GIG GUIDE : BILLY THE B.U.M'S

Come Celebrate the Red, White & Blue at Billy The B.U.M’S Food and Cocktail Bar in Fourways
Your very own home of the free and land of the brave!
 

When it comes to the 4th of July, few brands represent the US of A quite as perfectly as the world’s best selling Kentucky straight bourbon.
 
And when it comes to parties, Billy the B.U.M’s is the capital of Joburg parties. So much so, we’ll be celebrating the 4th of July on SATURDAY 2ND JULY so you can go big and not worry about work! And yes, you guessed it, in partnership with the best there is in the creation of the bourbon of bourbons, Jim Beam, Billy The B.U.M’S Fourways has once again surpassed themselves with the apple pie of special prizes to help you get the celebration going. With any purchase of a Jim Beam bourbon, you’ll stand a chance to receive a beanie to keep you warm during our Southern Hemisphere winter, emblazoned with the USA flag

You’ll be able to choose from Jim Beam White Bourbon – Kentucky Straight Bourbon Whiskey  (World’s No 1 Bourbon). Jim Beam Black Triple Aged Bourbon and Jim Beam Devil’s Cut , one you’ll definitely want to try!

Get dressed to impress in Red, White & Blue  and come on down and get the yee-haws going. You’ll be the star in the spangled banner at Billy The B.U.M’S Fourways! Complete with complimentary popcorn and the hottest dancers in Jozi!
 
 

aha Hotels & Lodges offer Real Rewards to their Guests


aha Hotels & Lodges offer Real Rewards to their guests

aha Hotels and Lodges has launched a refreshed and rejuvenated loyalty programme for the entire portfolio. Dubbed Real Rewards, the newly-launched programme will be in keeping with ahas overall strategy: stay simple and fresh, while giving guests the opportunity to be continuously delighted.


Most hotel groups offer loyalty programmes, which can clutter the market. ahas intention is to engage with guests and give them tangible aha experiences that make their stay at any aha property smoother and richer. Members will feel valued and welcomed and based on this, will be encouraged to return time and time again to aha hotels and lodges.

Real Rewards comprises a three-tiered offering: The first tier is Classic Green, which is free to anyone. The second tier is Plus Green and will offer additional benefits at a cost of R495 per annum. Premium Green is the third tier and will give members a bouquet of extraordinary benefits at a cost of R1495 per annum. Members can expect complimentary coffee for an all-day boost, complimentary room upgrades for that little bit of luxury, bi-weekly exclusive special offers, actual cash back on accommodation spend, discounts at aha properties, spas and restaurants and much more.

According to Neil Bald, the Managing Director of aha Hotels and Lodges, “All of our rewards are designed to give guests immediate and concrete benefits. We want to encourage them to become part of the aha “family”, and to feel that they get just that little bit extra every time that they stay at an aha property.”

For more information on the new loyalty programme and the full list of Real Rewards benefits go to www.aha.co.za

aha Moments Magazine


aha Hotels & Lodges is proud to announce the arrival of aha Moments magazine, published in partnership with June Communications.

 


As with every quality hospitality brand, offering guests exception in-room entertainment is a top priority, one aha Hotels & Lodges take very seriously indeed! Welcome then, the final piece to complete the enjoyment equation aha Moments.

 

Celebrate high-end lifestyle experiences as well as experience a unique window on the various luxurious aha hotels and lodges, aha Moments will appeal to businessmen and women travelling for work, as well as families enjoying their holidays together.

 

Published bi-monthly, the periodical will speak to both local and international readers each issue of the bespoke title is a pool of considered features covering travel, fashion, health, business and lifestyle topics.

 

The print version will be introduced in all the aha hotels, ranging from three to five star, as well as their luxury game lodges in South Africa, Zimbabwe, Zambia and Botswana.

 

Neil Bald, Managing Director of aha Hotels & Lodges says that the group is all about the experience. Our goal is to re-imagine the world of hospitality by crafting immersive experiences that are unique and exciting, he explains. Our guests should have something out of the ordinary to look forward to every time they visit our venues.

 

That is what we are hoping to achieve right here with aha Moments, he concludes, proudly. It will highlight how we augment your travel experience by keeping your finger on the pulse of global and local trends while giving you lifestyle news, all right in the palm of your hands!

