The Clearing

PATO Productions presents the South African premiere of Jake Jeppson’s The Clearing. Directed by Johan Van Rooyen and starring Brad Nowikow, Darren Meltz, Dirk Jonker and Avrill Cameron.

The story of two brothers bound together by a terrible secret they’ve been hiding for 18 years. The Ellis Family is in many ways a typical family but the love they share is intense, all-consuming, even obliterating. When a handsome stranger inserts himself into this tight-knit circle, mother and sons must discover if they have the courage to shatter the bond that has kept them unmoving for two decades and risk the unknown.

It is a play about the difference between loving someone and living for someone by an exciting new theatrical voice.

“A work of rare power and emotional realism that deftly navigates the lines where love, loss and dependence intersect. Painful and destructive in its own way.” – Curtain Up.

The Clearing is on at The Fringe at The Joburg Theatre.

19 – 21 Oct 2017 at 8pm & 22 Oct at 2:30pm

Tickets R100 at www.webtickets.co.za

My Links are as follows;

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BluBirdEntertainment%20/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/BluBirdEnt

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/blubirdentertainment/

Blog: https://blubirdentertainement.blogspot.co.za/

YouTube  : https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_iX3ys2lY7u5tXBlepLuOA

Michael Flatley’s Lord of The Dance: Dangerous Games ( Review)

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! The loud tapping sound that filed the Teatro at Monte Casino last night was like non other. The sound of unison dancing was chilling with the dancers being remarkably on time with each other so much so that if there was one mistake it would have been heard. Lord of the Dance never seizes to amaze me.

I watched the show when I was young on VHS, I would prounce around pretending to be one of the river dancers. In my mind I could be a part of this show. 2 years ago I saw the show for the first time, where I was fortunate enough to have not only see the show for the first time, but also to see Flatley’s last show ever. This was a very emotional experience for me, in the best way, as I was seeing an idol of mine live for the first and the last time. Fast forward 2 years, I had the opportunity to see the show again thanks to Big Concerts, and it was just as amazing, maybe even more so.( minus seeing Flatley of course).

The energy and timing was amazing. I could not keep up with the sped of their legs and feet. They moved so quickly. (Needless to say, my childhood dream will never be a reality as I will never be able to keep up) The dancers just never stopped and it was mesmerising.

The dancer’s costumes could have out a show on their own. The beautifully crafted costumes made the dancing that more amazing. There were many costume changes, and not just a few accessorises here and there, but a proper, full on costume change. The hair of the ladies would also sometimes change. It was astonishing!!!

This is a MUST see and the ticket prices are reasonable for such a world renown show.

Rating: 

5/5 BluBirds for PURE and UTTER enjoyment and entertainment

For more info about show tickets, keep reading:

Please note Michael Flatley is not performing in these shows

Cape Town: Grand Arena, Grandwest, 8^th August – 13^th August 2017

Johannesburg: Teatro at Montecasino. 15^th August – 3^rd September 2017

Presented by RSG, M-Net Channel 101 and Channel 24. Another Big Concerts Experience. Book your tickets at www.bigconcerts.co.za

Lord of the Dance Dangerous Games is excited to announce the “Pop-Up” Michael Flatley DANCE Academy Workshops in conjunction with the 2017 South African tour of Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games, beginning in August.

The “Pop-up” workshops are for everyone to enjoy, whether you are a dancer, dance enthusiast or simply want to experience our world onstage. The hour-long workshops will include a welcome from our teachers followed by a chance to learn the Michael Flatley Dance steps onstage,sneak peek behind the scenes and finally with a Q&A with members of the cast.

The workshops will take place in select theatres in South Africa where the Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games cast will be performing.

Book now for the following locations:

Grand Arena, Grand West, Cape Town: Saturday 12th August 2017

The Teatro at Montecasino, Johannesburg: Saturday 19th August 2017

For the South African tour information please visit http://michaelflatleydance.com/#workshops 

Michael Flatley’s Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games is a spectacular new staging of the traditional master piece. With all the precision and thrills of the original, Lord of the Dance: Dangerous Games features new staging, new costumes and choreography. The show features cutting edge technology including a giant Radiant flat screen that spans the width of the stage, special effects lighting, dancing robots and world champion acrobats.

