CONVERSATIONS ON SILENCE

An invitation from Chimurenga

CONVERSATIONS ON SILENCE
A Chimurenga Session in collaboration with Glänta
@ The Chimurenga Factory (3rd Floor, Pan-African Market, 76 Long St.)
Wednesday February 16, 2011 from 6pm

Recently the Swedish literary magazine Glänta disguised themselves as Chimurenga and released a translation of Chimurenga 11: "Conversations with Poets Who Refuse to Speak". This issue revolved around the attempt to conceptualize silence not only as an expression of repression but also as a form of active resistance; as a refusal to speak (Read Eurozine’s review of Glänta’s versioning here.

In an effort to deepen and transform the collaboration with Chimurenga, three visiting editors from Glänta will give a multi-layered talk investigating the poetics of silence.

Hedvig Härnsten will present "Failed Encounters: Reasonable Inquiries and Unreasonable Answers" - a look at history, testimony and the stuttering of language.

Göran Dahlberg explains why "There Is Never Going to Be a Revolution by Ghosts" – an exploration of mimics and beliefs, expulsion and returning, gaps, cover ups and the lack of peace.

And Linn Hansén will uncover why "It Is Hard to Count All the Events of History but It Is Easy to Begin" – an examination of the smell of the north, what is historical and what is not, the chain of events, the deeds of great men and the importance of the potato.

Cash bar available.
Admission is Free.

About the Participants:
Linn Hansén is a poet and curator of the Göteborg Poetry festival in Sweden.

Hedvig Härnsten studied comparative literature at the University of Stockholm and is currently working on a project on literary form and formlessness.

Göran Dahlberg is the founder of Glänta and the author of books, in Swedish, on ghosts and secret cities.

Chimurenga is a pan-African journal of writing, art and politics based in Cape Town.

Chimurenga - who no know go know

http://www.chimurenga.co.za/
http://www.chimurengalibrary.co.za/
http://www.panafricanspacestation.org.za/
http://www.africancitiesreader.org.za/
http://www.pilgrimages.org.za/
http://www.chimurenganewsroom.org.za/

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New Look - Stunningpress

I changed the template for this blog. The template I am using is called "Stunningpress" and it is available from http://bloggertemplates.info/.

The template have a magazine look and feel and is very easy to implement.

One of the few issues I have with the template is with the intro thumbnail on a blog post summary. If the first image in your post is in portrait format, the intro thumbnail looks stretched. I like the post thumbnails though - just have to remember to have the first image in a post in landscape format

I did not use the slider because the site takes a bit longer to load if you use it.

I prefer using a two column setup with one main column and a sidebar. The template also comes with social bookmarking icons.

There is still some cleanup to do and I want to shift some things around but the migration to this new template was fairly easy.

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Carol Thorns Live - Red Cello Landscape

Catch electric cellist Carol Thorns at Alliance Francaise, Cape Town on 10 February 2011, performing her show Red Cello Landscape.
More info here: Carol Thorns Live

Carol Thorns Live
10th February 2011, 20:30
Alliance Francaise, 155 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tickets: R60 at the door (R50 for AF members)
Contact: 021 4235699

http://www.carolthorns.co.za/

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THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

In a unique collaboration; Khayelitsha based 5 piece hip-hop collective the Backyard Crew (Bio Below) and a afro-Jazz/reggae guitar duo The Lucky Mo Experience (Bio Below) unite to form a truly unique emergence from the townships of Cape Town.

Event Details:

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS:

Backyard Crew vs The LuckyMo Experince
Venue: Zula Bar
map/directions
Date: 19 Jan 2011
Time: (Doors open) 08h30pm
Cost: R30 (Buy a ticket and get 1 free drink)

CDs available for sale at the venue

Bio's:
Backyard Crew

This hip-hop group from Khayelitsha was established about 5 years ago, comprises of 5 members: Mashonisa (producer, 24), Vannemerwe (25), Point2 (24), Phoenix (24) and Kideo (21). They released their debut album in September 2009. Before the official release though, a 5-track promo circulated and received rave reviews which led to a single “Hayi” making it to No.1 on the Y-fm hip-hop charts in October 2008. In November 2009, they shot a video for the single “Baby girl” which is currently played on Channel O, MTV-Base and e-TV.

They were also invited by Vice, an international youth culture oriented magazine, to be part of a photo shoot at the Assembly, in Cape Town. The publication focuses on youth inspired music, fashion and international trends.

Before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Backyard Crew had the opportunity to tour around with the Adidas truck performing at various locations around the country. This was in support of the South African national team as well as promoting their new Adidas sponsored jersey. Backyard Crew performed for crowds at Mzoli’s Meat, Blaauwberg Beach and at the Point Beach in Mossel Bay.

The group was also part of the fan park festivities where they performed at the Mew Way/OR Tambo Sports Complex, the only public viewing area in Khayelitsha during the South Africa/France game.

