Barnyard Theatre Auditions

This week the Barnyard in Gateway Umhlanga will be holding auditions:

Venue: Barnyard Theatre in Gateway
Time: 9h30am
Date: Wed 28 January

They will be looking for musicians and singers.  You must be willing to travel as well.

Auditioning age: Between 19 - 35 yrs old
Looking for Male and Female Vocalists.
Singers are to prepare two songs, one must be a rock song and bring backing tracks.
Musicians bring your own instruments.

For more info call the theatre on: 031-566-3045

Travel Grants For SA Musicians & Music and Dance Events For Durban

Concerts SA Providing A Music Mobility Fund 

Are you a South African Musician?
Then this is for you. Music professionals are invited to apply for funding from a national mobility fund (for projects in South Africa) and a Regional Mobility Fund (for projects taking place in SADC countries except South Africa).

Grants for individuals are available for musicians, managers, promoters, producers, agents, groups.

Grants for organisations available to music organisations and businesses, record labels, agencies, forums, associations,, partnerships, local and regional organisations.

You have to be a SA citizen living in South Africa.
You must be established in SA.
You must be directly responsible for the prep and management of the project not an intermediary.

Types of projects that qualify:

• Tours and Concerts
• Collaborative Projects
• Professional development projects / visits

The Regional Mobility Fund applies to the following provinces:

• Project must take place in Gauteng or Western Cape or KwaZulu-Natal.
• Artists from all provinces are invited to apply.
• The project must take place in a different province from which the artist is based in. 

Funding:

• SADC Regional Projects: up to R40 000
• National Projects: up to R25 000

Deadline: 14 September 2014

For all the Ts&Cs and an application form email: samrofoundation@samro.org.za 

You can also download the application form here: www.samrofoundation.org.za

Follow them on Twitter @ConcertsSA    

Music and Dance Events Coming Up 

This edition by +Fred Felton 

Events Around Durban, Auditions, Workshops and News for Musicians and Artists

Big Walk To Freedom theme at this year's Discovery East Coast Radio Big Walk

Excitement is mounting ahead of the event on 18 May.  This year the organiser's have opted for a Big Walk To Freedom theme in honour of the country's anniversary of two decades of democracy.

Don't wait too long to enter.
Entry is via www.ecr.co.za or at selected Totalsports stores in KZN.
It's going to be loads of fun for the entire family.  There will be clowns, jugglers, stilt-walkers and loads more.

Entry is R75 for the 20km race, R65 for the 10km race and 15km events and R60 for the 5km.


Events around Durban

Mondays At St Clements 14 April at 6pm.

Fairytale Rocks

iZulu Theatre, Sibaya: 17 – 21 April

Prepare to discover a rocking fairy tale this Easter weekend where every prince will find his princess in the brand new production, Fairytale Rocks, at iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino from 17 – 21 April, an extravaganza show which is suitable for the whole family.

Join Alistar, our hero, and his friend Farryl as they set out on a journey, where audiences join in and help Alistar find his princess, the beautiful Ariana. Along the way, we hit the high notes from all of Disney and Pixar’s song classics; Aladdin, The Lion King, Cinderella, Toy Story, Mulan, The Jungle Book, The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, Hercules, and of course Shrek and the recent release, Frozen.

The fairy tale hits are remixed to the hottest sounds of today featuring hip hop, pop, swing, reggae, rock, country and much more. The irresistible line-up of performers, including power house singers, funky dancers and the live band, are featured in this rocking fairy tale fit for the entire family. Featuring dynamic storytelling, award winning music, stunning costumes and glittering special effects, audiences will be captivated by the humour, fun and adventure of this spellbinding story. Dream with our princess, cheer for the heroes, and marvel as this story is brought to life in a theatrical experience that’s pure magic.

Presented in association with East Coast Radio, Fairytale Rocks kicks off its national tour in Durban at the iZulu Theatre at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment World from 17 – 19 April. For more info like the Facebook page Fairytale Rocks or visit www.frogproductions.co.za. Booking is through Computicket or phone on 0861 915 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com. Seating is reserved.

uMhlanga Easter Festival

uMhlanga: 18 – 21 April 2014

This fun-filled festival will be providing interesting day and evening activities for visitors to the North Coast resort catering for both young and old – hosted by uMhlanga Tourism under the chairmanship of Peter Rose, in association with eThekwini Municipality, and produced by Firstline Promotions.