With some of the world’s most outstanding young performers directed by Michael Flatley and new music by composer Gerard Fahy, this latest iteration combines the best of tradition with all the excitement of new music and dance.

This will be the first time the show will tour to Cape Town and will be back in Johannesburg due to popular demand since it’s previous run in 2015 which received rave local reviews.

More events coming your way thanks to BIG CONCERTS:

School Winter Holiday Fun with Disney on Ince

Disney On Ice, Heading Your Way In 15 Days!!

Get Your Tickets Today 

Opinion: AUCOR What SA’s ratings downgrade means for the auction industry

Johannesburg, 14 June 2017: South Africa’s auctioneering market is poised for a shift as auctions grow in popularity over traditional retail sales platforms against a backdrop of credit ratings downgrades and news that the country has slipped into a recession. While there is a lag effect in the impact of the country’s downgraded status by international agencies, South Africans can expect the maturing auction sector to expand as an accelerated sales platform option. This is according to Fanie Bielderman of Aucor, South Africa’s oldest and largest multi-asset auctioneer.

Economists are predicting greater pressure for consumers if credit becomes more expensive, but given that interest rates have not changed since the downgrade announcements, Aucor has not yet seen a surge in assets available for disposal. In fact, stock levels have remained fairly consistent.

“We believe that a greater range and scope of assets will become available on auction as companies and individuals adapt to changing market conditions. In addition, we are seeing a surge in number of people attending vehicle auctions looking for value purchases - a trend which we predict will translate into greater numbers of qualified and cash buyers at auctions,” says Bielderman.

In cash-scarce times, the speed and finality of auctioneering is a major draw-card for corporates. Auctions offer a market platform with a number of potential buyers bidding for assets at a single point in time. Once the hammer falls, settlement takes place within specified periods and there is no room for any further negotiation by buyers. This much-needed certainty, coupled with greater agility, is an attractive benefit.

For buyers, auctions offer the opportunity to purchase assets at fair value. Auctioneering is the apex between supply and demand, so buyers often find bargains at better prices than retail purchases or private sales.

South Africa’s auction industry has proved to be robust in both economic booms and downturns. This is because corporate asset disposals are initiated for a variety of reasons, including when assets become redundant or there are surplus assets held. In such cases, the role of experienced auctioneers and valuers is pivotal to realising greater value for corporate assets through a simple, transparent and auditable process.

Online auctions are growing in popularity. With 83% share of unpaid online traffic in the market, Aucor’s website attracts over 150 000 hits per month and we anticipate further growth as buyers look for greater convenience.

However, consumers are warned to do their homework in terms of the credibility of auctioneers. Are they CPA compliant, affiliated to professional bodies (Estate Agents Affairs Board and SA Institute of Auctioneers) and are you easily able to view goods on auction at bricks-and-mortar facilities? With a commitment to transparency and corporate governance, an auction through credible auctioneers is a high value/low risk proposition.

Aucor has successfully traded as an auctioneer for almost 50 years and understands the vagaries of changing market conditions across various asset categories. With qualified auctioneers and experienced valuers who are adept at establishing the fair value of assets, the company has a national footprint as well as representation in a number of African territories.

About Fanie Bielderman, Aucor Senior Executive

With training in marketing, finance and management development, Fanie’s deep understanding of the automotive industry was honed at Avis and Imperial, where he served as Divisional Fleet Manager.  Fanie later joined Autocor in 2011 as Managing Director with the objective of creating a sustainable business and equity for all shareholders and stakeholders.  He was appointed as Senior Executive to Aucor in 2017.

For more information, visit www.aucor.com (new website launching on Thursday, 15 June)

Feasts fit for kings at Sibaya this Fathers day

Father’s Day on Sunday 18 June 2017 will be marked with man-sized fun and scrumptious food at Sibaya Casino and Entertainment Kingdom. The culinary teams at the resort’s exquisite Aqua, Royal Court and Africa2Asia (A2A) restaurants have pulled out all the stops to create sumptuous spreads that will pave the way to dads’ hearts this Fathers Day.

