BORN TO PERFORM

Stars of today and budding stars of tomorrow light up the stage

The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City
Wednesday, 1 July at 7`;30pm

Local stars Daniel Baron, Graeme Watkins, Nathan Ro and Cito join budding stars of tomorrow on stage for ONE NIGHT ONLY in the Born to Perform Gala Concert taking place at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Wednesday 1^st July at 7:30pm.

 

Born To Perform is a platform created by Gemma Marinus Donnelly and Matthew Marinus to create professional opportunities in the Performing Arts Industry for young budding talented children and teens.

 

Originally coming from the UK, Gemma has been a major player in the musical theatre industry in SA for over 8 years before opening up an elite performing arts school  (Stageworx School Of Performing Arts) in 2009.  www.stageworx.co.za

Passionate about growing a bright future for our budding artists Gemma and Matthew are heavily involved in training and showcasing the future stars of SA.

 

Matthew is best known as the talented drummer for The Graeme Watkins Project, but most recently is fast making a name for himself as “Dream Canvas Productions” - video production company he has recently formed - where he produces music videos and EPK’s for SA artists.  

www.dreamcanvas.co.za

 

The combination of Matthew and Gemma has led to the Born To Perform platform.

 

The inaugural event introducing the platform to the industry and public alike is the Born To Perform Gala Concert taking place at The Lyric Theatre, Gold Reef City on Wednesday, 1^st July.

 

Gemma and Matt have searched all over Johannesburg for the most talented singer, dancers and actors in musical theatre and pop music to put together a variety style show inspired by the annual Royal Variety Show in England. These budding performers will be teaming up with some of SA’s favourite artists to show the world what South Africa has to offer.

 

Says Gemma; “We are lucky enough to have such strong industry support and have managed to gain assistance from some top industry players including Collett Dawson and Cito from The CoLab Network as well as seasoned pro’s such as Graeme Watkins (The Graeme Watkins Project) Nathan Ro (Lonehill Estate), Daniel Baron and Cito ( WONDERboom).”

She continues; “Having these artists performing with our young stars will not only give the youngsters an experience of a lifetime but also hopefully encourage other producers to create opportunities in the industry for them. “

 

The evening will be a dazzling display of song and dance provided by our leading stars alongside a wide array of budding talent.

Here are just a few of the expected highlights:

·        Graeme Watkins and Nathan Ro will be opening the show with a full swing section with over 60 children hand selected from the Johanessburg region in an explosion of timeless dance and song classics.

·        Cito will be performing one of his signature performances “Hallelujah” with the beautiful talented 10-year old Tylo Venter.

·        Daniel Baron will be performing a medley of recent popular radio songs with some upcoming music stars including Joshua Middleton, Lisa Kriel and Joshua Moreira.

·        For the musical theatre lovers we have excerpts from Hairspray, Jesus Christ Superstar, Matilda, Smash and Jekyll and Hyde accompanied by Rowan Bakker (musical director of Jersey Boys SA Tour, Mamma Mia and We Will Rock You.)

 

·      And many more great moments….

 

Follow Born to Perform:

Website: www.borntoperform.co.za

Face Book: https://www.facebook.com/Borntoperformgala

YouTube: Born To Perform TV

MORE TOP LOCAL ACTS CONFIRMED FOR MAIN STAGE AT ROCKING THE DAISIES 2015

Five of South Africa’s biggest artists have been added to the already stellar line-up for the Main Stage at the 10th annual Rocking the Daisies Festival this year! Jack Parow, aKING, Al Bairre, Majozi and Bed on Bricks will be joining Fokofpolisiekar and Bongeziwe Mabandla to compliment the international acts that so far include The Kooks, Milky Chance and The Cat Empire - with more acts to be announced soon.

Seed Experiences are delighted to introduce our very own Seed Experiences App for both iOS and Android users. As an exclusive launch special – Seed Experiences are offering Phase Three Rocking the Daisies tickets for R850*, if purchased directly through the Seed Experiences app only! Search for 'Seed Experiences’ in your app store, download the app, and get priority and exclusive access to artists releases, event updates, ticket and merchandise specials, competitions, meet and greets and much more!

Download the app here:

iOS: http://bit.ly/SeedExpAppiOS

Android: http://bit.ly/SeedExpAppAndroid

*App deal ends 3 July or while stocks last.