The uMhlanga beaches will have daily activations happening from 18-21 April on the Main Beach. Daily activities will have beachgoers basking in the summer sun whilst families will be entertained with a variety of fun and games on the stage and beach, daily from 10am until 2pm with talent competitions, kiddies sing-alongs and games. These activities will be taking place on uMhlanga Main Beach and on the Millennium Beach Stage. The Beach Activations will be co-ordinated and MC’d by Kevin Ellis well known Durban personality.

It’s time to hit the ground running this Easter! After the hugely successful uMhlanga Liberty Summer Festival Trail Run we welcome back the highly anticipated uMhlanga Easter Festival 5km / 10km / 16km Trail Run and Walk which takes place on Sunday 20 April at 6am, as part of the 2014 uMhlanga Easter Festival. Entries are now open on the ROAG website. A reminder that this event caters for all levels of fitness as we host  three races, the 5km and 10km run and walk and an 16km trail run. To enter go to www.roag.co.za or for more information you can contact buzzhilde@vodamail.co.za . The start and finish for the race will be at the Millennium Stage.

A Handful of Keys 20^th Anniversary Tour

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre: ‘til 27 April

One of the most successful shows in the history of South African showbiz: A Handful of Keys with Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn, returns to Durban for a run at the Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre on UKZN campus to celebrate 20 remarkable years over the Easter holidays from 2 – 27 April.

Ian von Memerty and Roelof Colyn have often paired up together in A Handful of Keys. Von Memerty is probably best known for being a judge on SA’s Got Talent. When not in Handful, Colyn is a band leader/ accompanist/ arranger/ composer/ musical director/ conductor in and for a myriad shows.

Featuring a firecracker script and two grand pianos played with unparalleled virtuosity, A Handful of Keys entertains with music and songs from Elton John, Richard Clayderman, Nora Jones, Alicia Keys, Billy Joel, The Beatles, Stevie Wonder, Liberace through to Bach, Debussy, Chopin and many more! All the old favourites are still there – The History of the Broadway Musical (100 years in 16 minutes), the great SA Medley, and the Rock ‘n Roll finale. With new jokes and new costumes (they wore the old ones out!) A Handful of Keys is a sparkling as ever!

Booking for A Handful of Keys is through Computicket. For sold houses and block bookings contact Ailsa Windsor on 083 250 2690.   Shows are Wednesday to Saturday at 8pm, Saturday and Sunday at 3pm.

The Ladies of Lollipop Lane

iZulu Theatre, Sibaya Casino:11 to 13 April

Thousands of listeners tuned in for several years to the hugely popular radio soapie, Lollipop Lane, created by Clinton Marius… Now the magic returns in a delightfully whacky spin-off at Sibaya Casino’s iZulu Theatre for three performances only in April in a brand-new comedy roadshow, The Ladies of Lollipop Lane.

Starring Pauline Dalais and Shika Budhoo as the much-loved Mrs Singh-Singh and Mrs Singh-Song, this bubbling entertainment runs for three performances only from 11 to 13 April. Co-directed by Marius and Caroline Smart,The Ladies of Lollipop Lane features a stellar line-up of comedy favourites.

With fun prizes to be won, early booking for this not-to-be-missed show is strongly advised. Call Computicket on 0861 915 8000 or book online at www.computicket.com. Performances of The Ladies of Lollipop Lane are at 8pm on Friday and Saturday, 11 and 12 April, with a 3pm matinee on Sunday 13 April. The duration of the exuberant song-dance-comedy entertainment is 2 hours including interval.

Godfrey Johnson in Porter, Coward and more

Rhumbelow Durban: 11 – 13 April       

The Rhumbelow Theatre and multi award winning cabaret artist Godfrey Johnson present his brand new musical sit down comedy cabaret show, "Porter, Coward and More." The show includes  original songs about love, coffee, food, gym, fanatics and noses. Think Victor Borge meets Sid Vicious with a twist of Bach, Sinatra and others. The show will also include the work of Kurt Weill; Leiber and Stoller and Johnson.