“Show your appreciation for your dad or the fatherly figure in your life by bringing him to Sibaya for a satisfying, man-styled meal. There will be a host of activities taking place at the complex on the day, making for a vibrant atmosphere,” says Shailendra Singh, the Food and  Beverage Manager at Sibaya.

The Royal Court, which is renowned for its exceptional food and service, presents a hearty, heritage menu featuring lamb on the spit and roast chicken accompanied by a selection of authentic South African salads and homemade bread rolls. The feast culminates with Bar One mini cake squares topped with Chantilly cream and strawberry cheesecake squares. The cost per head is R350 and booking is essential on (031) 580 5168 or email restaurantsibaya@suninternational.com.

At Aqua, the Fathers Day spread is inspired by the beautiful KwaZulu-Natal coastline and climate. Fresh, colourful and light the menu features a choice of three starters, main meals and desserts. The choice of starters includes shrimp samosas served with a tasty peanut dip; salmon fish cake with sweet chili sauce or crumbed mushrooms served with tartar sauce. For mains there is a choice between pan-fried chicken fillet with a creamy mushroom sauce, topped with three grilled prawns; a succulent T-bone steak with fresh garden vegetables and wedge potatoes, or tagliatelle tossed in a fresh tomato, coriander and chili sauce. Dessert is a choice between an Aqua Don Pedro or baked strawberry cheesecake with mango coulis and caramelized baby pear. The cost is R275 per head and booking is recommended on (031) 580 5168 or email restaurantsibaya@suninternational.com.

A2A offers a laidback Fathers Day lunch buffet, burgeoning with familiar favourites. There are dedicated stations laden with delicious treats, from an array of burgers at the burger station to mouthwatering curries at the curry station, and traditional African dishes at the Zulu and South African station. There is also a station dedicated to hearty braai meats and side dishes. The delicious meander culminates with a choice of indulgent desserts as well as a cheese board. The cost is R250 per head and reservations can be made at (031) 580 5168 or email restaurantsibaya@suninternational.com.

For more information visit www.suninternational.com or follow Sibaya on www.facebook.com/yoursibaya or on Twitter @SibayaCasino

GrandWest confirms legendary Bryan Adams for December 2017

On the back of the announcement that iconic rock band +LIVE+ will perform at the Grand Arena in November 2017, GrandWest has confirmed that another legendary artist, Bryan Adams, will be gracing its stage over the festive season. Adams will rock the Grand Arena on 14 December 2017 as part of his Get Up World Tour.

“We are thrilled to confirm that Adams will be performing at the Grand Arena in December 2017. His show is certain to be one of the highlights of the holiday lineup and we expect tickets to sell out fast,” says Elouise Matthys, the PR and Promotions Manager at GrandWest.

Adams’ fans can brace for a spectacular concert featuring his top hits as well as songs from his thirteenth studio album Get Up! For the new album, he reunited with his original songwriting collaborator, Jim Vallance, who helped co-write many of the most memorable songs of his career. Amongst these were “Cuts Like a Knife”, “Somebody”, “Summer of 69”, “Heaven” and “Run To You”.

Adams has spent the last three decades making music history. He has sold over 65 million records, toured six continents and achieved number one status in over 40 countries with hits such as "Kids Wanna Rock", "Can't Stop This Thing We've Started", "(Everything I Do) I Do It For You", "Open Road" and "Thought I'd Seen Everything". Adams has received numerous awards during his career including a Grammy Award, 18 Juno Awards and an American Music Award. He has also been nominated for three Academy Awards and five Golden Globe Awards.

Adams’ outstanding live concerts have established him as one of the world's great rock singers, performing over 120 concerts a year. Tickets to the concert at GrandWest cost from R575 to R1020 per person and are available at Computicket and atwww.bigconcerts.co.za.

Like GrandWest on Facebook GrandWestCasinoAndEntertainmentWorld and follow us on Twitter @GrandWestSA.