Otherwise ‪#‎RTD2015 Phase Three tickets are on sale from today for R950 at www.seedtickets.co.za

Huawei Culture Club presents The Rocking the Daisies’ Electronic Dome, the second-largest stage at Rocking the Daisies that will host some of the festival’s biggest local and international artists. PHFAT, the massively popular SA rap duo and the first of many incredible artists to be announced, has risen in popularity and demand for their energetic and engaging live performance continues to grow. Rocking the Daisies and Huawei Culture Club will be announcing more electronic acts very soon so stay tuned!

Campers who are interested in buying tickets for a more exclusive camping experience, can still get the Daisies Plus tickets at R1800 (excl. booking fee) or upgrade their normal festival tickets at http://nue.so/e5emy5.

Walking the Daisies and Cycling the Daisies submissions will be opening next week. Keep up to date with all announcements and news by visiting our website www.rockingthedaisies.co.za or follow us on Facebook.

Facebook:           /rockingthedaisiesfestival

Twitter:                @RockingtheDaisy

Instagram:          /rockingthedaisies

YouTube:             /RockingTheDaisiesTV

#RTD2015

#DECADEOFDAISIES

All ticket phases are valid for the full festival experience from 1 – 4 October 2015 at the epic Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. *Prices exclude booking fees, which include charges for the IT services, credit card/ bank related charges, fraud prevention, security control and other administrative fees related to the advanced festival ticketing management system. This only applies to online sales and does not apply to the cash sale tickets. Get your festival tickets today at www.seedtickets.co.za

For any ticketing queries and support please contact tickets@weareseed.co.za.

Cazz returns Stronger

Stronger follows the release of Cazz’s debut single Tipsy which launched her as an incredible new female talent in the SA music scene. Just like Tipsy, the new single Stronger was also co-written, produced and recorded by 2015 SAMA-nominee, Howie Combrink at his studio The Hit Lab.
 
Listening to the lyrics, Stronger celebrates a power that’s in all of us. “Stronger is about letting go of what others tell you to be and how to live your life, as well as what they think of you. It’s about moving forward from that and becoming a stronger person, a person who stands for what they believe in and lives their life to the fullest regardless of what others say. It’s about being free,” explains Cazz.
 
Here’s the SoundCloud link to listen to Stronger: www.soundcloud.com/cazzofficial/stronger
 
Stronger is also available for download on SA iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/za/album/stronger/id1002861795?i=1002861800
 
When asked about the inspiration behind the song, Cazz responds by saying “I was inspired by the current movement for women's empowerment, so this is essentially my girl power song!”
 
Cazz is not looking to be compared to anyone. Her funky-jazzy-pop singles places her in a league of her own.
 
22 year old Cazz has been working hard at perfecting her art over the past 7 years. She’s realised that success is not possible without hard work. Constantly performing at shows and making time to be in studio to write and record with Combrink, she’s working towards releasing her debut album in September of this year.
 
Cazz is also excited to make her debut at Oppikoppi this year! “It's been a dream come true for my band and myself. We absolutely cannot wait to shake it in the dust!” exclaims an excited Cazz.
 
Quickly cementing herself as one of the top new female artists in SA music, Cazz is excited for all the great success still to come.
 
Follow Cazz online!
 
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/CazzOfficial
Twitter - @CazzOfficial
Instagram - http://instagram.com/cazzofficial
http://www.cazzofficial.com/

LIFE IN COLOR, World’s Largest Paint Party, To Launch in Johannesburg in September

Life In Color infuses electronic music's top DJs, world class production, unique and stunning character performers, and a custom built paint delivery system. A countdown to the paint blast creates one of the most high energy and unforgettable experiences in the entertainment industry.

 

In 2013, the tour reached over 25 countries, with a plan to expand the following year.  At that point, headlining DJs had included Afrojack, Axwell. Alleso, Benny Benassi, Chuckie, R3hab, etc. Regular features in shows beyond paint blasts included aerial acts, stilt walkers, contortionists, and fire shows. In 2013, Life in Color began to hold larger music festival events, featuring multiple stages and a larger line-up.

 

In 2014, Life in Color festival was expanded to two days and received a total attendance of 60,000. The event was headlined by Adventure Club, Borgore, The Chainsmokers, Diplo, Kaskade, Nervo and Madeon, among others, and also featured an attempt to set a Guinness World Record for the ‘Most people covered in paint at one time’.

 

On Saturday the 5th of September the JHB Expo Centre, Nasrec, will be transformed into a paint and musical paradise.  

 

Life In Color World Tour Trailer SOUTH AFRICA 2015: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fLBOu7uqh3s

 

Tickets go on sale on Friday 5th of June at http://spicedproductions.co.za/ and artist announcements to follow.