 

Contact

 

Harvey Fox

Philippa Harvey

+2772 879 4077


 

aha Hotels & Lodges

Marketing Manager: Ruzandri Stoltz

+27 87 740 9263


www.aha.co.za

Billy The B.u.m's Food & Cocktail - Rewind Revolution - Friday the 17th of June

Billy The B.u.m’s Food & Cocktail Bar in Fourways does it again.
 


OFriday 17th June the Rewind Revolution featuring Hot 91.9 DJs Paul Almedia and Sasha Martinengo takes hold of the floor.

If you’re up for some killer beats served up old school by the two legends themselves, this is one party that will go down in revolutionary history.

You know by now to expect only the best from Billy The B.u.m’s Fourways and Rewind Revolution is no exception.

We’ll see you there, looking your best, living your best and dancing your best.

Shrek The Musical

Shrek the Musical
Gold Reef City
24 June – 17 July 2016
 
 

A Shrektacular show ideal for the winter holidays
  
Make room for ogre-sized family fun as the greatest fairy-tale never told comes to life in the Broadway and West End hit Shrek The Musical which heads to Johannesburg for a limited season at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City from 24 June to 17 July 2016.
 
From the producers of Little Shop of Horrors, Cabaret and more recently Sweeney ToddKickstArt now brings Jozi audiences the musical stage adaptation of DreamWork’s global movie phenomenon Shrek!, set to delight old and young during the June/July holidays.
 
The talented local 28-strong cast will be bringing these instantly recognizable characters to life in this fabulous, fun, charming and hugely funny musical.
 
The leads are portrayed by Lyle Buxton (Cabaret, Annie, Beauty and the Beast, Sweeney Todd) as ShrekRory Booth (Xtrafactor, Puss in Boots, Aladdin) as Donkey and Jessica Sole (Cabaret, I Love You You’re Perfect Now Change, Orpheus in Africa) as Princess Fiona.
 
Also in the cast are Jacobus van Heerden (Popcorn, Little Shop of Horrors, The Ladykillers) as the diminutive Lord Farquaad; Graeme Wicks (Sweeney Todd, Aladdin) as PinocchioCharon Williams Ros as Gingy the Gingerbread Man and a ferocious fire-breathing dragon.... With a huge cast of fairytale characters, and a chorus of tap dancing rats!!
 
The stellar cast also includes; Ashleigh Harvey, Kyra Green, Luciano Zuppa, Samuel Hyde, Daniel Fisher, Tumelo Tokgwi, Senzo Radebe, Zchane Zietsman, Shani McLea, Sarah Richard, Caitlyn Thompson, Sarah Falconer and more.
 
The Johannesburg premiere of the hit Broadway show Shrek The Musical will be the first of many major productions to be staged at Gold Reef City following the completion of the recent multi-million Rand redevelopment; the premiere entertainment destination in the south of Johannesburg.
 
The recent extensive refurbishment and expansion of Gold Reef City has created a perfect opportunity for us to stage this superb and larger-than-life Broadway inspired musical adaptation of the hit movie “Shrek”.  This magnificent production will feature a large cast, spectacular music and great humour that will delight both children and adults alike”, says Noeleen Bruton,  Director of Marketing –  Tsogo Sun Group.
 
Shrek the Musical is directed by Steven Stead, designed by Greg King, choreographed by Janine Bennewith, lighting by Tina le Roux with musical direction by Rowan Bakker. It is based on the 2001 DreamWorks Animation Motion Picture Shrek! and the book by William Steig. The musical adaptation has book and lyrics by David Lindsay-Abaire and music by Jeanine Tesori.
 
 
Shrek the Musical has become a global phenomenon with productions staged internationally including on the WestEnd and Broadway. With an enormous cast, a fabulous score; speedy set changes; extravagant costumes, prosthetics and make-up – this is quite possibly one of the most challenging and elaborate productions staged by multi-award winning producers, KickstArt. It promises to be quite extraordinary, deliciously funny and a joyous romp for the whole family!  
 
 The story revolves around a benign ogre named Shrek who lives contentedly alone in a swamp. However, his solitude is disrupted when a band of disgruntled fairytale creatures show up on his property after having been banished from the Kingdom of Duloc, on pain of death, by the evil Lord Farquaad.
 
