Robert Kirby
CHANNELVISION
What adds to the horror of the violence that frequently occurs is that it no longer surprises. Our daily news is stitched through with the often vicious reactions of a society as it reveals the ferocity of its embedded prejudices. This is the new and even more terrible “struggle” and, as if what went before “liberation” wasn’t bad enough, we now are being led and influenced by those who would divide us even more efficiently than apartheid ever did.
That our deepening sense of division the dangerous “two nations” notion both emanated from and continues to be distended by those among the very highest ranks of the government is plain to see. In his pronouncements President Thabo Mbeki seems clinically incapable of abandoning reference to what he sees as ingrained racism among whites. He is, as is his wont, being only partly realistic. There are legions of reprobate white people in South Africa, no one denies that. But among the black population there is probably a comparable percentage of those who strongly resist the bridging of the racial divide. What Mr Mbeki and his minions apparently ignore are the practical effects of all their emphasis of these harsh persuasions.
Among his minions is, of course, the trusty old SABC (at last this becomes a television column), which, day by day, slavishly emulates its master’s voice. Rare indeed is the SABC news bulletin that does not, in some way or other, reflect on the government’s obsessions with either latter-day racism or its aetiologies.
Like patiently rehearsed mantras SABC bulletins are forever chanting variations on stock phrases: “The legacy of apartheid lives on in the Northern Province”; “In a racist attack, two young black men were brutally murdered”. Similar comments infest the news bulletins, not only of the SABC but of e.tv and many newspapers and it is naive to ignore the possible consequences of this routine shaking of the racist fist. Inevitably there must be sociopathic repercussions. Hitler proved that continual propaganda by state-controlled press and radio can obliterate the reason and human compassion of an entire nation. Is the SABC ignoring that awful lesson?
It is not that anyone would want to have a “good news” SABC; what is needed is a national broadcaster which relays news stories unflecked by steadfast aspersion. The average SABC television news bulletin has often little to do with news as such. Many of them have become the trellis-work for small documentary inserts. Add to that the traditional SABC practice of being a mouthpiece for reigning politicians and the bulletins become even less reliable. Last week the first 11 minutes of an SABC3 bulletin were devoted to what President Mbeki had to say about three different issues at three different venues. That’s more than a third of the bulletin.
The saddest part of all this concentrated vexation is that it shows so little compassion for its recipients. The bulk of the SABC’s audience is among the as yet dispossessed. Apartheid was not nearly enough misery, it would seem. Watching or listening to the SABC it looks as though it has decided that the resentments against the apartheid system and its terrible hangovers continually need to be stirred and re-heated. It is not that as a nation we should ever forget, but surely now and then we should be allowed the occasional breath of clean air.
Ceaseless digging at a wound will always inhibit its recovery and will make its pain a lot worse. Much of the savage interracial violence in this country from both sides is a recognisable corollary to what is written and broadcast. Behind every racial attack can be heard the echoes of feelings of resentment and enmity engendered daily by the SABC and those like it. That the SABC is the loudest voice makes its irresponsibility the more culpable. The only question is whether it does it on purpose as crude political expedience or simply out of stupidity.
To end on a pleasanter note. I’m already on record as being a devoted fan of SABC newsreader Nadia Levin, but I can’t say I agree with her astounding new hair colour. I believe it’s described by its manufacturers as electric magenta.
This exuberant burnish is reminiscent of the colour used by circus clowns, their so-called lurid “shock wigs”, where by use of a hidden air bulb the hair could be made to stand on end.
I hope Nadia isn’t going to do anything like that.
@THEATRE
Matthew Krouse
Agfa Theatre on the Square, Sandton Square. Last chance to catch Yasmina “Art” Reza’s comedy Life X 3. Fiona Ramsay gives the performance of her life. Co-starring are Graham Hopkins, Robert Hobbs and Louise Barnes. Directed by Alan Swerdlow. Until June 30. On until July 7 is the kiddies’ show Betty Button the Bouncing Baby Baboon a well-presented, but somewhat low-key storytime experience. Tickets at Computicket (www. computicket.com) or Tel: 883 8606.