The LuckMo Experience

A band started by brothers Lucky (26) and Mohau (23), LuckyMo is a breath of fresh air in the township musical scene. With a blend of Afro-jazz, blues, reggae and beautiful melodic ballads, these two acoustic guitarists have honed their skills over the years by performing at malls and shopping centres in around Cape Town. They were later joined by Luthando (18), a.k.a Mic Substance from the hip-hop circles.

They have also performed at various locations during the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup. They have also shared stages with a marimba group at the Waterfront and expanded their musical journey.

LuckyMo also performed at reputable venues which host live performances in Long Street, Cape Town. The Purple Turtle and Zula Bar have been frequently hosting the duo guitarists and swept crowds off their feet with their melodic songs.

They are currently working on putting together songs for their much anticipated debut release. All their material is original and is about these young artists’ experiences in as far as growing up in the township is concerned: their dreams to succeed, fears and hope for the youth, longing for love, among others. As young song writers and performers, they are challenged by prospects of performing for matured audiences (as their material is much matured), as well as roping in the younger followers.

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Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Goema Symphony No. 1 - Pictures

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Mac McKenzie's "Goema Symphony No. 1"
SABC Studios Auditorium in Sea Point,Cape Town
28 August 2010

Production: Profoundly South African

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Lana Crowster & Friends - LIVE @ THE G-SPOT

After the success of her 2009 show, vocalist Lana Crowster will be back at the G-Spot on Sunday, 16 January 2011, for another show stopping performance! This time she will be joined and sharing the stage with some amazing musicians and vocalists! The line-up includes Thandi Ntuli(piano), Rueben Crowie (drums), Benjamin Jephta (bass), Angelo Syster (guitar), Byron Abrahams (saxophone), Charmion Jansen(backing vocals), Spha Mdlalose( backing vocals), Sandile Gontsana (vocals).

Doors open at 12 midday. Feel free to bring your own snacks and for those of you who like your Sunday "vleisie", braai facilities will be provided. Fully stocked cash bar available.

Show starts at 6pm and the party will continue thereafter!
Cost: R50 at the door
Pre-sold tickets @ R40 are available from:
Lindsay 082 3055 762
Godfrey 083 525 0463
or Lana 0844 082 449
or contact for more information:
http://www.blogger.com/lanacrowster@yahoo.com
or info@the-gspot.co.za

directions

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'HOME GROAN' with COMEDIAN KURT SCHOONRAAD

After a sold-out national tour leaving many a funny bone shattered in his comedy wake, Kurt Schoonraad returns to the Baxter Theatre with his one man comedy show Home Groan from 18 to 29 January 2011. Directed by Rob van Vuuren, and a brand new set, Kurt tackles the absurdities of everyday life from men's waxes, alien abductions, super heroes and many more characters that float around his wacky head. Performances are at 8pm each night and there are two low priced previews on 18 and 19 January.
Kurt is no stranger to the comedy circuit, appearing in many local and international comedy festivals and has had significant roles in popular SABC TV series; the quirky accidental tourist in Going Nowhere Slowly, the whacky protagonist in Crazy Games (2006-09) and was one of the first celebrities to feature in Who Do You Think You Are? He also pioneered the successful Jou Ma se Comedy Club and, from his hilarious childhood growing up in the Flats to his equally hilarious present, Kurt discovered that coloured people are taking over the world !!

Director Rob van Vuuren, a comic Tour de Force and versatile performer himself (Twakkie, in The Most Amazing Show, Strictly Come Dancing, SA’s Got Talent and more) says; "It was a dream come true finally to be working with the man whose hair and eyeballs I had admired from afar. Home Groan reinforces why Schoonraad is such a stellar player in the South African Comedy industry …. while he crosses that invisible threshold between young manhood and full blown middle age!!"

"Developing the show with Rob van Vuuren was a humbling experience as I had never tackled comedy from this angle before says Kurt. It has been very rewarding working with a well known South African comedy genius like Rob …. but I wouldn't be able to finish a whole one!"

Don't miss Home Groan. Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated!Tickets cost R80 and R65 for the preview on 18th and 19th January. UCT staff, students, senior citizens and block bookings of 10 or more cost R65. Book at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, The Baxter 021 685 7880 and on line http://www.computicket.com/. For corporate and charity bookings call Sharon 021 680 3962. Performances are at 20:15 each night.There is an Age Restriction - No Under 16's.

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ROSE KORBER'S - 19TH ART SALON

Cape Town has hosted many original and exciting events during the year, and for art lovers, the annual ART SALON, curated by noted art dealer and consultant Rose Korber, this exhibition adds to the cultural highlights for the festive season. An innovation, this year will be the inclusion of the 'Salon des Confusés' - a 'salon within a salon’ - presented by the much sought-after Cape Town curator and art theorist, Andrew Lamprecht. The salon opens on Thursday 16 December 2010 until 17 January 2011 at Rose Korber Art, 48 Sedgemoor Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Gallery hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays.

Two performances have been commissioned by Lamprecht for the opening on the 16 December at 12 noon and 3pm. It includes Gerald Machona's bittersweet reflection on the relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Angelique Kendall will explore the limits to which artists are prepared to push their physical boundaries in an endurance performance. There is no admission fee.