In August, 2013 Godfrey Johnson appeared with Pieter-Dirk Uys in "50 Shades of Bambi" at The Fugard Theatre". He has appeared in numerous stage, film and television productions locally and abroad. He is particularly well known for his interpretations of the songs of Jacques Brel and recently released the CD, "The Shadow of Brel".

Notable one man shows include, "Alice sal Regkom", "The Importance of Being Harnessed";"Songs my Lover Forgot to Sing to Me"; "Flirting with Coward";"Behind Every Man";"Stories of Crime and Passion" and "The Shadow of Brel". He also recently co starred in "The Minnie and Johnson Show" and "Coward and Cole".

Fri 11 April: 20.00; Sat 12 April: 20.00; Sun 13 April 14.00 & 18.30

(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner)

R 120-00 a ticket / R 100-00 Pensioners and Tables of 8 or more

Bring food picnic baskets.

Limited secure parking available     Booking is essential. 

Bar Available (no alcohol may not be brought on to the premises)

Book at Computicket or phone or email Roland for bookings H  261 2012 / Cell 0824998636

email roland@stansell.za.net: roland@stansell.za.net

Theatre Auditions:

Auditions Notice

Durban High School 26 April from 09h00 – 17h00.

Directed by Themi Venturas, the 13^th annual PANSA Rainbow Young Performers Production for 2014 is Footloose – which re-unites Daisy Spencer (Choreographer) and Des Govender (Vocal Coach) the team that brought us Hairspray and Legally Blonde.

We are looking for 30 talented young performers from KZN -

Footloose has approximately 13 parts for males and 14 parts for females.

We will also be seeking musicians to make up the ‘live’ band.

Applicants must be in able to sing, dance and act

Applicants must be available for rehearsal every weekend from 16 May – 22 June 2014

Previews and Performances are from 28 June to 13 July 2014.

Applicants must be available for the whole audition to qualify

Applicants must wear comfortable clothing / gym gear and appropriate footwear

Applicants are to bring their own refreshments – water / juice and lunch

Applicants must be prepared to wait between calls

For further enquiries please call PANSA KwaZulu Natal Regional Coordinator: Nelisa Mzimela / PANSA office Telephone: 031 2014750 or email: kzn@pansa.org.za

Galleries: Walkabouts / Workshops

Durban Art Gallery Mentorship Programme workshop series

Observations and Aspirations

Durban Art Gallery: 18 March – 11 May

A series of workshops will be held to support the DAG mentorship programme exhibition. These workshops are aimed at drawing parallels with the academic curriculum as well as creating awareness of social commentary where participants will use their immediate location or background in exploring the themes highlighted in the exhibition or discussed as part of introducing the workshop sessions.

The techniques that will be explored are line and expressive drawings, chalk pastel and charcoal. In smaller groups there will be an introduction of stop/start animation where participants make basic drawings that can be exploited in this medium. The targeted groups are: learners from grade 10 – 12; art students from first to third year levels and community based workshops are aimed at the youth 18 - 24 years. These will look at service delivery protest, the impact of the 20 years of democracy in their vicinity and other socio-political issues. The participants would be introduced to artworks by Dumile Feni, George Pemba, Gerard Bhengu and other artists who worked in the same genre.

For a full programme, more information or to book your space - contact Jabu Mngwengwe@durban.gov.za or Thulani.Makhaye@durban.gov.za Tel: 031 311 2264. The workshops can accommodate 15 - 20 people per session in a venue. The school and tertiary institutions workshops will work with the art class. Entry is free and all are welcome.

uShaka:

uShaka Easter & Birthday Events!

uShaka: April / May

8-17 April: Price Rewind! - We’re going retro and rewinding our prices back to 2004 times! Between the 8th and the 17th April, a day of splashingly good fun at Sea World and Wet ’n Wild will cost just R80!

12 – 21 April: Find the Hidden Bunnies - Get down to uShaka Marine World’s Village Walk and find the 3 hidden bunnies and stand the chance to win an Xbox 360. Only at the Village Walk this April.

