What’s on this weekend in South Africa: 10-12 February

Posted by Rachel Robinson on 7 February 2012

If you haven’t made any plans for the weekend and are looking for something to do, here are a few events that you may enjoy.

Gauteng

Love Wine Festival

Silverstar Casino
10-11 February

If you love wine, get yourself to this festival. There will be wine for every taste along with sushi, cheeses and biscuits served to compliment the wines you will be tasting or gulping. You also get a free gift and there’s live entertainment for you to enjoy after a few glasses (er, tastings) of wine. R150 per person. Tel 011-662-7300, [email protected], www.silverstarcasino.co.za.

Valentines Masked Ball

Soli Deo Gloria Boutique Hotel
11 February

It’s almost Valentine’s Day (don’t sigh) and to kick things off there’s a swanky Valentine’s Masked Ball going down at this boutique hotel. Expect VIP treatment with a red carpet! Enjoy a three-course dinner with entertainment and champagne on arrival. Ladies will get a rose and a small gift. Masks will not be available to buy on the night, so make sure you’re not a party pooper and remember to bring your own. R500 per couple. Booking essential. Call 083-258-9665 to book. Email [email protected], www.sdghotel.co.za.

Love Pugs Day

Walk Haven Dog Park
12 February

In keeping with the love theme (it is February after all), take your greatest love for a walk at Walk Haven Dog Park in Zwartkop on Sunday. The Love Pugs Day is a Valentines fundraiser day for Wetnose Animal Shelter so you will be spreading the love to dogs who are less fortunate. There will be loads of entertainment for the whole family, with jumping castles, yoga and lots of goodies for sale. Entrance is R120, which includes a Valentines Day lunch basket for two humans and a wine/champagne cooler bag. If you’ve spent too much money already on a Valentine’s gift, it’s R30 with no picnic basket. Cell 071-212-9955, email [email protected], www.walkhaven.co.za.

Bone Detectives

Maropeng
11 February

If you like CSI, this is for you. This tour will take you on a journey of discovery as a human origins expert guides you along some of the ‘clues’ offered by the fossil record and the fascinating ‘detective work’ that is required to reconstruct the history of our species. Using a hands-on approach you will be introduced to hominoid skeletal anatomy and the comparative techniques used to identify fossil remains. You’ll leave with an appreciation for the manner in which scientific reconstructions of fossil remains are derived and know more about the wealth of information which can be obtained from often fragmentary and incomplete bony elements. Horatio would be impressed! Included is a picnic-style lunch against the backdrop of the breathtaking Cradle of Humankind. Please note that this tour is suitable for adults only and includes the bone detectives talk, Sterkfontein Caves tour and picnic. So leave the little ones behind and enjoy a day out playing detective. You can even take your shades. R350 per person including the picnic lunch. Tel 014-577-9000, [email protected], www.maropeng.co.za.

Campus Invasion Tour: Hatfield Carnival

Hatfield Square, Pretoria
11 February

A day out listening to great bands is always a good day in my books. The 2012 Campus Invasion Tour is set to electrify you with a bigger, better music explosion. Bands include Van Coke Kartel, Bittereinder, Yesterday’s Pupil, The Newspapers, Zakes Bantwini, JR, AKA, Frankie Fire. Die Heuwels Fantasties and international act Kongos ( I saw them at Up the Creek – they rock!). Gates open midday. It’ll cost you R40 to get in on the action. Email [email protected], www.facebook.com/campausinvasion.

KwaZulu-Natal

Don’t Dress for Dinner

Elizabeth Sneddon Theatre
9-12 February

Durbanites are not let off the hook with Valentine’s day – take your other half to watch a hilarious comedy about couples. Don’t Dress for Dinner is a comedy farce about double adultery and gourmet cooking that will have you crying with laughter and your begging bowls out for more. There’s an all star local cast, headed by Tim Wells as the naughty ladies’ man Bernie and Bryan Hiles as his hapless best friend Rob. Two of Durban’s best and best-loved actresses, Clare Mortimer and Jailoshini Naidoo play Bernie’s wife and mistress, while the talented Janna Ramos-Violante plays the spunky Afrikaans chef, Suzette. Her husband, George, is played by the winner of Best Male Newcomer at this year’s Mercury Durban Theatre Awards, Nhlakanipho Manqele. R100 – R130 per person from Computicket. Tel 031-260-2296, [email protected], www.sneddontheatre.co.za.

Blood Orange

Hilton College
10 February

There’s more theatre for those who love stage creations. Craig Morris plays the lead in Blood Orange, the story of Gecko, a boy who looks at the world a little differently. The tale explores the skewed life of a teenage boy growing up in apartheid South Africa, giving glimpses of barefoot frolicking in the hills of rural Natal and school days in the Cape. Witness his exploits as a wet-behind-the-ears schoolboy; his tragi-comedy sexual and political awakenings at high school and his darkest moments of being conscripted into the army. It ends with Nelson Mandela riding a mermaid to freedom (which I think needs to be seen). R60 per person. Tel 033-383-0100, www.hiltoncollege.com.

Idols Auditions

uShaka Marine World
11 February

If you are somewhat theatrical yourself and feel you have the raw talent to be a rockstar, here’s your chance. The doors to the audition rooms for Idols season 8 will swing open at uShaka on Saturday. If you wish for a life in the limelight and love the thought of thousands of adoring fans, make this your opportunity to wow the judges. South African citizens between the ages of 16 and 30 are eligible to enter. Those younger than 18 have to be accompanied by a parent or guardian and all contestants will be asked to present their ID documents at the registration, which will take place on the day of auditioning. Musical instruments will be allowed in the audition room, so bring along your guitar or didgeridoo. Tel 031-328-8000, email [email protected], www.ushakamarineworld.co.za.

