João Orecchia and his experimental approach contrasts with the offerings of the classical musicians performing this weekend.
■ The SABC has commissioned a documentary that follows the formation of a 12-piece double bass ensemble. It begins with the musicians getting together and documents the formation of the group and their preparation for the ultimate test — a live performance. Be part of this creative endeavour this weekend when the group hopes to enthral audiences in the Market Theatre’s main venue. The group, officially called Bassment, consists of six jazz and six classically trained bassists. The classical section will be led by Christi-Louise Swanepoel, principal bassist of the Johannesburg Philharmonic Orchestra, and the jazz section will be led by Lex Futshane.
The Market Theatre, June 10 and 11 at 8pm. Tickets cost R160 for adults and R50 for students. Book at Computicket.
■ There are corporate entities that look for any excuse to have a party and it seems that MTV Base is one of those. This weekend the channel celebrates its first anniversary on DStv Compact as well as attracting three million subscribers. The party is called Brand:New vs Spanking New and it takes its name from two of MTV Base’s popular music programmes, Brand:New and Spanking New. The entertainment will be varied, with Tumi & the Volume at the helm. Next up will be Zakes Bantwini (MTV Base’s chosen New Artist for 2011), the vocalist behind the dance hit Shake Your Bum Bum and Clap Your Hands. On the decks catch deejays Kenzhero, Vigilante, Switch, Lulo Café, Franky and Sphectacular.
Hush, Design District, 160 Jan Smuts Avenue, June 10 from 9pm. Entrance is R100. To win a chance of a free ticket to the party send an SMS with the following text ‘BN + Name & City” to 33393. Tel: 011 447 0203.
■ João Orecchia is a multifaceted musician. On his website Orecchia says he finds ‘joy in accidents and mistakes”. He says he uses looping devices and effect pedals to create sounds with a variety of acoustic and electronic instruments — guitar, banjo, voice, bass, melodica and toy instruments.” It is wild and atmospheric. On Friday he performs at The Bioscope with his permanent band members, Mpumi Mcata and Tshepang Ramoba.
The Bioscope, Main Street Life, 286 Fox Street, June 10 at 9.45pm. Entrance is R60. For more on Orecchia visit www.joaoorecchia.com and for a full schedule of The Bioscope visit www.thebioscope.co.za