Arena, State Theatre, Pretoria. Jana Cilliers plays Joan II in The American Popess. The year is 2033 and the Catholic Church has done away with all existing taboos. What will the world’s first woman pope make of religion void of tradition and succumbing to the marketing strategies of the consumer world? Mark Graham directs. Until June 30. Book at Computicket. Tel: (012) 322 1665.
Barney Simon Theatre, Market Theatre complex. Hallelujah! is written by Xoli Norman (better known as a musical director) and directed by Fiona Ramsay. A success story of the 2000 Barney Simon Young Writer’s Festival, the play examines the different approaches to making art in the 21st century. With Oscar Motsikoe, Fats Bookholane and Lerato Thooe. From July 1 to August 26. Tel: 832 1641.
Circus Maximus Theatre, Caesars Gauteng, Kempton Park. Motown Gold. Carlo Spettu and Hazel Feldman ride the soul train with a fab and accomplished cast of nine and MC Basil Appolis. Voices that will blow you away and fine moves on a mediocre set. Tickets range from R75. Until August 12. Tel: 928 1000.
Colosseo, Montecasino, Fourways. The Glitter Sisters crown a night of food and drink at this informal haunt. See the Andrews Sisters, Cher and Barbara Ray come alive with gay aplomb. Wednesday nights at 8.30pm. Tel: 511 0239.
Civic Theatre, Braamfontein. Last chance to see the Broadway holiday-time spectacular Annie. With alternating juvenile leads by Phumi Mthembu and Lauren Levenson and major leads by Michael Richard, Michelle Maxwell, Taryn Sudding and Craig Urbani. Directed by Charmaine Weir Smith. Until July 8. Book at Ticketweb. Tel: 403 3408.
Globe Theatre, Gold Reef City Casino. African Footprint, the song-and-dance spectacular that has enthralled princes and presidents, has been extended until the end of September. Tel: 248 5168.
Johannesburg Youth Theatre, Parktown. Take the kids to a musical adaptation of Frances Hodgson Burnett’s The Secret Garden. Shows at 10.30am and 2.30pm. Tel: 484 1584.
Laager Theatre, Market Theatre complex, Newtown Cultural Precinct. Coco Merckel does No Room for Squares, a funny look at the colourful characters that make up the tight-knit coloured community of Gauteng, backed by a charming collection of musical relatives. Directed by Robert Colman. Until July 8. Tel: 832 1641.
Market Theatre Laboratory, Newtown Cultural Precinct. Theatresports takes place here on Sunday nights at 6pm. An all-star cast includes Toni Morkel and Kenneth Nkosi (R15). Tel: 836 0516.
The Moonbox, Gerhard Moerdyk Street, Sunnyside, Pretoria. Come dig deep into your soul with Living in Strange Lands: The Testimony of Tsafedas and Zoo Story, presented by Post Punk Productions and Eye-Line respectively. On June 29 only.
Off Broadway, Grant Avenue, Norwood. Currently showing is the follow-up Absolutely Fabulously Broadway II, with Keith Smith, Ansie du Plessis and Dominic Pacaut. Until the end of July. Website:www.peoplestheatre. co.za. Tel: 403 1563.
Opera, State Theatre, Pretoria. The ballet Carmen plays here until July 1, produced by the South African Ballet Theatre. In the leads see Andries Weidemann and Burnise Silvius in this adaptation of Bizet’s classic opera. Book now at Computicket for the Bolshoi Ballet from July 27 to 29. Tel: (012) 322 1665.
Pieter Toerien’s Montecasino Theatre, William Nicol Drive, Fourways. Catch musical all-rounder Rory Rootenberg in Reflections, ending on June 30. Until July 8, on Sundays at 5.30pm, see Malcolm Terrey and Ashley Dowds in The Other Side of the Swamp. Previewing from July 10 is the retro drama The Graduate with Dorothy Ann Gould and Theo Landry. Look out for the return of Tim Plewman’s Defending the Caveman in October. Tel: 511 1818.
People’s Theatre, Thabong Theatre, Loveday Street, Braamfontein. Mowgli and a cast of jungle creatures come alive in kids’ holiday show Jungle Book. Until August 11. Tel: 403 1563.
