There’s an array of laid-back events this week to ease you into the year.
- It’s tough being The Parlotones. You’d think selling more albums in South Africa than The Killers, Coldplay and Oasis combined might be hailed as a pioneering achievement. Nope. Instead envious indie rock upstarts moan about them sweeping up at the SAMAs each year and bloggers bitch about them flogging branded wines and KFC buckets. Meanwhile many of our so-called critics pan the unabashedly romantic, hook-laden modern rock radio hits and lighter waivers of platinum-selling albums A World Next Door to Yours and Stardust Galaxies as ‘corny’ or even ‘calculated’. ‘We’ve read the kakkest reviews that would make anyone want to stop playing music,” nods lead singer Kahn Morbee wryly. ‘But even the best bands in the world receive the kakkest reviews. So it’s just about patience and perseverance. We keep making music. For us the song is always king, not necessarily your musical wanking ability. If your lyrics connect with the audience it’ll be infectious and somehow resonate with you”.
Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens, January 9, 5.30pm. Entrance is R120 (adults), R90 (kids under 18).
- Punters looking for a fitting finale to their festive season should diarise the 150th annual L’Ormarins Queen’s Plate this weekend. One of the most prestigious events on the Mother City’s horse racing and social calendar, it promises to be a seriously swanky soiree with the opportunity to enjoy a day of haute couture fashion, vintage cars, fine wine and some of the country’s greatest thoroughbreds in action. The musical menu on offer in the Style Lounge is also unabashedly A-list. Adult contemporary pop rock siren Louise Carver shares her Sama-nominated craft as well as her brand new makeover of John Lennon’s festive favourite ‘Happy Christmas (War is Over)”. Zebra & Giraffe then give the skinny jeaned jet set their fix performing indie dance rockers off their new album, The Inside before Locnville’s Andrew and Brian Chapman romp through funky electro-pop floor fillers off their platinum-selling debut Sun in my Pocket. Crazy White Boy’s Ryan Murgatroyd and Kosta Karatamoglo mix up the soulful deep house flavas alongside Xander Ferreira and Nick Matthews’ Chic Afrique electro-disco-pop combo Gazelle in the support slots.
Style Lounge Village, Corner of Rosemead Avenue and Wetton Road, Kenilworth, January 8, 6pm. Entrance is R250. Dress code is strictly blue and white, casual wear prohibited. Book at Computicket. Website: www.lqp.co.za