the latest and best in South African writing to scientific controversy, hot politics to cool poetry, history to green issues, serious fiction to crime novels, bad sex to chick lit to tweeting.

Audiences leaving the final events on Friday and Saturday can enjoy glasses of complimentary Porcupine Ridge wine before moving on to restaurants, literary dinners and evening entertainments. These will include a Pieter-Dirk Uys cabaret, dinners with classical music, and the invitation-only shortlist announcement for the Sunday Times literary awards.

With book launches, themed classical music concerts in the NG Church during the day, the annual Wine Writer’s Prize announcement and publishers’ bunfights also vying for time and attention, there is bound to be something to tickle every literary tastebud at FLF 2012.

The programme will go online at www.flf.co.za the beginning of March. Bookings open in early March.

FLF PROGRAMME HIGHLIGHTS

• Debates involving Moeletsi Mbeki, Jonathan Jansen, Francis Wilson, Sindiwe Magona, Andrew Feinstein, Achille Mbembe, Njabulo Ndebele, Marianne Thamm, Ari Sitas and many others
• Pieter-Dirk Uys in conversation and in cabaret as Bambi Kellermann (Friday and Saturday evenings)
• Journalism issues with Anton Harber, Fiona Forde, Alex Perry, Denis Beckett, Mandy Wiener and cartoonist Zapiro
• Events centred on their memoirs with Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, Alexandra Fuller, Chris van Wyk, McIntosh Polela and sport scientist Tim Noakes
• South African novelists Ivan Vladislaviæ, Imraan Coovadia, Michiel Heyns, Finuala Dowling, Leon de Kock, Shaun Johnson, Brent Meersman, Tan Twan Eng and new voices Elaine Proctor and Yewande Omotoso
• A script-to-stage discussion between theatre doyenne Janice Honeyman and playwrights Mike van Graan, Craig Higginson and Pieter-Dirk Uys
• Top crime novelists Deon Meyer, Margie Orford, Andrew Brown, Joanne Hichens and new voices Hawa Golakai from Liberia and Shamini Flint from Singapore
• Book club favourites Alexandra Fuller, Richard Mason, Cynthia Jele and Marita van der Vyver
• Satirists Ndumiso Ngcobo, Gareth Cliff and Azad Essa of Durban who will be coming from Doha where he works for Al Jazeera
• Debates around press freedom, mavericks, great schools, the arms trade, the aftermath of the Border war with Angola, the price of fame, aid in Africa, freelancing, tweeting, Muslim issues, the Congo diaspora, local publishing and – what else? – politics
• History events focusing on wars (Bill Nasson), powerful women from the past (Marié Heese), thinkers Fanon and Steve Biko, the 100th anniversary of the ANC, and recent biographies of Bram Fischer – both of whose daughters, Ruth and Ilse, will take part – and Liberal Party chairman Peter Brown
• Friday topics for learners and students: teen reading, anecdotes about growing up, MXit and M4Lit with Alan Knott-Craig jnr, Gus Silber and Arthur Attwell, and recent technology trends with Arthur Goldstuck and Simon Dingle
• A special event to launch “This is My Land – writing from the University of the Western Cape’s UWC CREATES programme”, compiled by Antjie Krog, Meg Vandermerwe and Sindiwe Magona from student creative writing in Afrikaans, English and isiXhosa
• The annual event for cookbook writers with Reuben Riffel, Marita van der Vyver, Zuretha Roos and Annalie Nel, chaired by Abigail Donnelly
• Cartoon fundi Andy Mason in a comic/graphic discussion leading into an event about self-publishing
• A gay writing event organised by Robin Malan: From Niche to Mainstream
• Lively poetry encounters organised by Finuala Dowling with poets Ingrid de Kok, Gus Ferguson, Leon de Kock, Dawn Garisch, Karin Schimke, Isobel Dixon, Margaret Clough and Bev Rycroft; Finuala will also conduct an open poetry workshop.