Sangita Barnyard Theatre, Alberton. Ian von Memerty’s Eighties look-back Glory Days ends on June 30. Booking is open for a short season of Natanil from July 4 to 7. Tel: 869 2666.
Rendezvous, State Theatre, Pretoria. The Three Tenors features Agos Moahi, Given Mabena and Lucky Sibande, and is narrated by Ashley Dowd. Three of the country’s finest voices perform music from the operas, the musicals, classics and traditional African songs. Until July 14. Tel: (012) 322 1665.
Sound Stage, Midrand. Feelin’ Groovy! Take 2. Look back at the chart toppers that coloured your youth (or that of your grandparents) in this revival of a revival of a revival. Until the end of July. Tel: 315 5084.
Standard Bank National Arts Festival, Grahamstown. TheEasternCape comes alive this week when the art world converges on Grahamstown. Highlights of the main stage include the Dance Factory’s Oliver, the MarketTheatre’s The Blacks and Brett Bailey’s Big Dada. There is also a theatre fringe, music of all genres and art and crafts. More info:www.sbfest.co.za or Tel:(046) 622 6692.
Victory Theatre, Louis Botha Avenue, Lower Houghton. Andre the Hilarious Hypnotist mystifies until July 15. Tel: 483 2793.
Windybrow, Nugget Hill, Doornfontein. Enquiry combines the directorial talents of Maropodi Mapalakanye, Philippe Monvallier, Motsumi Makhene, Gamakhulu Diniso and Disemelo Khasu in a multimedia docudrama about the June 16 student uprisings. Until June 30. Tel: 720 7009.
Wits Theatre, Jorissen Street, Braamfontein. Johannesburg Youth Ballet celebrates its silver jubilee until June 30 with dances from La Sylphide with Nigel Hannah and Tanja Graafland, Circle by Rulov Senekal and a contempary work by Portia Mashigo. Tel: 784 9570.
@FINEART
Kathryn Smith
African Window (National Cultural History Museum), 149 Visagie Street, Pretoria. Pierneef: Master of Medium runs until the beginning of July. The museum also hosts a long-term exhibition on ancient Egypt, including a Fayum mummy, a death mask and other artefacts (and artefacsimiles). Tel: (012) 324 6082.
Alastair Findlay Showcase, first floor, opposite Franco’s restaurant, 54 Tyrone Avenue, Parkview. Northern Province artist Amos Letsoalo exhibits paintings and drawings until the end of July. Tel: 486 2940.
Alliance Franaise, 17 Lower Park Drive (corner of Kerry Road), Parkview. Meditations is a two-person exhibition featuring artists Clifford Charles and Pauline Mazibuko. Ends on June 30. Tel: 646 1169.
Art on Paper, 8 Main Road, Melville. Community printmaking centre The Artist Proof Studio presents a selection of recent work. The exhibition will be opened by Kim Berman on Sunday June 30 at 2.30pm. Ends July 18. Tel: 726 2234.
Art Space, 3 Hetty Avenue, Fairland. A group show features work by Jrgen Schadeberg, Patrick de Mervelec, Pascual Tarazona, Eleni Neocleous, Arlene Amaler-Raviv and Marietjie Kumst. Ends July 27. Tel: 678 1206.
Association of Arts Pretoria, 173 Mackie Street, Nieuw Muckleneuk, Pretoria. Equus: The Horse as Symbol brings together the work of contemporary artists who are working with the time-honoured theme of the horse in visual culture. The exhibition will be opened by George Fivas on July 1 at 5.30pm. Ends July 19. Professor Karin Skawran lectures on The Twentieth Century: Watercolours in Europe and South Africa on July 4. Tel: (012) 346 3100.
Bensusan Museum of Photography, MuseuMAfricA, 121 Bree Street, Newtown. A Special Story by Heidi Saayman explores the lives of mentally handicapped children and their families. Huck Orban shows luminous, hand-painted photographic landscapes in his exhibition Gathering Light. Both exhibitions are open to the public from July 1 with an opening function with Jrgen Schadeberg on July 22 at 3pm. Tel: 833 5624.
Camouflage Art.Culture.Politics, 140 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood. An exhibition by London-based artist Yinka Shonibare is on. He styles himself as a Victorian dandy and inserts himself into quasi-historical tableaux that are photographed, or creates Victorian mannequin figures with African garments. Until June 30. Tel: 447 5461.