Someone will win this car at Meropa

This luxury Mercedes Benz C200 will be won at Meropa on 30 June 2017 when its Timeless Play promotion reaches its crescendo. Guests who have earned 180 points between 1 April 2017 and 07h00 on draw day will qualify for a ticket to the draw. By entering the draw, guests also put themselves in line to win a share of R100 000 in cash and free play

.

Guests simply have to play their favourite slots or table games using their Sun MVG card to earn points. Non members can still be part of Timeless Play by registering as a member at the Sun MVG Desk at Meropa. Registration is instant and fuss-free, and customers can start earning points straight away.

Sun International recently reinvented its well recognised Most Valued Guest (MVG) loyalty programme to deliver more rewards, exciting benefits and exclusive offers to guests visiting its casinos and hotels in South Africa.

A key enhancement of the new Sun MVG programme is the opportunity it provides to customers to earn both casino and leisure points when playing slots, table games, staying in hotel rooms and dining at selected restaurants and outlets at Sun International properties. Casino Points can be used for playback on the slot machines and table games and Leisure Points for hotel accommodation, dining experiences or exciting entertainment.

Caption

With the exquisite Mercedes to be won in Timeless Play are Meropa’s Belinda Bothma, Russia Chabalala, Matjatji Harpestad and Brutus Midzi.

Sun International proudly supports the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Gambling is for persons 18 years and older. Winners know when to stop. National Responsible Gambling Toll-free Counseling Line 0800 006 008. Sun International Casinos are licensed casinos.

MARCO PIERRE WHITE TO SEAR, FLAME AND DRIZZLE AT THE 2017 GOOD FOOD AND WINE SHOW

The world’s first celebrity chef and enfant terrible Marco Pierre White and South Africa’s first Michelin-starred chef Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen will be turning up the heat as the international headliners at this year’s 2017 Good Food and Wine Show.  South Africa’s largest culinary event opens in Cape Town on Friday 2 June until Sunday 4 June at the CTICC, followed by the Johannesburg show at the Ticketpro Dome from Friday 28 July until Sunday 30 July, culminating at the Durban Exhibition Centre from Friday 27 until Sunday 29 October.

The latest foodie trends will be dished up and South African foodies will have the chance to interact with the line-up of exciting food personalities, including headline chef, restaurateur and foodie Joao Da Fonseca, popularly known as J’Something, who will share his secret recipes by preparing a tasty feast for the shows. As an added bonus, J’Something will take to the stage to perform his music as this multi-talented personality is also the leading man of popular band Mi Casa.

Reza Mahammad, Jenny Morris, Lentswe Bhengu, Sarah Graham, Neill Anthony, Lisa Raleigh,  Sherwyn Weaich and Vanessa Marx are also on this year’s Good Food and Wine menu, in addition to headline sommeliers Lloyd Jusa (Saxon Hotel), Gregory Mutambe (12 Apostles Hotel) and Tinashe Nyamudoka (The Test Kitchen) – who will all share some of their fine wine knowledge with show attendees.

Over 60 000 visitors attended the three Good Food and Wine Shows in 2016, and this year’s footfall is expected to increase with chefs like White and Van der Westhuizen on the bill of fare, the biggest elephant cake in the world and a wide selection of vendors and interactive installations showcasing food and fare from around the globe.  The floor will be divided into nine specific exhibition areas for attendees to explore: Market, Street Food, Gourmet, Baking, Kids, Wellness, Lifestyle, Wine, Beer and Alcohol.

North meets South

Trailblazing British chef Marco Pierre White has been dubbed the world’s first celebrity chef.  White was 33 when he was awarded three Michelin stars and still holds the title as the first British chef and the youngest chef ever to earn this honour. He featured as a star judge and guest on MasterChef Australia where he was called ‘the godfather of modern cooking’.

White has also trained famous chefs like Mario Batali, Gordon Ramsay, Curtis Stone and Shannon Bennett. After retiring from the kitchen in 1999 Marco became a restaurateur and has published several books, including the best-selling cookbook/autobiography White Heat.