Irritated by having to share his swamp, Shrek journeys to see Farquaad  with the intention of regaining his privacy. On the road, he rescues a talkative donkey who insists on tagging along to show him the way. Shrek and Donkey arrive in Duloc where Farquaad demands that Shrek rescue his intended, Princess Fiona. The two unlikely friends set off to save Fiona. After a quest involving a fire-breathing lady dragon, Princess Fiona is “rescued” from the tower by Shrek. On the way back to Duloc, Shrek and Princess Fiona get better acquainted and Donkey tries, unsuccessfully, to match-make them.
 
As Princess Fiona and Lord Farquaad are about to be married, there is an uprising from the fairytale characters, and Princess Fiona realises that Lord Farqaad is perhaps not her champion after all. And in the tradition of all good fairy stories, the villain is vanquished, the hero finds true love, and they all live happily ever after.... 
 
A highly successful inaugural season in Durban in 2015 garnered the production seven awards in the prestigious Mercury Durban Theatre Awards (2014/5) including; Sound Design (Stephanie Pais), Lighting Design (Tina Le Roux); Director (Steven Stead); Supporting Actor: Musical Theatre (Jacobus van Heerden); Lead Actress (Jessica Sole); Lead Actor (Lyle Buxton) and the coveted Musical Theatre Production Award.
 
In the recent BroadwayWorld.com 2015 Awards, Shrek received two further awards; for best Costume Design (Greg King) and Best Family Friendly Entertainment.

And now it’s Jozi’s turn to enjoy this Shrektacular theatre production that’s been turbo charged as it brings a favourite movie to life on stage!
 
There is no better quality entertainment to be enjoyed in the winter holidays that’s ideal for everyone, not just the kids. A Broadway production at an affordable price!
 
Shrek The Musical is on at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City from 24 June to 17 July 2016.
Afternoon performances run from Wednesdays to Sundays at 14h30 with evening performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 19h30.
Bookings can be made at www.goldreefcity.co.za or by calling The Gold Reef City Box Office on 011 248 5000 or through Computicket.
 
Tickets range from R150 – R290.

A variety of discounts apply:
  • Tsogo Sun Rewards cardholders enjoy instant savings: 10% (Gold); 15% (Platinum); 20% (Black).
  • Group bookings of 20 or more qualify for a 10% discount if booked directly with the Gold Reef City Box Office only on 011 248 5000.
  • Edgars Club card holders enjoy a 10% discount.
  • Shrek-tacular Show & Stay Deals are available at The Gold Reef City Theme Park Hotel and include a delicious buffet breakfast at Barney’s Restaurant, access to all major rides and entertainment in the Theme Park, show tickets, and complimentary shuttle service to and from the casino complex.  Visitgoldreefcity.co.za for      information, contact Gold Reef City Reservations on 011 248 5700, or email Goldreef.reservations@tsogosun.com to book today.
 
The show runs for 2 hours 10 minutes with a 20-minute interval.
 
NO CHILDREN UNDER 4 YEARS will be admitted into the auditorium.
 

Feature on Snesh aka Si Jones

Snesh aka Si Jones

Age: 22
Location: Pretoria East (Gauteng)
Cell: 079 586 4119
Email: sijones@sijones.co.za

Sinesipho Magangana famously known as Snesh, and Si Jones to her fans, was introduced to the decks by her love of house music in 2012. Ever since then she has never looked back but learned the ropes and climbed the ladder of the entertainment scene with a consistent steady.

Despite being currently the most celebrated female dj in Grahamstown and the Eastern Cape, she still believes there is a lot more to learn and intends to attain perfection. Apart from her love for music, Snesh has house music lovers eating out of her palm as she dishes the best there is in the house music fraternity on her radio show, Mix Lab 4 Beats at a campus radio station called Rhodes Music Radio.

In her show she explores the current sounds, movers and shakers, while sharing with other house heads her own definition of house music. Because of her glittering personality, she is able to attract the audience and convert them into her followers who attend her live gigs in and around Grahamstown. The show also provides a platform for her to interact and create a rapport with listeners and followers.

