Old Mutual Music In The Garden

I discovered this lovely concept by prowling the internet whilst sitting around being very bored :) 
It's live music at the Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens in Roodeport, west of Johannesburg, presented by Old Mutual. These concerts are perfect for all types of get-togethers, from families with children, friends, couples etc. Pack a little picnic basket, picnic blanket and a good sized umbrella and set yourself up for a lovely afternoon in the sun.

The artists are varied and the crowd is always a mixed bunch of happy South Africans. Make sure you get there early (around 11am) to get a good spot, and especially for a parking space. I've been there for a couple of concerts (AKA, Mango Grove, Freshly Ground and Lira), I always have a lovely Sunday and it's alcohol friendly too: )

Search for Old Mutual Music in the Gardens on the internet around September to see the scheduled performances and buy the very affordable tickets. A must for the Joburger!

Happy People in the sun!

Excellent performance by Freshlyground

Deep in it

I've been so deep into Joburg since moving here- like 2 years ago- that I haven't had the time to post on my lovely Joburg blog.

Joburg has been amazing to me. The energy, the vibe, the hunger (for wealth and success of course) and the not-so-ordinary people. I'll have to start from the top then work my way down, there's no way I'll put everything in one post!

Latest escapade has been at an underground coffee/bar spot called 'The March Hare' (http://www.themarchhare.co.za) underneath the MOAD (Museum Of African Design) in Maboneng. I was invited to the opening via friends. I'd heard about it, so I was really anticipating the experience.

When you get there, the door person knocks on the large gates and they slowly open to this amazing spot- think chasing the rabbit down the hole, Alice in Wonderful, which I think is the whole concept. That opening there, was already a winner for me. I love the rustic deco and the bookshelf (literally) of the bar. It's dark but cozy and gently lit.

The cocktails were very interesting- wish I could remember what they were called right now- but I do remember a cocktail that made me as happy as a kid on Christmas Day (I mean look at my face). Check the image below!

I want to return here with my people. It is an absolute gem. 

Look at that happy face!

Picture Credit: Henry Tong

Image does not belong to me, I was tagged on it

Skyroom Live



The View

 A great concept called Skyroom Live, that broadcasts live shows across 50 different media platforms (TV and Internet), has arrived on our shores. It broadcasts from one venue in Joburg CBD with an array of South African artists. I think it's one of the best ideas, not only for the rejuvenation of central Johannesburg but for South African music as a whole. There's truly something about being at a live show with a full musical band. It takes away all the nonsense and gives you the raw music.



The entrance

Too often Joburg CBD is 'that' place, where no one really wants to go, unless one absolutely has to. But let's get real, Joburg town isn't every ones cup of tea for obvious reasons.

With that said, it didn't shy away the organisers from having the set venue right bang in the middle of the 'big bad city'.

Our beloved Joburg CBD still looks like a forgotten city, but you shouldn't judge a book by its cover. Right on Jeppe street (close to Small Street) is the Old Lister Medical Building (they should really change that name) where the concept was birthed and continues to grow. 

As you reach the Lister Building gate there's already SRL security guards and car guards, which is a relief!



The Room

Up we went to the 19th floor. As we got out of the elevator, we were greeted with the artistry behind the concept; beautiful wall paper, images covering the elevator doors. Inside The Room, it has the feel of, for the lack of a better word, coolness. As you walk out of The Room there's the food spots, and another hang out areas. The best part is obviously up the stairs to the rooftop! I'm not one for heights, but the view was a marvel!

We didn't have to wait long for the uber cool professional hip hop artist of the night HHP.
I've seen him performance more times than I can remember, and I've never walked away feeling like I've wasted my time, money or effort. He always has great energy, interacts with the crowd and ultimately does his job of giving good music, excellent quality from his band and keeping us entertained. The live band made all the difference!

HHP

After the performance, we hung out and mingled with the other SKR goers. The crowd was mixed, which is always pleasant. Spotted a few TV personalities to give it a 'its the right thing to do'. And generally it was a  good evening out in Joburg CBD.

Little by little Joburg is coming back to its former glory and why should CBD be any exception?