There will be more one-on-one conversations, and as usual, the events will be conducted by expert chairpeople including Jenny Crwys-Williams, Michele Magwood, John Maytham, Francis Wilson, Karabo Kgoleng, Marianne Thamm, Lynda Gilfillan, Jeremy Boraine, Sean O’Toole and others.

For the first time, a Book Week for Young Readers will precede the FLF with visits from over 40 volunteer writers to every class in seven Franschhoek schools, where they will talk to over 4 000 learners who will also be engaged in readathons, writing workshops, spelling bees and book competitions.

The FLF is presented in association with Porcupine Ridge Wines and the Sunday Times, and is further made possible through the generosity of Franschhoek guest house owners and voluntary workers who give their time and energy to make it an event to remember. Ticket proceeds and other donations go towards the FLF Library Fund.

Lebo Mashile signs a book at the FLF

Author: Fiona Gordon
Website: http://www.flf.co.za

The first half of the show will transport the audience to the beginning of the Elvis phenomenon in the 50′s and 60′s, with songs such as Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Don’t be Cruel and Heartbreak Hotel. The second half of the show covers Elvis’ Las Vegas comeback in the 70s and his rhinestone jumpsuit period when he produced hits such as Suspicious Minds, The Wonder of You and Burning Love to name a few.

For James Marais, Elvis is more than a show, it’s his passion. In 2010 he won the title of best Elvis Tribute Artist in South Africa, earning him the right to represent the country at the Elvis Festival in the UK and Wales. He was placed fourth in the competition, against contestants from 12 other countries.

Performing alongside James is drummer Ian Black, lead guitarist Louis Coetzee, Vernon Barnard on acoustic guitar, Anthony Kinsley on bass and Nick Pay on keyboards. Backing and lead vocals are provided by Monique Cassells and Dominique van Rensberg. The show includes Nicoll Pitt and Claire Schrickker as back-up dancers and Fanie Schoeman as the MC.

Tickets are available from Computicket at R67. Doors open at 20h00 and the show starts at 20h30.

Elv1s: 30 #1 Hits

• Elvis Presley – Elv1s 30 #1 Hits

ELVIS PRESLEY 30 #1 Hits (Deleted 2002 official Indonesian issue CD album featuring 31 #1 hits including bonus track A Little Less Conversation – JXL Radio Edit Remix sealed picture sleeve)Heralded in the UK by an ultra-cool remix by JXL, Elvis: 30 #1 Hits is one of the most succinct packages of Presley’s best work ever released. Based on the idea of the Beatles 1album, this compilation includes all 31 Elvis singles that have been number one in either the US or the UK.

Set in roughly chronological order, the collection begins with his first hit, the swaggering “Heartbreak Hotel”. Despite digital remastering it still sounds nearly half a century old when compared to his most recent (and posthumous) hit “A Little Less Conversation”, but it remains a timeless classic for new generations to discover. Most people–young or old–will know of or be able to hum a few bars from most of the songs here. Many a karaoke singer will have had a stab at “Love Me Tender” or “Suspicious Minds”; others will have heard a family member brutally crooning their way through “Are You Lonesome Tonight?” or “It’s Now or Never”.

Twenty-five years after Elvis’s untimely death, younger generations have become accustomed to the image of Presley as a tragic icon of comedy excess, remembering him for garish jump-suits, trademark shades and a thick black quiff. Elvis: 30 #1 Hits will remind many that he was the King for a very good reason. –David Trueman

List Price: £5.99

Price: £2.49

Oh me oh my it’s only the Elvis wardrobe!

Image by id-iom
Did you know Elvis had an identical twin? Well, did you? I certainly didn’t until I started having to do a little Elvis research on the weekend. It’s funny the little things you remember isn’t it.

