Out & About
Dance on Display
Dance lovers can look forward to seeing South African contemporary dance in all its forms as Dance Umbrella 2012 once again leaps onto various stages across Johannesburg from 17th February to 4th March. The 2012 programme will be jam-packed with new and exciting works from local choreographers, including Alfred Hinkel, Jay Pather, Mark Hawkins, Moya Michael, Robyn Orlin and Vincent Mantsoe. The choreographers will be presenting their work at the Market Theatre, the Dance Factory and the Goodman Space, Arts on Main. Tickets are available through Computicket. To download the full programme visit www.artslink.co.za/arts.
A Grape Time in the Country
With harvest time around the corner, it is time to make a plan to head out to the Robertson Wine Valley to experience the magic of the harvest. This year’s Hands-On Harvest will be taking place from 24th to 26th February, and promises to offer a wide variety of activities that are designed to appeal to both wine lovers and budding vintners. These include grape stomping, harvesting your own grapes, signing up for a wine tasting trail on horseback and picnicking in the vineyards. Visit http://www.handsonharvest.com/ for the full programme of activities. Booking is essential. Contact +27 23 626 3167, email manager@robertsonwinevalley.com or visit http://www.robertsonwinevalley.com/ for more information.
Art from the Heart
Pop in at Upstairs at Bamboo in Melville, Johannesburg, from 10th to 29th February for an exhibition that is guaranteed to lift your spirits, make you smile, and show you just how fabulous South African art is. The Art of Happiness: 13, curated by Vanessa Klevansky, showcases the work of 13 South African illustrators, printers and painters whose work captures life with a sense of joy and humour. The exhibitors include Essie Letterpress, Amelia from Whimsy, Alta Stegmann, Leigh from Loveburd, Tian van den Heever, and Juniper. Visit http://www.bamboo-online.co.za/ for more information.
A Blast from the Past
Dust off your legwarmers and your neon headbands, 80’s fans, as Rewind – The 80’s Festival is due to hit South African shores this February. Boasting a scorching hot line-up of performers from the most decadent decade in music, the festival is due to rock Durban’s Kings Park Stadium on 25th February. Originally launched in the UK in 2009, the festival was a surprise success and has subsequently been touring the world to high acclaim. The South African line-up is one of the festival’s best and includes Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet, Rick Astley, Midge Ure from Ultravox, Go West and The Village People. Tickets are available from Computicket.
Make your House a Home
Head to the Gauteng Homemakers Expo from 23rd to 26th February at Johannesburg’s Coca-Cola Dome for all the inspiration you need to create a home that no longer competes with the Jones’, but is instead imprinted with your own personal style, panache and identity. As well as 600 stands showcasing a vast range of home lifestyle and home improvement products, the expo also highlights the latest in home trends and is the country’s largest, multi-award winning home interest show. For more information, contact +27 86 111 4663 or visit http://www.homemakersonline.co.za/.
Highlights
March
Ramfest is set to rock stages in Port Elizabeth, Bloemfontein, Durban, Johannesburg and Cape Town from 2nd to 11th March with a stellar line-up of local and international artists. Tickets are available from http://www.ticketbreak.co.za/. Visit http://www.ramfest.co.za/ for more information.
Legendary singer Sting will be wowing audiences in Johannesburg (24th and 25th) and Cape Town (27th and 28th) in March as part of his Back to Bass World Tour. Tickets are available from Computicket.
The ninth edition of the Absa Cape Epic will take place from 25th March to 1st April. Interested mountain bike riders can register online at http://www.vineyardraces.co.za/.
April
The South African Ballet Theatre will be performing Giselle accompanied by the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra at the Joburg Theatre from 12th to 29th April. Visit http://www.saballettheatre.co.za/ for more information.
The Old Mutual Two Oceans Marathon will take place on 7th April in Cape Town. Runners can sign up for the 56 km ultra marathon, or the 21.1 km half marathon.�
Visit http://www.twooceansmarathon.org.za/ for more information.