April 19 & 20  - Easter Egg Hunt - The Easter Bunny will be hopping, bopping and stowing away chocolate treasures at uShaka Marine World as part of the Beacon’s Africa’s largest Easter egg hunt, which is going to be even more fun and exciting this year with treasure hunts seeking over 100 000 Beacon eggs. 

25 April – 4 May: Ten days of bumper Birthday Gifts - 10 days of giveaways made up of travel prizes, platinum passes, restaurant meals at Cargo Hold, park entrance tickets and meals for you and 10 of your friends, and so much more. Watch this space to see how you can enter.

26, 27, 28 April: Birthday Parade! - The famous uShaka parade featuring the uShaka band, dancers, mascots and entertainers will be making a splash along the beachfront promenade at the end of April. Winding their way from Suncoast Casino to uShaka Marine World, they’ll spread a carnival vibe and invite fun and sun lovers back to continue having fun in the sun at uShaka Marine World.

May 1 to 4: Official uShaka Birthday Party Funival Weekend - Don’t miss the 10^th birthday bash of the decade. uShaka Marine World will be celebrating up a storm. Three big national acts will be cranking up the excitement 10 fold when they perform at Wet ‘n Wild which will be open from Saturday, May 3 from 10am – 10pm and will feature LCNVL and Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels. Then on Sunday, May 4 from 10am – 6pm catch Mi Casa. During the Village Walk Funival week-end from May 1^st – 4th, our talented entertainers will be ramping up the excitement and colour with parades, performances, presents and more!

For more information and costs contact uShaka Marine World on 031-3288000, visit www.ushakamarineworld.co.za  or go to the facebook site https://www.facebook.com/uShakaFanPage

DURRTYSAINT MUSIC (PTY) LTD
Is searching for talented and versatile musicians

- Are you scotching hot on the drums?
- Are you mad about the keyboard sounds?
- Do you play the piano better than Alicia Keys?

Then you could be the next talent to join DURRTYSAINT MUSIC on a revolutionary journey.

DURRTYSAINT MUSIC (PTY) LTD is an independent record label that is passionate making "Future Pop Legends" that have a vision of exporting powerful South African  vocal artists to the global arena. We're launching our pioneering Pop/Dance/RnB vocal artist, CIA, in a way like never before! We're looking young, fresh and talented drummers, keyboard musicians and pianists in recording a live DVD demo in July 2014. The musicians will get to perform on regional gigs, and possibly tour to other provinces from September 2014 with the up and coming sensation, CIA.

Are you ready for life on the spotlight?

For more details, contact:
Siya Mayeza on 083 2070 537 or e-mail smayeza@durrtysaintmusic.co.za

Launch of the Awesome iLembe Arts Festival

The first Awesome iLembe Arts Festival will take place across the iLembe region on the North Coast of KwaZulu-Natal from 8 to 10 August 2014. An innovative and far sighted initiative by the Department of Arts and Culture in partnership with producers Awesome Africa Festival Productions, this multi-cultural event in celebration of 20 years of freedom and democracy will take the music to the people – and directly into the communities themselves at venues in Mandeni, Ndwedwe, Maphumulo and KwaDukuza.

The Festival will feature around 40 local, national and international artists in the disciplines of music, theatre, dance, poetry, storytelling and arts and crafts, with the main focus falling on music this year. Audiences will be enthralled by contributions from various music genres and themes including jazz, gospel, pop, rock, pan-african, maskandi, isicathamiya, hip hop, Indian traditional, Bollywood, and various “world music” styles. The Festival will also include the “Funk it Up” DJ Experience, as well as a focus on South African legends and a Songwriters’ Hall of Fame.

The Festival will be launched in style on the 27th March at the Sibusisiwe Community Centre in Mandeni, with the example of “taking the music to the people in the communities”, being taken quite literally with a unique “concert of a lifetime” by US Jazz legend Kirk Whalum, who will bring his much celebrated series “The Gospel According to Jazz” to Africa for the very first time.

For further information on the Festival, or for anyone in the ILembe region who would like to be involved, please visit the web sitewww.awesomeilembe.co m or call Gabi Nkabinde on 084 357 8860.