There I was on the weekend enjoying a beverage in the local hostelry when we had a call out of the blue asking if we could pull out our best ‘Changing Rooms‘ impression to help prepare for a new teenage bedroom which, after being constructed in secrecy whilst he was at school yesterday, would be ready for his birthday celebrations when he got back. After a little deliberation we agreed and this much we knew – it had to feature Elvis, a grey staffy dog and there was a little water damage to the wallpaper (from a shower upstairs) which had to have a little makeover. We only had a couple of days to prepare and then had to get it all done in the time it would take him to go to school and back…

Cheers

id-iom

Described as the cutting edge of technology the game seats up to four players inside a booth, and from there they’ll be taken on a viewing adventure complete with authentic motion. The themed rides currently available are ‘Classic Rollercoaster’, ‘Snow Coaster’, Cosmic Coaster, King of Python, Tomb of the Pharaoh and Legend of the Dragon with more expected to follow soon. Rides cost R40 each and a height restriction applies.

Between 24 March and 9 April, visitors can also expect to encounter the Easter Bunny every day between 13h00 and 13h30 and they can have their faces painted to look like him between 12h00 and 12h45 and 19h00 and 19h45 daily. Mime artists, balloon twisters and a magician will be on complex between 12h00 and 14h00 and from 19h30 to 21h30.

The stellar line up includes singers Nianell, Jannie Moolman, Mathys Roets, Emo Adams, Bok van Blerk, Kevil Leo, Elle Amor, Nicholis Louw, Coenie de Villiers, Riaan Hunter, Loyiso Bala, Andriette Norman and Gerhard Steyn, as well as popular band Die Broers. Also included in the bill is the South African Youth Choir under the leadership of Andre van der Merwe and pianist Elzeth Germishuys.

The show starts at 15h00 and tickets are available from Computicket between R120 and R160.

Dancers and choreographers are sweating it out while the costume designers are taking advantage of 3D scanning technology to ensure that each performer is perfectly fitted in their fantastic costumes. Float builders are building 9 richly decorated, non-motorised floats taking spectators on a journey from Cape to Cairo.

Community performance groups have been rehearsing for 5 months with the Cape Town Carnival’s Choreographer. A mass rehearsal will be held on Saturday, 10 March 2012 from 08h30 to 10h30 at Bridgetown Community Centre, Cornflower Road, Athlone.
This rehearsal will bring together representatives from 45 community performance groups from 23 areas of Cape Town. 70 lead dancers from 16 areas of Cape Town have the honour of wearing the larger than life costumes. We anticipate 450 participants (one third of total). This rehearsal allows the Carnival team the opportunity to attend to issues of timing, formations and music.. Lead Carnival Choreographer; Bheki Ndlovu, will be putting the lead dancers and their respective companies through their paces to ensure a flawless delivery on the big night.

The Cape Town Carnival invites you to send a journalist and a photographer to attend the mass rehearsal on Saturday to cover this exciting story.

The Cape Town Carnival is a celebration of the diversity and inclusivity of the people of Cape Town expressed through dance, performance and creativity of more than 2000 participants and creative workers.

The Cape Town Carnival parade is forerun by street performers on the Fan Mile and a concert in the Cape Town Stadium forecourt featuring Chad Saaiman and Friends from 5pm to 7pm. The full Carnival parade will begin at 8pm and run from Dixon Street to York Street (near Stadium) in Greenpoint. . Food and merchandise vendors and good viewing areas will be located on the Stadium side of the Fan Mile.

After the Carnival parade, DJ Dino Bravo will be spinning the decks until midnight.

The Cape Town Carnival actively involves Capetonians as spectators and participants and is free to the public. MyCiti buses and , Metrorail and (Golden Arrow?) will be running late to take revelers safely home.

For more information check out the Cape Town Carnival website at www.capetowncarnival.com
Contact Ayesha Toyer 021 – 466 1052
ayesha@capetowncarnival.com

Author: Fabrice Muya
Website: http://www.capetowncarnival.com