 

Sat, 5 September 2015: Life In Color South Africa - Johannesburg

Venue: JHB Expo Centre, Nasrec - Cnr Nasrec & Rand Show road, Johannesburg

Event Starts: 7pm

Ticket Link: http://spicedproductions.co.za/event/life-in-color-johannesburg/

Ticket Prices: all pricing excludes booking fee

 

General: 

Early Bird: R299

Phase 1: R399

Final Phase: R499

 

VIP:

Early Bird: R499

Phase 1: R599

Final Phase: R699

 

VVIP: R2000 

 

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LifeinColorSouthAfrica

 

 

BRITISH ROCKERS THE KOOKS ADDED TO ROCKING THE DAISIES 2015 LINE-UP

One of this year’s most requested acts by festival fans, The Kooks, return to South Africa to perform their first public performance on the Main Stage at the 10th annual Rocking the Daisies Festival this year!

The celebrated group graced our beautiful shores in 2013 as part of an exclusive brand campaign to a select few who were lucky enough to get tickets – and they were met with rave reviews – but left many fans distraught about missing out.

The British indie rockers are the latest international group confirmed as part of a stellar line-up at South Africa’s premiere eco-friendly Music and Lifestyle Festival happening from the 1st to the 4th of October this year at Cloof Wine Estate in Darling.

In the months following the release of their latest critically acclaimed album, ‘Listen’, The Kooks have been enjoying a string of sold-out tour dates, confirming their status as one of the best live bands around.

‘Listen’ comes after a three-year hiatus and represents a bold change from their very distinct alternative, indie-rock sound.  Grounded in African funk and produced by young hip-hop pioneer Inflo, it has been labelled as the ‘album of their lives’.

Speaking about the album, frontman Pritchard says: "To me this album is about pure expression. Even the way we made the album felt fresh. We were really listening to what was going on around us, picking up ideas. The whole thing was much more natural."

The Kooks are: Luke Pritchard - vocals and guitar; guitarist Hugh Harris; bassist Pete Denton and drummer Alexis Nunez.

The Kooks compliment an international line-up that so far also includes German duo Milky Chance and Australian darlings, The Cat Empire. Local support acts Bongeziwe Mabandla, Fokofpolisiekar and PHAT have also been confirmed, with many more acts to be announced soon.

Phase Two of Rocking the Daisies ticket sales are still available to the public at R850* a ticket. Phase Three of ticket sales will open on 10 June with tickets on sale for R950*; however if Phase Two tickets sell out before this date then Phase Three will automatically kick in. Click here to get your festival tickets now:  http://nue.so/e5emy5

Rocking the Daisies is proud to introduce Mobicred – a new payment option and an industry first that will allow festival goers to buy their tickets from R83 per month. The exclusive initiative by Seed Experiences and Nutickets does not require fans to have a credit card, just a simple sign-up procedure with a 24hour approval period followed by easy, minimum monthly instalments via debit order. To buy Rocking the Daisies tickets on the Mobicred payment plan, go to  http://mobicred.co.za/nutickets/

There is also good news for Glampers who have missed out on the sold-out Heartbreak Motel accommodation option: Based on popular demand, the festival has created a (limited) Daisies Plus exclusive camping area that includes:

•             A festival ticket

•             A separate and convenient festival entrance, right by the camping zone

•             A separate parking area, right by the camping zone

•             Access controlled private camping

•             An exclusive bar facility in the campsite

•             An exclusive lounge/chill area in the campsite

•             Exclusive premium ablutions

Campers will still be required to bring their own tents and camping equipment, as this is not included. The total cost is R1800 (excl. booking fee). Festival ticket holders who would like to upgrade to Daisies Plus can do so via http://nue.so/e5emy5.

More international and local artist announcements, Campervan, Walking the Daisies and Cycling the Daisies ticketing information will be announced in the upcoming weeks.

All ticket phases are valid for the full festival experience from 1 – 4 October 2015 at the epic Cloof Wine Estate in Darling. *Prices exclude booking fees, which include charges for the IT services, credit card/ bank related charges, fraud prevention, security control and other administrative fees related to the advanced festival ticketing management system. This only applies to online sales and does not apply to the cash sale tickets. 

For any ticketing queries and support please contact tickets@weareseed.co.za.

Submissions for local artists will close on Saturday, 30 May. Artist and Media submissions at www.rockingthedaisies.com

Facebook:           /rockingthedaisiesfestival

Twitter:                @RockingtheDaisy

Instagram:          /rockingthedaisies

YouTube:             /RockingTheDaisiesTV

#RTD2015

Johannesburg fans can catch The Kooks, Milky Chance and The Cat Empire Live at the Vodacom In the City festival at the iconic Zoo Lake on Sunday, 4 October. Visit www.vitc.co.za for more information.