Apply Now! Artists In Residency 2014

News, Project Story

April 4, 2014

Posted by Isla Haddow

The Africa Centre has formed partnerships with artist in residency programmes in Australia, Brazil, India, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, South Africa and the United States to provide eight residencies for our Artists in Residency (AIR) 2014 Programme.

AIR is seeking applications from African artists who are both socially engaged and stretching the boundaries of their creative domain. The AIR partners select an artist from a short list provided by the Africa Centre, for one of their 2014 or 2015 residencies. The costs of the residency and round-trip airfare are included in each residency award made. The residencies are available to all types of artists, but each residency has different durations, structures and requirements. Deadline for application submissions is the 20th June 2014.

http://africacentre.net/artist-in-residency-programme-2014/ 

Market Photo Workshop seeks coordinator

Vacancy: Coordinator: Photojournalism and Documentary Photography (PDP)

To facilitate teaching and learning in the Photojournalism and Documentary Photography Programme (PDP) through logistics and resource management, and to contribute to the development of a curriculum that is relevant to the media sector and contemporary documentary practice.

Job requirements:
- A relevant qualification (photography, visual arts, media, journalism)
- Minimum 1 year experience in a junior management or supervisory position within the media, arts and culture industries, non-profit OR minimum 3 years relevant experience in the media, arts and culture, non-profit
- A good understanding of the needs of photojournalists and documentary photographers in South Africa and the continent as a whole, and also a critical awareness of the nature and role of the media on the continent.
- Good communication, writing and organisational skills.
- Excellent computer skills – especially MAC based, good knowledge and understanding of Photoshop, internet research, email
- Work well under pressure
- Experience of working at an education and training NGO or similar organisation would be an advantage
- Compliment the skills set of the Market Photo Workshop
- Committed to excellence in and relevance of photography education in South Africa
- Passionate, driven and dynamic

Level of education: Relevant qualification – either in photography, cultural management and/or Media.
Remuneration: R7,500 - R9,000 per month cost to company negotiated according to qualifications and experience.
Only applications submitted electronically will be considered and must include:

1. A covering letter: summarise career, explain interest in the position.
2. A comprehensive CV with contactable references.

To:
Manager: HR
HlubiM@markettheatre.co.za
Manager: Programmes and Projects
lekgethom@marketphotoworkshop.co.za

 

News for Artists and Musicians, Free Acting Workshops and Big Nuz for Durban

THE BAT CENTRE IS LOOKING FOR MUSICIANS

The Bat Centre in Durban is looking for emerging Jazz musicians and bands to feature on their upcoming programmes and events; lined up for every Sunday until March 2014 If you are interested in being part of this movement, you are required to send a Profile of your band to T-Bone Hlahane via email: publicity@batcentre.co.za.

PERFORM AT YOUR BEST! 
As a prelude to the 2014 PANSA MUSHO! Festival, the Dutch performing artist Nick Steur will be presenting two FREE workshops in Durban for interested arts practitioners.  
The workshops focus on finding your passion, researching it, and find the strongest ways of communicating it to an audience.
The workshops will be held on Tuesday 14 January from 10.00 - 12.00, and Thursday 16 January from 10.00 - 12.00. Each workshop will hold only 15 participants, so you must sign up for one of these now!
Selected participants will be asked to do a short assignment before the workshop, and during the workshop there will be activities/assignments and discussions about how to make a stronger presentation.

Please register for the workshop that you would prefer to attend by emailing Radwinn in the PANSA office on kzn@pansa.org.za by 15 December.
You will then receive a confirmatory email and the assignment early in January.  
This is an amazing opportunity to engage with an inspiring young artist from the Netherlands, who is creating waves with his performance art piece "Freeze" that will feature at the Musho! Festival on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 January.  
Nick will be in Durban courtesy of the Embassy of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, through Twist Theatre Development Projects, and the workshop is supported by the Arts and Culture Trust

DANCE VACANCIES FOR YOUNG DANCERS

There are vacancies for senior dancer students between 18-21yrs on the 2014 Dance for All Bridging Programme in 2014

To audition, please contact Dance for All if you have recently matriculated as a dance student, or have formal training in Contemporary Dance or Ballet, are between the age of 18-21, and will not be attending any other academic or dance institution during the day in 2014.