Gallery 111, The Don building, 414 Commissioner Street (corner of Grace Street), Fairview. James de Villiers presents a multimedia exhibition entitled The Architecture of Air, “a meditation on the changing qualities of the sky and the philosophical connotations of the way we relate to clouds historically, physically and spiritually”. The exhibition opens on June 30 at 7pm. Ends July 14. Website:www. artslink.co.za/111. Tel: 083 763 8216.
Gilles Botbyl Gallery, corner of Duncan and Pretorius streets, Arcadia, Pretoria. See graphic art works by Czech artist Marina Richterov until July 7. Tel: (012) 342 2569.
Goodman Gallery, 163 Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkwood. Durban-based artist Jeremy Wafer presents new work, including photographs, paintings on glass and sculptural pieces. Also the subject of the next monograph in the TaXi series, Wafer’s work is an intensely considered interrogation of geographies, seriality, form and observation. Until June 30. Tel: 788 1113.
Hyde Park shopping centre, Johannesburg. The Miniature Art Society of South Africa presents its annual exhibition until July 1 a showcase of the art of miniature painting. More information: Tel: 442 5066.
Little Louvre, 69 11th Street, Parkhurst. Opening on June 30 at 10 am, Lindi Marais and Rushka Gamaroff show a collection of works on paper. Ends on July 6. Tel: 327 1384.
Maitisong Art Gallery, Kopanong Centre (ex-Bizarre Centre), corner of Rockey and Raymond streets, Yeoville. The gallery hosts a traditional Nigerian cultural festival, featuring Nigerian-born painter Ozor-Ejike Ezefuna and South African Selemogo Maleho. The exhibition ends on July 27. Website: www.artslink. co.za/maitisong. Tel: 487 0937/083 528 3090.
Manor Gallery, Watercolour Society of South Africa, Norscot Manor Centre, Penguin Drive, Fourways. See an exhibition of fine photography featuring work by Bob Cnoops, Michael Meyersfeld and others. Ends on July 8. Website: www.wssa.org.za. Tel: 465 7934.
Millennium II, 19 Jellicoe Avenue (corner of Bath Avenue, Rosebank. A new contemporary art space for Jo’burg art lovers opens as a spin-off of the Pretoria space of the same name. The launch exhibition, which will rotate throughout July, features Abrie Fourie, Bonita Alice, Braam Kruger, CJ Morkel, Clifford Charles, Ian Waldeck, Jackson Hlungwani, Luan Nel, Marcus Neustetter, Nhlanhla Xaba, Retha Erasmus, Sandile Zulu, Terry Kurgan, Wayne Barker, Willem Boshoff and Wim Botha. Tel: 083 379 8584.
MuseuMAfricA, 121 Bree Street, Newtown. POW: Arts and Crafts 1900-1902 is an exhibition of art works and handicrafts produced by prisoners of war during the Anglo-Boer South African War. Tel: 833 5624.
Open Window Art Gallery, 410 Rigel Avenue, Erasmusrand, Pretoria. 3/3 shows work by six female painters. Colette Luttig, Danielle Malherbe and Helena Hugo hail from Pretoria and work figuratively. Gail Behrmann, Jenny Stadler and Jill Trappler are Johannesburg-based and work in an abstract idiom. Ends on June 30. Tel: (012) 347 1740.
PhotoZA, The Mews, Rosebank. This is a new gallery dedicated to fine-art photography. Master of the tricky cyanotype process, Bob Cnoops shows work until June 29. Next up is an exhibition by Michael Meyersfeld, opening on July 1. Tel: 082 533 7143.
Pretoria Art Museum, corner of Schoeman and Wessels streets, Arcadia. An exhibition of recent work by painter Andre Naude is on until July 1 in the South Hall. The main space features a Reshada Crouse retrospective. The exhibition has been extended by popular demand until July 8. Tel: (012) 344 1807/8.
Sasol New Signatures competition 2001. A maximum of two works per artist may be submitted to the fine art department of the University of the Witwatersrand on Monday July 9 between 10am and 4pm. For transportation purposes works must be packed securely. Works can also be submitted to the Pretoria Art Museum on July 10 and July 11 between 10am and 4pm. Tel: (012) 346 3100.