Despite breaking in to dj’ing few years ago, she has already achieved a lot, she is currently the only female resident dj at Grahamstown’s biggest night club, Prime, she is a producer and a main anchor for a house show at RMR 89.7 FM, which boost an impressive following, she was a finalist on Redbull Campus Clash Competition, Rhodes University Editions.

She is already a regular feature on Nitegrooves, Grahamstown’s biggest party, which attracts well over a thousand Rhodes University students and other party lovers. Snesh has furthermore gone to receive the Rhodes Music Radio 2015 award for best specialist show producer and best specialist show presenter for Mix Lab 4 Beats.

To echo her sound up and curve to stardom, she has already shared stages with the likes of Ms Cosmo and Mobi Dixon and has supported artists such as KIDX to name but a few. Because of her creative and versatile character, she started incorporating Hip Hop in her sets to accommodate a wider audience. Snesh is a final year student at Rhodes University, majoring in law and environmental science.

Apart from her studies and dj’ing, she is also a creative mind and is into fashion designing and modelling. She is also an entrepreneur on her own right, and currently started conceptualizing a brand called “Love Style” with a partner, which is a swimwear and Bohemian chic inspired clothing line. Snesh is a founding member of Suave Gang Accessories, A female group which sold and distributed accessories around the Eastern Cape.

Recently she fell in love with producing, as a creative person, she believes she will soon release unique sounds that define her and has never been heard before.

She uses all her creative energy and brains towards building a sustainable brand to stand all the challenges in this predominantly masculine space. She believes in her brand and aspires to be a national act in two years to come to add to the list of successful female dj’s and provide a solid entertainment.

Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace


Iconic South African Jazz Idols reunite at Emperors Palace

 

The Jazz Epistles were South Africa's earliest most influential Jazz (bebop) band.  This was an all-black, all esteemed band of young, swaggered men consisting of these world-famous names. Abdullah Ibrahim (then known as Dollar Brand)  on piano, Hugh Masekela  on trumpet, Jonas Gwangwa on trombone, Kippie Moeketsi – on alto saxophone, Johnny Gertze  on bass, Makaya  Ntshoko  and Early Mabuza  on drums.

The band was in full swing in the 1960s, the height of terror on the black man. These gentlemen were young, smart, creatives and jazz- cool. After time and a lot of heated practice, they emerged as a resistant, anti-apartheid music group. Jamming into the late and fuzzy nights on the streets of Sophiatown, especially at the Jazz at the Odin Club, they morphed into the legendary Jazz Epistles. Their adoring fans were mesmerized by their yellows, blues and reds resonating as the piece strolls, swims, dips and swings. Their music filled the dusty streets of the townships and fired the hearts of the youth who were adamant to stand-up for a South Africa that is free and fair. The electric high-life of the Jazz Epistles was short-lived after a group spat.

After years in exile and liberated South Africa it is only now in 2016; for the first time in 60 years that these two iconic jazz instrumentalists and South African global jazz ambassadors; Abdullah Ibrahim and Hugh Masekela will reunite and perform on one stage in solidarity and recognition of all those who were a part of the historical 1976 youth march, the Jazz Epistles are reuniting to celebrate the 40th year anniversary of the June 16 and 22 years of South Africa’s democracy. These two human rights activists, apartheid fighters and global icons have seen it all. Their music has played a huge role in liberating South Africa from apartheid and continues to influence the global jazz landscape.

“The last time Adbullah and I played as the Jazz Epistles was in 1960.We look forward to this concert and pay tribute to the Jazz Epistles. We are plotting secrets and happy surprises for our audience. We are calmly excited and greatly looking forward to sharing the stage after such a long time.” enthuses Hugh Masekela

For 2 nights ONLY on June 15th and 16th these legendary icons will be joined by EKAYA JAZZ BAND. They  will each perform their individual sets on stage at Emperors Palace, Centre Court Arena in the Convention Centre  and then collaborate in a much anticipated never been experienced grand finale. They will time travel into the nostalgia and perform together; however this time, in a modern and colourful South Africa they could have only dreamt of in their days together.

Tickets are available from R480 and can be purchased through the Emperors Palace Box Office on                                         011 928 1297/1213, or by visiting www.emperorspalace.com or www.ticketpro.co.za.

Emperors Palace is a Peermont resort. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter @emperorspalace.