Class times:

- Monday - Thursday: 10h00 - 16h00

- Friday: 10H00 - 13H00

Contact details:

021 697 5509

allison@danceforall.co.za

International Opportunities for Singers

Masterclass and International Scholarship Programme Opportunities for Singers

Applications are invited from prospective participants in Masterclass, to be held in Pretoria in February 2014, conducted by Professor Josef Protschka from the Musikhochschule in Cologne, Germany.

Once again, in February 2014, Professor Protschka will be offering a Masterclass for South African singers - this time in conjunction with the University of Pretoria. The Masterclass will run from Monday 3 to Saturday 8 February 2014 at the University of Pretoria. Prospective candidates are asked to forward their applications to cb@join-mozart-festival.org. The application should include a CV and an audio recording (preferably mp3 files). The recording should include the following repertoire: one work each from the Baroque and Classical periods (preferably Mozart), a 19th Century opera aria, a 20th Century opera aria, plus a lied of the candidate's own choice.

Eight candidates will be accepted as active participants. The deadline for submission of application materials is 20 December 2013. Selected candidates are responsible for organising their own travel to and accommodation in Pretoria, but there is no charge for the Masterclass.

One student will be chosen for an academic year’s study with Professor Protschka at the Music College in Cologne. The Apollo Music Trust will cover the expenses of that year of study.

For further information please email Richard Cock at the Apollo Music Trust (rcock@iafrica.com) or phone 011 447 9264.

(Source - Pansa) 

Big Nuz coming to Durban 

Fanta did a study and found that teenagers are actually starved of having fun. They are burdened with responsibilities at a young age and in most cases this not out of choice but due to social pressures.  Fanta aims to save play by hosting festivals around the country to encourage teenagers to have fun and participate in different activities.

The Fanta Festival will be coming to Durban on Saturday 21 December where they will have various activity zones for teens and Big Nuz will be performing.

Please find details below:

Time: 11am-4pm

Venue:  Umlazi Comtech, Durban 

Article by +Fred Felton 

Read about the Long Short Walk, news for photogs, Justin Bieber and exciting news for Musicians

Get ready for the Long Short Walk this coming Saturday

In case you weren't aware that we postponed the Long Short Walk to this coming Saturday, herewith the information. Due to the downpour last weekend we really couldn't walk, so we look forward to seeing everyone this coming Saturday. 

We will still be meeting at Mitchell Park, right across the road from Vida E from 11am onwards and should start the walk at 12pm. The walk will end at the attached (pic) point where local graffiti artist Pastel Heart will be whipping up something awesome to add some 031 flavour to our cause!

After we will head back to Spiga to serve some snacks to all those that took part! 

Please spread the word, we are hoping to get a big group together to support this cause, and get Florida Road buzzing with excitement. 

(Source - Spiga Durban) 

(Source - Sony Gateway) 

Bieber of De Aar: Notes from a Pan-American Ground Squirrel

On a whim, I thought of writing this essay about the Bieber concert where sanity is pitched very closely to the winds.

Some have compared the Beatles to Bieber, or maybe the other way around. Where is The White Album?  The albums that launched the lads from Liverpool were punctuated by genius, although the hysteria was less manufactured. This ragamuffin, exporting American mediocrity was being passed around with his mind filled with swine fever, and having his nails manicured at ECR, 5fm and yodelling whilst drinking liquor in the forbidden bush. Pausing to think I wondered what vast, cavernous cherubing was necessary for trumped up choristers with bad hair; shrill at that, being roundly feted as the young Mozart of his day.

Bieber certainly plays in a minor key. In another age, another time, Bieber might have been sent to a salt mine or imprisoned for corrupting a minor. Never mind the Bollocks. An evergreen friend of mine pointed emphatically to the axiom, “Teenagers were always thus” but I tried to face Machu Picchu and pondered exiling myself to Cape Town; where sadly the last outpost of the Empire was serenading the intrepid banality of this Uitlander.

Theatre in the round.  Theatre in the Zoo. In Amsterdam they are busy riding bicycles in a good cheer, and speaking in full sentences in a language I can understand.