Spaza Art, 19 Wilhelmina Street (corner of Clarence Street), Troyeville. Johannesburg! Oh! Johannesburg? is the first in a series of shows celebrating and lamenting Johannesburg. The show opens on July 1, featuring artists Jo-Anne Bloch, Sue Kaplan, Simon Mafutsana, Obed Mbele Jacob Ramaboya and Sam Thoka, Jeffry Lok and Lourens Cilliers. Tel: 082 494 3275.
Standard Bank Gallery, corner of Simmonds and Frederick streets, Johannesburg. Three exhibitions run simultaneously. The 2001 World Press Photo Exhibition, Isolde Krams’s Orb and From Person to Spirit all have individual walkabouts scheduled call for details. All until July 21. Tel: 636 4231.
Tyrwhitt Walkway, The Zone, 177 Oxford Road, Rosebank. The Caution Horses II is an exhibition of large-scale photographs of the feral horses of the Namib desert by Cape Town-based photographer Stan Engelbrecht. He also launches a book of his work. Ends on July 12. Tel: 082 928 6586.
@MUSIC
Riaan Wolmarans
? Bassline, 7 Seventh Street, Melville. The golden-voiced Vusi Mahlasela appears on Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30, and also presents a smooth sunset gig on Sunday July 1 from 6pm. Trumpeter Kgaugelo Mailula performs on Sunday evening. Tuesday July 3:KaolinThompson; July 4 and 5:Cindy Alter of Clout fame (remember Substitute?). Cover varies from R30 to R60, shows start from 9.30pm. Website:www.basslinejazzclub.co.za. Tel: 482 6915.
The Big Easy, 69 Langerman Drive, Kensington. Agro, Gorelock and Mesadoth keep it dark and heavy on Friday June 29 (R15). On Saturday June 30 Leery plays at a relocation party this lively rock venue is moving but has not yet announced its new address. Cover is R10. Tel: 622 7275.
The Blues Room, Village Walk,Sandton. Friday June 29:Sounds Like Thunder; SaturdayJune 30:George Worthmore and the Divebombers; Tuesday July 3:Sounds Like Thunder; Thursday July 5:George Sax and Funk 4 play funky jazz. Cover is usually R40. Website:www.bluesroom.co.za. Tel: 784 5527.
The Bohemian, corner of Park and Menton roads, Richmond. Skyt Muties and Half Man Half Beatle play on FridayJune 29 from 9pm.
Carfax, 39 Pim Street, Newtown. On Saturday June 30 get to Finsteris, a club night for those enthralled by Gothic, ebm, black metal and more, held every Saturday preceding a full moon. Cover is R15. Tel:834 9187.
Colosseo, Montecasino, Fourways. DJRoger plays at Club 66 on Friday June 29. Hat Trick on Saturday June 30 is an adult comedy show. There’s a weekly drag show on Wednesday nights from 9pm. Book on Tel:511 0239.
? Colosseum Showbar, Caesars Gauteng. The South African Music Award-winning Selaelo Selota is the jazz star performing on SundayJuly 1 from 3pm. R50 per person at Ticketweb or the Caesars box office. Tel:083 332 1881.
Cornuti “The Cradle”restaurant, near Lanseria airport. Khaya Mahlangu (sax), Hilton Shilder (keyboards) and Mlungisi Gegana (bass) form a jazzy threesome on Friday June 29. Website: www.thecradle.co.za. Bookings and directions:Tel:659 1622.
Demolition, 96 Conrad Drive, Randburg. There’s mid-week mayhem and drinks specials on Wednesdays with DJDave churning out modern rock, nu-breed and alternative classics. Bands often play on Thursdays and weekends. Tel:082 859 6835.
Disco Inferno, corner of Le Roux and Richards drives, Midrand. This new venue is open on Thursdays and Saturdays “put the swing back into your favourite era” reads the flyer.