On Saturday 18th December at 11am Andrew will do a ‘Walkabout’ of the exhibition. Entrance is free, but booking is essential. Contact Rose Korber or Valerie Botha on 021 438 9152 or e-mail roskorb@icon.co.za.

Since its inception in 1992, the Art Salon has been a major enterprise, bringing together - under one roof - a large showcase of quality artworks in various media and styles: paintings, mixed-media works, original limited-edition prints, photography, ceramics, sculpture and contemporary Shangaan beadwork.

The aim this year is to present a comprehensive and diverse overview of the current state of South African art. Artists include much acclaimed, William Kentridge, Willie Bester, Sam Nhlengethwa, Simon Stone, Richard Smith, Robert Slingsby, Stephen Inggs, Deborah Bell, Diane Victor, Claudette Schreuders, Wendy Anziska, Pamela Stretton and Gerald Tabata.

Amongst the leading ceramic artists exhibiting are Louise Gelderblom, Hennie Meyer, Clementina van der Walt, Carolyn Heydenrych, Laura du Toit, Wiebke von Bismarck, Ralph Johnson, Kendall Warren and Melanie Hillebrand; while sculpture is well represented with works by Willie Bester, Norman Catherine, Kevin Brand and Jaco Sieberhagen.

Andrew Lamprecht will present a mix of younger, emerging artists, such as Georgina Gratrix, Stuart Bird, Ian Grose, Unathi Sigenu, ceramicist William Martin, and photographer Rose Kotze, alongside some well-known names - with a focus on the 'unusual, unexpected and surprising’.

For further information about this exhibition, please contact Rose Korber or Valerie Botha at ROSE KORBER ART - Tel 021 438 9152, Fax 021 438 6262 Mobile 083 261 1173 and 082 781 6144,
roskorb@icon.co.za
website: http://www.rosekorberart.com/

This 19th Salon promises to live up to the high reputation of its previous incarnations.

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Kyle Shepherd SOLO PIANO CONCERT Sat 18 Dec 2010

Kyle Shepherd the highly acclaimed and influential South African jazz pianist / composer and SAMA-nominee, will play a solo piano concert on Saturday, 18 December 2010, 8pm at the UCT College of Music, Rondebosch, Cape Town.

This will be Shepherd’s 10th solo piano concert since the launch of his solo career and debut album in 2009. He has performed solo concerts in Belgium, Swaziland and South Africa.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
R60.00 (R40.00 Students & Pensioners)
To book seats online, click here or
email info@kyleshepherd.co.za call 079 256 9030

The concert will feature an entire evening of solo piano improvisations over variations of Shepherd's own compositional works which respected arts journalist Miles Keylock (Mail & Guardian), describes as "an impressionistic collage of South African jazz sounds, from slam poetic minimalist re-imaginings of Afrikaans volksliedjies and Muslim calls to prayer, to goema groove deconstructions … and more that, as the doyen of South African jazz scribes Gwen Ansell pointed out in Business Day recently: 'live in the jazz world but are never imprisoned by it'. "

DISCOGRAPHY:
"A Portrait of Home" 2010
"fineART" 2009

The UCT College of Music is located off Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch i.e. on the Lower Campus of UCT behind the Baxter Theatre.
View Campus Map

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MUSIC & WORDS - TRUDY RUSHIN and WAYNE BOSCH with Guests in concert

This is the third concert of her original music, where singer-songwriter Trudy Rushin has collaborated with guitar genius, Wayne Bosch. The first half of this concert will feature three exciting guest artists.


Guest artists:
Poet, DIANA FERRUS, who's just released her latest book, "I've come to take you home".
Vocalist MEGAN FRANCIS, who came 2nd in the 2010 Jazz Voice competition at Grand West.
Emerging young singer-songwriter, PETER LAVEY

DATE: Saturday, 18 December
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Baran's Theatre Restaurant, Cnr Burg and Shortmarket Streets, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town city centre
TICKETS: R60

Trudy and Wayne met in 2008, when she returned to Jazz Workshop to continue working on her guitar playing. After a few months of lessons with him, they did a trio gig (with Shaun Johannes) as part of the Jazz at the Nassau concert series (Feb 2009). In July that year, they started a weekly gig at Food Lover's Market in Claremont, which lasted 14 months. They then worked at Cafe Adelphi in Sea point for a few weeks. In December 2009 and March 2010, they did concerts at Baran's, showcasing Trudy's original compositions, working with Nick Geffen on drums for the first one and Charles Lezar for the second. Myoga Restaurant at the Vineyard Hotel was where they performed on New Year's Eve, 2009. In April 2010, they performed two originals at a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake survivors, at St George's Cathedral. In September, they recorded a 5-song demo CD.

If you'd like to have a meal before the show, please come at 6pm. Mezze platter for two, R50, and mezze platter for one, R30. Please note that the meal is not included in the ticket price for the show.

For tickets, contact Trudy: Cell 083 491 3048, e-mail rushintrudy@yahoo.com

http://alwaysrushin.blogspot.com

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