Perhaps one can forgive this sophistry, should Justine Beaveriana sing La Traviata in perfect pitch in La Scala whilst writing his memoirs in the Karoo. The farcical disembodied voices on the radio, these days, are as much to blame for this alas. Of course I can believe that belief is something important to believe in even if corruption is the belief that distempers the air in our disbelief.  What is belief after all, on the back heels of a shoeless squirrel who is probably schooled in unbelief, if we are to be believed?  Did he relieve himself? I decided this morning to start walking to the mid Karoo to start a café that services the cisterns of De Aar when Bieber relieved himself on the way to a city or game reserve, where he tasted the lie of the land.

Noting in the margins that Belief only exists in the Karoo; I fetched a bucket of condensed milk to greet and bless this Canadian with a strange deformity on his left shoulder. The panting shoals of four-year olds dragged by parents after midnight, to this strange ceremony put my soul in danger. I thought of the wretched Child Protection Act of 1996 that allows our children to wonder aimlessly through the streets, with pencils in their noses, and being the fine citizens of North America that they always wanted to become. The future is not what it was I suppose! At last we can expect the next chapter in the soon to be published biography called "The Squirrel Whisperer" or the Scientific Version- "How I perfected the lobotomy of the World in Eighteen Years" or "Around the Page in Eighty Badly Misspelt Words". Local Thesbian Jaspar Ennui III is teaching his pet hamster Somalian, and calls his great sailing yacht, Bind the Thick to the Starboard. He already has several offers from the Department of Education. What a relief! Beaver can now retire. What animalism.

Opinion Piece by Timothy Sparks - email: tpwsparks@hotmail.com

Musicians Needed!

East Coast Radio is Looking for Musicians for Durban Day

For more details visit this link: http://www.ecr.co.za/competition/be-the-band/

(Source - East Coast Radio) 

If you would like to drop off your bankets for Twitter Blanket Drive Drop Off Locations so far in Durban are:

• Europa, Florida Road
• The Sharkcage at The Sharks Rugby Stadium

Tanga Pasi Is Coming to Perform in Durban

Tanga Pasi will be visiting from Zimbabwe and will be performing all over Durban.

Here are the dates:

They are opening the Time of the Writer Festival on Howard
College campus, 18th March... but this is only a 10 minute
performance. 

Friday 22nd March: Bluestockings,16 Dan Pienaar Rd, Kloof, 7:30pm, R60
entry, dinner is also available by pre-order only at R60. Bookings
essential 083 659 3628

Saturday 23rd March: Ekhaya Guest House, 75 Hilary Drive, Ballito.
R75 for dinner ticket. entry 6:30 for 7pm start. For Info or Bookings,
telephone:+27 (0)32 586 3433 or +27 (0)78 780 0735

Sunday 24th March: Rainbow Restaurant, Pinetown. Doors open at 1pm
for 2pm start. Opening act is Musical Democracy, followed by Tanga
Pasi at 3pm, followed by Dr. Fly and the Nurses, and Napalma. R40
ticket with all gate takings will be donated to the Open Door Crisis
Centre in Pinetown, which assists abused women and children).

Make sure you catch them at one of these shows.

(Source - Tanga Pasi) 

Interviews with Famous Musicians and a Review of the 80sRewindFestival

Greetings Dear Readers

Last week I was invited to cover the 80s Rewind Festival that was held at Kings Park.
I attended the media session first and met some of the artists and asked them some questions.

                                                                 80s Rewind Festival

The Village People

I asked Felipe Rose what advice he had for upcoming musicians?

'Plan for the future, Meet lots of people, Tour the world if you can.
Build up a good reputation.  Look after your money.  Run it like a business.'

I asked the other members of the Village People what advice they had
for young musicians?

' Hang around musicians, if you are prepared you will get selected.  Stick with it.
  It's a full time job, you have to love it.  Do gigs for free.  Don't be afraid
  to write your own music.'

What was the wildest gig you guys played?

' A grandma took off her bra and threw it on stage.'

' A woman went into labour at one of our concerts. '

Next up was Leee John.

What advice did he have for artists?

' You have to be in the zone.   It's about the audience.  Every show is your last show.'


Tony Hadley

At present he is working on a new album.  He believes you have to be determined to succeed.
It takes a long time.  'Work hard if you want to succeed.'