To check out more of this awesomeness and upcoming gigs log on to www.skyroomlive.com 

HHP Drummer

Aerial view of Skyroom

The venue

A drummer from another band

More of Skyroom

Maboneng Precinct_Acoustic Roof Top Music

The beautiful Joburg and Amigos.



  On the east side of Joburg, where a couple of years ago it was literally an industrial wasteland, and most people wouldn't have dared to venture in, has completely transformed into something more positive. Thanks to a young hipster who overtime turned it into a place of trendy artist studios, galleries and retail spaces. It has became an underground(not so much anymore) hangout spot for those in the know.
It has become the new ‘it’ place in Joburg. It’s not that hard to see why.

Another glorious Sunday in The Precinct with my Joburg amigos- told you I’d be a regular: ). The day began at Arts on Main for a good dosage of Gin and Tonic, food and feel good vibes. Before the sun travelled west, we moved to the opposite side of the road, still on Main, to enjoy acoustic roof top live music, compliments of Castle Milk Stout. The view was a marvel, the crowd was beautiful and the vibe was insatiable. Whilst we waited for the performances to start we were treated to complimentary Castle Milk Stout. The bonus was definitely the photo session with your amigos at The Castle Milk Stout Banner, which came with a printed copy for each person in the photo and a mini photo to fit inside a nifty little leather key ring, all compliments of the host! Yes, there isn’t anyone who doesn’t like freebies!

The first artist was Nothende, a female vocalist that I wasn't very familiar with. She got things started on a great note, singing some of her songs as well as those of legends of yesterday. Next performance was my main man Khuli Chana (can anyone tell this man to marry me already!) and finally Kabomo. The lineup was meant to be much longer, but no bother! The artists’ that performed really held their own and owned the night, and it has became increasingly clear that the talent in South Africa is alive and thriving! With artist like Khuli Chana, we all need to embrace it all and support them.

The performances ended. The evening progressed swiftly on. The DJ was great and kept us on our feet. It was a great day in the Precinct which has by far become one of my favourite Sunday hang out spot.

I'm hoping in the summer they'll be many more sessions like these. Its almost an injustice to the beauty of it to arrive wearing scarves and jerseys! It deserves summer dresses, hats and sunglasses.

If you need to know when and where these sessions happen, you'll need to look out or listen. It came to me by word of mouth.

I'm really looking forward to many more places, things, art, retail, food and people. Word around the ether is that Thesis Social Jam sessions and Kitchener’s are fast becoming the ‘it’ places to be in Joburg.

Can't wait! Perhaps I'll see you there.


*The lack of photos is due to my laptop crashingL. The techno gizmos are working on it. Photos will be released soon.

Arts on Main

Trust me to venture out on the coldest day of ‘spring’. But the trip had been delayed long enough. So I put on my jacket and big girl panties on and got on with business.  But in the colds defence, it was still JulyJ

Food Market

After making 3 u-turns thanks to the recalculating GPS, I finally arrived. Nestled under a bridge on Cnr Berea and Main Street, there it was, the most sung about place since the birth of the blog. I held my breath in anticipation of what I’ll find. Will it live up to the song?

Walking in, I’m greeted by what resembles a food market, with all kinds of decadent food and trendy people for good measure. I went around to each and every one of them and I left having the taste of the world in my mouth. Olives, Olive pastes, chilli, pastries, chocolate, breads etc. And I’ m not talking about the ordinary. This was food I’ve never had the pleasure of exploring. I was in a fondies heaven!

Thereafter I viewed  retail, art, book stores and galleries spaces. It was there, that I feel in love! I came across the most simple yet moving picture. Taken by the artist Marcus Neustetter, called The Study of the Vertical Gaze.  The picture was taken at The Maropeng caves, at an-obvious-vertical gaze. I was completely taken aback. I must have stood for while just reading that picture. I had to peeled off from that picture! For obvious reasons, I cant put it up.

On the other side, above the restaurant is an open bar with benches, stairs and enough stoep to make everyone act like lizards! Then sun was out, trying to beat away the blues of the stinging weather. Be mindful that it gets filled up pretty quickly, so best pick a spot and stick to it for the duration of the afternoon.

By the caribean inspired bar, there was music, trendy people, lots of samba, Steph Weiss and Gin and Tonic to wrap up the afternoon in a nice little bow.