“I was last in South Africa in 2014 so I am excited to be returning in 2017 to headline the Good Food & Wine Show for the first time,” says White. “As much as I will be sharing my culinary journey with the visitors attending the shows, I am also looking forward to transferring knowledge and experience to some of the top local talent in South Africa and partaking in the diverse food culture this beautiful country has to offer.”

Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen is South Africa’s first Michelin star chef and owner of JAN Restaurant in Nice on the French Riviera. Also a gifted photographer, food stylist, writer, entrepreneur and businessman, Van der Westhuizen’s humble Middelburg origins set the foundation for his Boereseun and French twist cooking style on Boerekos.

All visitors to this year’s show will get a chance to watch White and Van der Westhuizen in action daily, free of charge, at the Chefs’ Open Theatre. In addition, the two chefs will be cooking up a storm at the Chefs’ Table: smaller, more intimate ticketed events where people will have the chance to meet the chefs, taste their food and sample some of South Africa’s top wines.

“We want to engage with visitors and involve every one of their senses,” says Maria Chieppa, Managing Director of Fiera Milano Exhibitions Africa.  “We have used taste, touch, smell, sight and sound to tell a 360° story about food and wine. It’s a great occasion for food lovers, families and professionals to enjoy food and wine at all levels.”

This year, the show hosts nine theatres, of which seven are free of extra charge for entry, serving up even more value for those attending. The Good Food and Wine Show theatres include: Eat Well/Live Well, Wine Theatre, Baking Theatre, Cake Deco Lab, Chefs’ Table, Chefs’ Open Theatre, Cooking with Chefs, the Kids Deco Lab and the SCASA Barista Championships - a new partnership with the Speciality Coffee Association of Southern Africa (SCASA) partnership and the show to host the 2017 Western Cape, Gauteng and KwaZulu-Natal Regional Barista Championships.

Follow the Good Food and Wine Show on Twitter @goodfoodSA  Instagram @goodfoodsa and facebook www.facebook.com/GoodFoodandWineShowSA  #GFWS2017

Ticket prices for 2017

The early bird online prices are valid up to one week prior to each show. Thereafter the door prices are applicable. Children under 12 can attend for free and Fridays are free for pensioners. Tickets are available online at www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za and Computicket for Cape Town and Durban;  and Ticketpro for Johannesburg.

	Door price	Online Price	Terms and conditions
Adults	R160	R144	Ticket for one entry for Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Senior citizens over 65	R110	R100	Friday free. Valid with proof of ID. Valid for one entry for Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Students	R110	R100	Valid with proof of student card. Valid for one entry for Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Age 13-18	R60	R50	Valid for one entry for Friday, Saturday or Sunday
Age 0-12	Free	Free	Valid only with proof of ID
Two day pass	R260	R210	Valid for two entries either Friday and Saturday, Saturday and Sunday or Friday and Sunday
Three day pass	R380	R350	Valid for three entries on Friday, Saturday and Sunday
Wine combo	R200	R180	General one day entry admission with wine tasting glass and six tasting coupons
Wine glass and tasting	R60	-	Wine tasting glass with six tasting coupons

CHEFS TABLE

Marco Pierre White (CPT SOLD OUT)	2,500.00
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen	2,500.00
Jenny Morris & Reza Mahammad (CPT ONLY)	1,500.00

               

VIP EXPERIENCE AT CHEFS OPEN THEATRE

Marco Pierre White	1,500.00
Jan Hendrik van der Westhuizen	1,500.00
J'Something	800.00
Jenny Morris	800.00
Lentswe Bhengu	800.00
Sarah Graham	800.00
Neill Anthony	800.00

Opening hours:

Cape Town

10h00-22h00 Friday 2 June and Saturday 3 June

10h00-18h00 Sunday 4 June

CTICC

Johannesburg

10h00-21h00 Friday 28 July and Saturday 29 July

10h00-18h00 Sunday 30 July

Ticketpro Dome

Durban

10h00-21h00 Friday 27 October and Saturday 28 October

10h00-18h00 Sunday 29 October

Durban Exhibition Centre

For more information on GFWS please visit www.goodfoodandwineshow.co.za or email info@fieramilano.co.za or call +27 (0)21 702 2280.