I also bumped into Rick Astley and he was telling me his Radio Show on Magic FM
from 2 - 4 now has a huge listernership.  It has some great guests and he loves it.

Nik Kershaw believes you have to go for it if you want to succeed and have fun.
He also has a new album out in Summer.


A Review of the 80s Rewind Festival Concert At Kings Park 25 Feb 2012

Durban set up a beautiful sunny day for the concert.
First up was Leee John

                                                                     @LeeeJohn1

He had the audience eating out of his hands with his wonderful songs and
all the hits were there including Flashback and Illusion.  He still has it all
and has all the moves.   He can do the slow songs and knows how to work the crowd
into a frenzy.  A consumate professional.  His performance was polished
and he has some wonderful dance skills.

As the crowds streamed in I noticed how many people dressed up in their
best 80's gear.  It was wonderful to see.

Nik Kershaw was next.  The Electric Guitar maestro amazed the crowd with his
wonderful songs.

                         
                                                                           @NikKershaw

In between all of this I managed to meet Martin Fry from ABC and I asked
him some question

                                                  @fredfelton and Martin Fry from ABC

Advice for young artists?

Become a singer

What is your impression of Durban?

Well it's a new place, Durban is like New York.

Advice for songwriters?

Beat your own drum.

He told me he has just come from the Rio Carnival and he is off to Stuttgart after this.

At present he is working on a new album.

Go West were simply brilliant.  This duo just keep on delivering.

                                                                     Go West



Watching Howard Jones perform is a treat.

                                                                    Howard Jones


The mix of synth and drums works wonders.  He had the audience eating out of his hands.
He truly is one of the Kings of the synthesizer.  He even managed to integrate
'South Africa' into a song.  Brilliant.

After that we had the immaculately dressed Marc Almond.

                                                                 Marc Almond

He blew the crowd away.  'Durban what a beautiful place' His words not mine.
He performed all his classics and he performed them to rapture.

When he performed 'Tainted Love' the crowd went mad.  I have no words.
You had to be there.

As the light faded and we moved into the night the concert took on a new ambience.

Social Media was also alive with the concert with Tweeps Tweeting all about the concert
and there were quite a few hashtags floating around including #80srewindfest
Search for it on Twitter to get a different experience of the concert from Tweeps.

Midge Ure was next and it really was good to see this musician play all his classics.

                                                                        Midge Ure

The Crowd Went wild when the Village People took to the stage.
They blew the house down, people surged forward to watch them perform their classics.

                                                            The Village People

You could hear every single word from the artists and from the crowd.
They even brought out SA Flags for 'In The Navy'

The Village People are well aware of social media and even took pics live on stage
and shared it on their Facebook page.  A valuable lesson for all musicians out there.

Oh yes they did perform YMCA.  Once again you had to be there.
Simply astounding.

You can join their Facebook page to find out more -
  http://www.facebook.com/pages/Official-Village-People/202364961024

Go on and Like their page.  I did.


Martin Fry from ABC was wonderful.  He too is the consumate professional.
The smart outfit just makes it a class act.  He really can belt out hit after hit.

                                                                  Martin Fry


Tony Hadley from Spandau Ballet came on next to a huge applause.

                                                                   Tony Hadley

He still has it.  He managed to drive the crowd wild.  A really classy act.
Hit after hit after hit.  An amazing performer to watch live.

Next up was the man himself Rick Astley.

                                                                     @rickastley

Now this was the cherry on the top.  What a polished performer.  He really knows how to
work a crowd into a frenzy.  Hit after hit and as he performed each one the crowd went
wilder and wilder.  Towards the end he even put on a Sharks Rugby Jersey.
Like I said he is a smart man.   Full of jokes as well a wonderful artist.
He finished off with Never Gonna Give You Up to a huge roar from the crowd and
a fitting end to a wonderful concert for Durban.


With Thanks To

• Lauren Holley from East Coast Radio
• Jani Roodt from Red Flag 
• The Event Organisers especially Deon duPont
• All of the other people I met on the way.
• Also Fiona Jane Photography for all the wonderful photography on the day http://www.facebook.com/pages/Fiona-Jane-Photography/310784055645291