Arts on Main proved to be everything and more. The song should have been sung with a beat! The people, the atmosphere, the food and the art!

 Yes, believe the hype! Soon enough, all you’ll want to do on a Sunday Morning is Arts on Main.

The Study of the Vertical Gaze, where love was born!

The other side-SAMBA!!!!

More Art!

Ahh Steph Weiss!

Being Lizards in the sun!

The Centre



Beauty of Maboneng Precinct

Wolves, Illovo

Yesterday on Workers Day, I headed out to do something I haven’t done in a while… Joburg! The day was rather sombre and I needed something relaxed to suite the mood of the day. A friend had recommended going to a place the sells thee most delicious red velvet cakes in the city. Not being so enthused about going to a bakery type of place, I was convinced to go after all. The motivation was cheap beer!

We arrived in Illovo a couple of traffic lights off Corllete drive by Illovo Corner. There’s a stretch of quirky shops just off the corner. If you don’t remember to look up, you’ll miss it.

So no, it’s not a bakery, though has a very corner coffee house feel to it.  As you walk in, you’re greeted by a mixed crowd of people, some with mac books going on about their business, some relaxing outside, or by the window and some just hanging out or having lunch. It’s a relaxed, no fuss atmosphere. By no fuss, I’m in no way saying grungy.

The comforting outside area

The best part is, one need not wait for a waiter to order a drink, instead, you walk straight to their old school type of refrigerator and take out whatever cold beverage you fancy. Like you just got home after a long day, and there’s a cold one with your name written all over it! Though the cheap beer part is a myth! It’s evident that people feel at home here. They even take away their own plates after eating as one would do at home after a meal. Of course this is optional. If not, you may order your coffee or/and one of their renown cakes at the counter, which the famous being red velvet cake or cupcake for about R25. Personally for that much I’d rather order another Steph Weiss Beer, which seems to be trending around Joburg. If you fancy a bite, their light meals range from R45.



That, that makes the room

Visually it’s a charming little house, with all types of paintings around and a shelf occupying the majority of the right wall with an array of ornaments (all for sale).  We grabbed table inside and a game of scrabble off the shelf. The combination of cold Steph Weiss Beer, good company and the easy atmosphere made for good simple fun.

Though being right bam in the middle of the week, they do lock shop early, around 4pm. They don’t chase you away or make you feel unwelcome by packing up whilst you’re still busy. They actually encourage you to relax and complete whatever it is you were doing, games not included. If you fancy an evening do, Thursday to Sunday they close shop around 7pm.

I’ll definitely visit again for an easy-like-Sunday morning or a home-away-from-home type of atmosphere. This time, I’ll have the cup cake and not feel so stingy about it!

The View

The atmosphere

This is really charming

The quirkiness

The Neighbourgoods Market-Braamfontein

Wow its been a long time coming...
The virginity has been broken! So before I become a lover of all Joburg things, I must share my experience with the most charming place yet. The one that has deflowered me: )
The Neighbourgood Market in Braamfontein.
I've heard of the emerging trendiness of Braamfontein and wasn't disappointed at the progress. I can guarantee that in the next year or so it will the trendiest place in Joburg.
Braamfontein has turned Joburg into a mellow, confident, clean Joburg that I want to be a part of.

Accompanied by my trustee Joburger, Lefase, we ventured down to the market.
As we arrived, we realised that we may have waited a bit too long to go...the market people were already clearing up : (
But not all was lost. There is the rooftop that still has stalls and two bars, with a wide area to relax under umbrellas. It was a sunny Saturday afternoon, and the sun rays were beaming on the rooftop. The atmosphere was alive with people, and colour and everyone was mellow and ready to mingle
The energy was absolutely contagious. The mixed crowd made all the difference. It almost felt like a London rooftop party in the summer, so rare and so so good.

The market is open on Saturdays, and its advised you go around 12-1 pm to avoid dissapointment; )

So even though I missed out on the market part of the Neighbourgoods market . I didn't feel robbed of the experience...It was absolutely delightful and charming enough to bring me back.
Check out the link below to view exactly what I speak of when I say trendy!

http://www.mabonengprecinct.com/




The rooftop



One of the bars



The beautiful people