? Electric Workshop, Newtown CulturalPrecinct. The Redd’s Global Sound event on Saturday June 30 is going to be massive. Chicago house stalwart PaulJohnson is here from the United States, supported by DJ Skip. Local boys Bad Boy T, Admiral and Appleseed, Tokzen, Ganyani, Bionic, Ready D and many more complete the roster for four dance areas house, kwaito, hip-hop/R&B and ragga. And there’s a fashion extravaganza thrown in, as well. Tickets at Ticketweb (www.ticketweb.co.za or Tel:0861 400500) and outlets (R50 or R80 for VIP) or at the door (R60 or R90 for VIP).
Final House Rules, Honeydew shopping centre, Blueberry Street, off DFMalanDrive. Rule Book is a house party on Friday June 29 from 9pm. DJs Matt, Chris,Rudi,Pierre and John are on the decks. Entry is R40, no under-21s.
? Horror Caf, opposite Electric Workshop, NewtownCultural Precinct. Apparently back to being known as the Horror Caf, the funky venue hosts the must-attend PolitBuro Sessions on Friday June 29. See story on page 4. Tel:838 6735.
HardTimes Caf, corner of Fourth Avenue and FifthStreet, Melville. Ripchord play from 3pm on Saturday June 30, and Citrus get funky onSunday July 1 from 8pm. There’s no cover charge. Tel: 726 2012.
? Johannesburg Botanic Gardens, Emmarentia. The Accenture winter festival takes place here every Sunday from noon. On July 1 Richard Cock directs the Johannesburg Festival Orchestra in a selection of famous classical pieces, including an interactive version of Tchaikovsky’s 1812 Overture interesting! Take a picnic basket along and warm up in the winter sun. Tickets at Computicket or Tel:340 8000. Website:www.newevents.co.za.
Kippies Jazz International, Market Theatre complex, Newtown. Every Wednesday and Thursday catch Mandla Zikalala’s Afrojazz Ensemble. Top jazz musicians perform over weekends Tshepo Tshola thrills fans on Friday June 29 and Saturday June 30. Website:www.kippies.co.za. Tel:833 3316.
Linder Auditorium, Johannesburg College of Education, Parktown. Li Xincao conducts the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra on Wednesday July 4 and Thursday July 5 from 8pm. The soloist is violinist Sergey Ostrovsky and the programme comprises music by Rossini, Tchaikovksy and Beethoven. Book at Computicket.
Liquid Bass, Trax Diner,corner of Van Riebeeck and Fourth streets, Edenvale. This weekly Saturday-night event has drum’n’bass, breakbeat and hip-hop on the menu. On June 30, Myles supplies the breaks and Shrud also DJs. R15 entry (women free before 11pm).
Lucit Candle Garden, 42 Belrene Street, Rietondale, Pretoria. Friday June 29:The Amici Vocal Quartet perform songs by The Beatles, the Flying Pickets and South African composers; SaturdayJune 30:Rhythm and Greens features Alwyn Vorster (piano), Marco Vermeulen (bass) and BradleyTaljaard (drums) playing light, contemporary and Latin-American jazz. Website:go.to/lucit. Bookings:Tel:(012) 329 4180.
Madison, Old Pretoria Road, Midrand. Fridays are party nights with 5fm and resident DJs. Come down to the lab and see what’s on the slab at the Rocky Horror Picture Show party on SaturdayJune 30 from 9pm. Dress up for this one! DJs are Albert,Mars and 5fm’s SamiSabiti. Tel:315 5299.
Makro Centurion, next to N1 highwa, Centurion. A slew of mostly Afrikaans South African artists perform at the shopping giant during the day from 10.30am on Saturday June 30, including Lance James,Karla du Plessis, Blackie Swart, Laurika Rauch, Theuns Jordaan, Anneli vanRooyen and Jurie Els.
The Mixer, corner of Seventh Street and Fourth Avenue, Melville. The Brixton Moord enRoof Orkes combine their talents with Liela Groenewald and Afrikaans punk band Plank on Friday June 30 from 8pm. Bookings: Tel:482 1806/7. The poetry slam on July 2 has the Bekbrekers from Pretoria taking on Fullmarx from Johannesburg. Info:Tel:784 1299.
? Moods and Flavors, 60 Parish Avenue, Heidedal, Bloemfontein. Catch a great double bill on Saturday June 30 from 8.30pm American saxophonist ErnestDawkins plays alongside our own Moss Mogale. R40 if you book, R50 at the door. Tel:(051)432 4399.