Vodacom In the City

www.vitc.co.za

Facebook: /IntheCityJHB 



Twitter: @IntheCityJHB


Instagram: /IntheCityJHB

Email: media@vitc.co.za

 

Yvonne Chaka Chaka with JYO in “A Night with the Stars”

The incomparable Princess of Africa, Yvonne Chaka Chaka will be starring alongside the talented Johannesburg Youth Orchestra for two shows only in “A Night with the Stars” at The Joburg Theatre on Saturday 27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday 28 June at 3pm.

Performing a selection of her unforgettable hits that made her the music icon she is today, audiences will delight in the orchestral interpretations of Motherland, Umquombothi, Natural Woman, Let the children live to name but a few.

Yvonne will be joined on stage by South African X-Factor winners FOUR who have enjoyed a meteoric rise since their win, the soulful Monde Msutwana, Annemarie Steenkamp and Mzansi Youth Choir to ensure a 2-hour musical experience not to be missed.

Says Susan Rendall, Chief Executive Officer of Johannesburg Youth Orchestra; “It is such a privilege to work with a lady such as Yvonne Chaka Chaka who has achieved so much in her musical career, but has not forgotten he roots and where she started. What a role model for our students and an honour for them to be able to learn from her.”

 

Chaka Chaka responds; “There’s so much we can learn from young blood if only we were to nurture their talents and not calculate wisdom using their age. I am thrilled to be sharing the stage with this young talent,  as we celebrate youth month.  I have no doubt the orchestra and performers will blow our minds as they perform their interpretation of hits made in the 80’s performed by youngsters born in the 80s and 90s.”

 

Operating in Soweto, Johannesburg, Evaton and Sebokeng, the Johannesburg Youth Orchestra Company (JYOC) is a centre of musical excellence in instrumental tuition. Responding to the needs of the youth in all communities, the JYOC is a meeting place for over 600 young people with musical aspirations. Almost 300 of the students are members of one of 10 graded ensembles and orchestras which cater for all levels of competence.

Rendall adds; “The JYO, under the direction of Eddie Clayton, has risen to extraordinary heights and continues to amaze all who hear them.”

For more information, please contact the JYOC office at

Phone:                        011-484 1257

Email:                      info@orchestracompany.org.za

Board of Directors: Craig Barendsen, James Bassingthwaighte, Susan Harrop-Allin, Yusuf Justin Holcroft, Pops Mohamed, Bryan Schimmel, Dale Smith and Susan Rendall

 

A Night with the Stars with Yvonne Chaka Chaka and the JYO is being staged for 2 shows only on Saturday,  27 June at 7:30pm and Sunday, 28 June at 3pm.

 

Tickets range from R150 – R300 and can be booked online at www.joburgtheatre.com or by calling the Joburg Theatre Box Office on 0861 670 670. 

 

For group bookings of 10 or more tickets, contact the Theatre's ticketing office on (011) 877 6815 / 6853.

The Geneva Ballet debuts at Joburg Theatre

The Geneva Ballet (Grand Théâtre de Genève) debuts in Johannesburg in June at the Mandela, Joburg Theatre.  

After recent visits to Cape Town and the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown, the world-renowned Geneva Ballet, under the direction of Philippe Cohen, opens on Wednesday June 17 with Roméo & Juliette at The Mandela, Joburg Theatre and runs to Sunday June 21, 2015 for a limited season of 6 shows only.

During its Johannesburg season the company will celebrate the anniversary of the 100^th performance of this production of Roméo & Juliette.

Established in Switzerland at the start of the 19th Century, the Geneva Ballet is known for its rich repertoire of neo-classical and contemporary dance styles featuring highly skilled classically trained dancers and top choreographers.  

Joëlle Bouvier, one of several guest choreographers invited by the Geneva Ballet to enrich its repertoire, has with this production of Roméo & Juliette, re-imagined Shakespeare’s classic tragedy as a contemporary piece, re-visiting the ballet in an inventive way.  She has taken the essence of the story, its fundamental characteristics and choreographed around that rather than sticking strictly to the details of the play.  She turns the sequence of the traditional classic upside down - conversely beginning with the funeral ceremony and working retrospectively back to the beginning. It is driven musically by the strong, stirring music of the composer Prokofiev.

“Together, we unite our bodies into the gentleness and fury of this music; we let ourselves be inspired by the rhythm and its poetic nature to compose body movements, lifts, motions and fractures. All describe the passionate adventure of the two lovers”, says Bouvier.