Golden Hours Family Market

Durban North
12 February

If you fancy a day out with the kids, The Golden Hours Family Market on Sunday is the perfect choice. The playground heaps of fun for kids, along with tractor rides, a train and quad bikes. You may also find ponies, a ferris wheel, a bungi trampoline and swings. Grown-ups can enjoy an abundance of fresh produce and homemade goodies. Breakfast, roast lunches, light meals and refreshments are available, so mom’s can take a break from the kitchen and meet other moms. There’s also live music. Cell 083-262-3693

Western Cape

Kirstenbosch Summer Concerts

Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens
12 February

For Capetonians and visitors the internationally renowned Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden is the place to visit, not only for its beauty, but for the hugely popular Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts that draw audiences from far and wide. Put down your blanket, bring your picnic basket (Kirstenbosch was recently voted one the world’s top picnic spots by National Geographic) and get set for a hot summer of music. This Sunday they’re Going Back to The Crossroads – a musical journey through the history of the Blues movement with stories and music from the guys and gals that were there at the time. Tickets R100 from Webtickets. Tel 021-799-8783, email [email protected], www.sanbi.org/events/kirstenbosch-old-mutual-summer-sunset-concerts.

Darling Music Experience

Darling
10-12 February

It’s all music in the Cape this weekend darling! The Darling Music Experience offers small concerts in a rural setting for both lovers of classical and more popular music. Under the artistic directorship of Andreas Kern the music on offer varies between classical and contemporary chamber music, popular choir works and jazz, bringing together community ensembles and soloists with well-known national and international musicians. Expect to see the musical talents of Maurice Steger ( from Switzerland is one of the most influential and popular soloists of his generation), James Grace (the South African concert guitarist), Marian Lewin (the doyenne of cellists in South Africa), Magda de Vries (South Africa’s classical marimba player extraordinaire) Hans Huyssen (award-winning cellist and composer), Derek Gripper (groundbreaking South African guitarist) and many more exceptional musicians. The pairing of spirited musical performances with good food and wine form an integral part of the festival and this is reflected in the choice of venues which include wine farms in the Darling Hills and a beach restaurant close by. Other venues include art galleries, barns, the Dutch Reformed Church and the very intimate Darling Presbyterian Church. This Darling Bach Festival is not only Bach but uniquely Darling and all profits will be invested in the “El Systema” inspired musical education programme “Darling Music for All”. Cell 078-297-0221, email [email protected], www.darlingmusic.org.

The Parlotones

D’Aria Wine Estate
12 February

Love them or hate them, The Parlotones are here to stay and they will be performing a Valentine’s show on Sunday at D’Aria, on the lawn in front of the magnificent wine cellar. If you love them this show is perfect for an unforgettable pre-Valentines concert at sunset (very romantic) in the winelands. Bring your own picnic, but no own beverages or alcohol allowed – perhaps the Parlotones are selling their wine there. But hopefully you have your tickets already as it may be sold out. If you don’t like them, then ignore this post and go to the ballet instead. R60 – R175 per person from Webtickets. Tel 021-975-5736, email [email protected], www.daria.co.za.

The Nutcracker on Ice

Artscape Theatre Centre
10-12 February

Pieter Toerien presents The Imperial Ice Stars in their brand new ice ballet, The Nutcracker on Ice, featuring all of the magical music and colourful characters that are enjoyed around the world, with breath-taking Olympic-standard ice-skating. Enjoy Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy, Waltz of the Flowers, The Nutcracker March, Clara, Fritz, The Prince, Harlequin, Columbine, Solider, Nutcracker, Mice, Owl, Snowflakes and Fairies. It promises to be a glittering performance of one of the world`s best-loved ballets performed on ice in the comfort and intimacy of the Artscape Opera House. R100-R380 per person from Computicket. Tel 021-410-9838, email [email protected], www.artscape.co.za.

Riesling Rocks Festival

Hartenberg Estate
11 February

If you prefer your wine without The Parlotones, head down to Hartenberg Wine Estate in Stellenbosch on Saturday and enjoy some of the finest flagship Weisser/Rhine Rieslings from top cellars paired with superb deli fare. The inaugural Riesling Rocks Festival promises to be a wine and foodie’s delight as some of the Cape’s best purveyors of fine deli food provide delicious treats to enjoy with the wines, whilst local band, Newton, will set a festive tone. R120 per person from Webtickets. Tel 021-865-254, email [email protected], www.hartenbergestate.com.

Brass Bell Live

Kalk Bay
Every Saturday

Remember the days of dancing on the walls of the Brass Bell to great South African bands whilst trying not to be washed off by the sweeping waves? I may be showing my age, but I do! Those days are back with the Brass Bell hosting some of the best local bands, great food and plenty of drink specials. This Saturday sees The Little Kings playing at 8pm. Why not make it a day out by catching the train to Kalk Bay (best scenic train ride this side of the Peninsula) and enjoy a wander through this little suburb by the sea. There’s plenty of interesting little shops and cafe’s to keep you occupied for the morning and then have lunch at one of the restaurants within the Brass Bell. There’s lots to choose from on the menu for all tastes and budgets and you couldn’t get closer to the waves if you tried. They’ve put up glass panels though, so no more being swept off walls. Gig costs R30. Tel 021-788-5455, email [email protected], www.brassbell.co.za.
Have a good one! And a a safe one – remember not to drink and drive! Take the train …