Morgan’s Cat, Shop 137, Randburg Waterfront. Fridays:Party night; Saturday June 30:5fm rock dinosaur Barney Simon; Sundays:Unsigned bands in the afternoon and karaoke in the evening; Mondays from July 2:TheSavanna Developmental Comedy Night, which combines bands and comedians for a fun night out; Tuesdays:Schnapps and draught party; Wednesdays:Students’ night; Thursdays:Pigs’ night (drink as much as you can). Tel:886 4408.
? Nile Crocodile, 60 Glenwood Road, Lynnwood Glen, Pretoria. The Diesel Whores and The Parlotones give loud support to raunchy rockers Saron Gas on Saturday June 30 from 8pm. Tel:(012)361 2025.
? Peg’s Cosy Corner, corner of Nourse and Pretoria streets, Troyeville. Friday June 29: Mac Mackenzie of The Genuines fame (R20 cover). The regular Saturday-night Latino jazz evening has hot and spicy Cuban, Dominican and Puerto Rican music. The Sunday-afternoon listening session on July 1 from 1.30pm pays tribute to famous jazz trios. Thursday July 5:Visiting French blues artist Jean-Jacques Milteau on harmonica and ManuGalvin on guitar (R30). Tel:072 216 6615.
? Picasso, 169 Oxford Street, Rosebank. Conference onWednesday nights comprises drum’n’bass, hip-hop, nu-skool breaks and nu-jazz with residents Xero, Kid Fonque and Bionic playing alongside talented guests. R20 cover oh, and “no fancy shoes”, says the flyer.
Radium Beer Hall, corner of Louis Botha Avenue and NinthStreet, Orange Grove. Good food plus good jazz and blues at this relaxed venue. Friday June 29: Graham Sacks and the Jazz Boys;Saturday June 30:The Bluebird Blues Band; Sunday July 1:The 18-piece jazz orchestra The Fat Sound; Wednesday July 4: Art Kelly and Kelly’s Heroes. Website:www.theradium.co.za. Tel: 728 3866.
Razzmatazz Zone, Menlyn Park shopping centre, Pretoria. Fridays: Guitarist/vocalist Henk; Saturday June 30: Withheld; Sundays:Lunchtime guitarist Mickey Botha. There’s a poetry evening onMonday July 2 (R5 cover). Tel:(012)348 3301.
? Roxy Rhythm Bar, 20MainRoad, Melville. OnFriday June 29 Evolution (to promote the new movie of the same name) hits Roxy’s with three dance floors house/hip-hop/trip-hop, breakbeats, techno and more. DJs include Jon Monsoon, Myles and Fokkolnonsens. From 8.30pm, R35 at the door. Mondays: Students’ night (free burgers for the first 100); Tuesdays:Weekly Emergingsounds.com gig; Wednesdays:Women’s oil wrestling and male dancers (really); Thursdays:gALstudents’ night with various DJs. Tel: 726 6019.
The Showcase, Banbury Cross shopping centre, corner of Hans Strijdom Drive and Olievenhout Avenue, North Riding. Friday June 29:Rockers Saron Gas (unplugged), 340ml, Siamese and Toxic Shame play (R35 pre-sale, R50 at the door); June 30 and July 1:”… All This I Know …” the music of Brel and Piaf (R65). Website:www.theshowcase.co.za. Book at Computicket or Tel: 794 4382.
? Therapy, 39AJuta Street, Braamfontein. Wear fake fur and win prizes at the Winter Fake Fur Fantasy party at this happening gay club on Saturday June 30. GuestDJMbuso plays alongside the usual suspects. Tel:339 7791.
? Tings ‘n Times, Hatfield Galleries, Burnett Street, Hatfield, Pretoria. On Wednesday July 4 from 9pm the Alliance Franaise presents French jazz and blues harmonica player Jean-Jacques Milteau with guitarists Manu Galvin and Louis Mhlanga. Tel:(012) 362 5537.