 

The elegance of the costumes and the stage decor is offset by the vitality of the fight scenes, as the 22-dancer strong company creates a dynamic energy and an eye-catching aesthetic.

“Bouvier has stripped everything down, creating movement which, while technically challenging, innovative, and incredibly beautiful, never feels forced, and a plot consisting of only the most integral events.  It is as if she were leaving it up to the viewer to decide the specifics of who these two people are, what defines them, and what draws them simultaneously together and apart; and, of course, these are the questions which make this story timelessly relevant.”     Ann Rogovoy, The Rogovoy Report (USA)

 

The company is considered one of the most original dance companies in Europe, excelling in variations of the classical ballet vernacular through innovative artistic collaborations. With an average age of 25, Geneva Ballet is a company that features youthful dancers from around the world and includes the South African Angela Rebelo, niece of well-known South African actors Nicky Rebelo and Jennifer Steyn Rebelo.

 

As a major component of its two-week long visit to Johannesburg, the Geneva Ballet company, with a focus on choreography in a variety of forms and expression, will be involved in a collaborative project with South African choreographers and dancers. This unique project will involve four local choreographers, Gregory Maqoma, Mamela Nyamza, PJ Sabbagha and Fana Tshabalala with Nathanaël Marie from the Geneva Ballet and will take place at the Soweto Theatre, the Dance Space in Newtown, University of Johannesburg Arts & Culture and at the Hillbrow Theatre from June 8 - 14. The creative result of this collaboration will be showcased in partnership at the Soweto and Wits Theatres on June 13 and 14 respectively.

 

The Geneva Ballet Johannesburg 2015 visit has been made possible thanks to the support of the Swiss Arts Council Pro Helvetia. The Johannesburg season is as a result of the close collaboration between the Joburg Theatre, Geneva Ballet and Zelda Productions and with further support from the Embassy of Switzerland in South Africa and the collaborative effort of the Swiss Chamber of Commerce in South Africa.

 

Roméo & Juliette performances are from Wednesday 17 June - Friday 19 June at 8pm, Saturday 20 June at 3pm & 8pm and Sunday 21 June at 2pm.

Tickets  range from R180 to R350 and are on sale via the Joburg Theatre website www.joburgtheatre.com  or by calling the theatre’s direct ticketing line on 0861 670 670.  

Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling 011 877 6853.

           21 SONGS FOR 21 YEARS OF DEMOCRACY

If you need one reason to be Proudly South African, MUSIC is that one reason. Before freedom was what children were born into, the government tried to take away homes, education, unity and lives but they couldn’t take away their music. Even now we go through tough times as a country, but we will always have our music. The main acts of the nights included Kurt Darren, Steve Kekana and Johnny Clegg. Among these were other new and older acts that lit up the stage with passion and drive.

Victor Masondo, the Musical Director, was the bass player as well as the MC for the evening. He inspired the audience with his wise words.  Throughout the evening, there were songs of many languages, Victor said, we need to 

“learn different languages to understand each other rather than let it divide as we have so done before.”

 He even joked about one of the songs “Kahulesa” which was sung by Mama Dorothy Masuku, meaning hurry up.  He joked saying that back in the day they used to sing it to hide their beer away from the police when they came. A few of them would sing and dance for the police singing Kahulesa, mean while the guys in the back would hide their beer from the warning of the songs.  Every story he told was light hearted, funny and non-political or racist. He had a passion for music and South Africans as a united front.

Mama Dorothy

One of the songs that stood out the most for me was one of the Reggae songs, with the words saying “Different colours, one people.”  

Kurt Darren rocked the stage with crowd pleasers, mainly Kaptein and Loslappie.

This really got the crowd going. 

Johnny Clegg, started off the second half, with Sipho Mchunu, bought the crowd to their feet. Watching these two legends was one of the highlights of the evening. Clegg told a beautiful story about the past and the present. 

 Ending off with the legends was Steve Kekana, came on stage and showed South Africa how it’s done. After he sang, Victor said had spoken to Steve and in their conversation agreed that they do not feel sorry for those who cannot see, but feel sorry for those who have no vision. I agree with them. If we do not have vision we cannot move forward nor can we embrace change for the better.

It was truly an honour watching the legends of South Africa. I would never change my experience for anything. If there is ever one thing that will bring us together and proudly so, music will be that uniting factor. Always has been and always will be.  It is my personal opinion that if you need a glimpse of hope, faith, passion, reason (and not just within our country but within yourself) go and see the show. 

The past was a struggle, the present is undetermined and the future will be the change but music will always be there to guide and unite us.

Below are a few views from Twitter followers on the show 

Written by Shannalee Doran