Unisa Conference Hall, Unisa campus, Sunnyside, Pretoria. The Da Vinci Trio Peter Carter (violin), Eric Martens (cello) and Hanlie Martens (piano) will perform music by Haydn, Schubert and Brahms on SaturdayJune 30 from 8pm. Tickets at the door are R35 for adults (R25 concession). Tel:(012) 429 3336.
Up the Creek, corner of Prospect and Hilda streets, Hatfield, Pretoria. June 29:Blemish (to be confirmed); June 30:340ml. Tel:(012)362 3712.
? The Warehouse, Unit A1, Strijdom IndustrialPark, Hammer Street, Randburg. WeirdoDisco is a trance party on SaturdayJune 30 for DJMikeyDredd’s birthday. Starspine,Maestro, Moog and others play, and Bent Sentient appear live. Wear fancy dress and get in for R40, else R60. Info:Tel:082 514 7648.
? Wembley stadium. He’s back … top DJ Paul van Dyk returns to Jo’burg on Saturday June 30 after a jam-packed Midrand gig last year. Also on the decks are Derek the Bandit, Brian Banshee, Gavin Fitchie,Dror and Ryan. Tickets: R155 at outlets and R150 at Ticketweb. See competition on page 16. Website:www.ice.powerzone.co.za.
? Zeplins, corner of Church and Bosman streets, Pretoria. The Sun to Moon rock festival on June 30 from 1.30pm has Mesadoth, Battery 9, The Awakening, Silex, Fuzigish and five more on the line-up. Cover is R30. Tel:(012)323 4308.
@One to remember
Jessica Farley
CD OFTHEWEEK
Although Amnesiac (Capitol) has been described as the leftovers of Radiohead’s previous album, Kid A, it is by no means a badly made spin-off.
Amnesiac and Kid A were recorded at the same time, but released just less than a year apart. The songs on the albums come from two completely different places, although in some cases the lyrics used are the same. Amnesiac is not as experimental as their previous releases. Here, Radiohead concentrate on blending their peculiar melodies with sounds from the orchestral, modern blues and jazz persuasions. At times rapid changes in the melodies generate confused listening, but with title songs such as Packt Like Sardines in a Crushed Tin and Like Spinning Plates completely orthodox listening is not expected. Thom Yorke’s lead vocals are often distorted and occasionally inaudible, yet they fit in smoothly with the continuous effect of the melodies.
For loyal Radiohead fans this CD will be a real treat and for modern-rock fans it will be a good chance to extend their collections beyond the clichd Counting Crows and Live list of CDs.
@SOUNDBITES
Darude:Before the Storm (Virgin) The Finnish Darude’s Sandstorm and Feel the Beat must be the most over-played, worn-out dance tracks of the past year. But do skip past these two ditties (the two extended mixes included are anyway better than the originals) and discover a much better quality of music on the rest of the album seductive trance house with a few nods in the direction of techno and drum’n’bass, all sounding wonderfully unlike Sandstorm. RiaanWolmarans
Feeder:Echo Park (David Gresham) A good contribution from this British pop-metal outfit that’s spawned the mosh-pit single Buck Rogers, but not an album that will go down in the history books as extremely memorable. It all sounds nice, recorded with the help of producer Gil Norton of Pixies/Foo Fighters fame, but then it all just sounds the same, too. Lyrical and melodic elements turn up over and over, resulting in an enjoyable but ultimately unexciting album. RW
Fun Lovin’ Criminals: Loco (Chrysalis) To quote the jazz-rappy Microphone Fiend, which pops up halfway through the Fun Lovin’ Criminals’ third album (fourth if you count 1999’s novelty lounge project, Mimosa), these 15 tunes are “tales from the dark side”. Sure and the Ramones are really “bruddas”. It’s not surprising that most of this Manhattan trio’s success has been outside their home country: Americans would never swallow their wise-guy personas, especially since the seedy New York they depict ceased to exist 50 years ago. It’s great fun, this fantasy Manhattan of bad cops and good criminals, and you’ve got to smile at their temerity which is what Huey and the boys are counting on. Caroline Sullivan
Various:The Best Club Anthems 2001 Volume 2 (Virgin) Mostly cheap dance-floor fodder; only a few tracks can even remotely be considered “best”. These include music by Planet Funk, Marc et Claude and South Africa’s own Roger Goode, who holds his own with In the Beginning. RW