The Oliphant In The Room

He’s an SA Comic’s Choice Awards winner and he’s just come off a very successful nationwide tour alongside Trevor Noah and now Dillan Oliphant is bringing his comedy to the stage for his very own one-man show. 

No elephants were harmed in the making of The Oliphant In The Room taking place at the John Kani Theatre at Market Theatre in Johannesburg on the 27^th and 28^th of March 2015!

Dillan Oliphant (or the ma se kind from Eldos as he refers to himself) is a breath of fresh air in the local comedy scene.  With his clever distinct dead-pan-one-liners, his laidback and nonchalant style on stage, he makes for great viewing. 

The Oliphant In The Room is a round-up of Dillan’s best material over the years that he has honed and sharpened and that fans have come to love from this witty comedian.  There’s also some added new material that will have audiences in stitches.

“The theme of the show is funny-ness.  I’m here to make audiences laugh and laugh out loud by showing them some of me, where I am from and the funny material that I have written over the years,” says Dillan.

Dillan has grown from a novice to making waves nationally in what seems like a few short years.  Dillan started comedy in 2010 and has not looked back since.  He remembers going to watch a Trevor Noah show and seeing the guy who opened for him and thinking “I want to be that guy!”  He was given that opportunity two years later and again in 2014 where he joined a host of comedians on Trevor Noah’s hugely successful nationwide tour of That’s Racist!  “We each got 10 to 15 minutes to do our set with Trevor as the main act.  It wasn’t like opening for a one man show, now we were part of the line-up and it was such an incredible experience!”

He has also appeared on David Kau’s Blacks Only Comedy show as well as headlined various other shows in Johannesburg and appearances on a variety of TV shows including L.O.L and Late Night News with Loyiso Gola.

The Oliphant in the Room is not to be missed.  Tickets cost R135 and are available through Computicket.

ELVIS THE SHOW with NATHAN BELT

No one can compare to the King of Rock Elvis Presley, he will always be a legend to all ages, races, cultures and generations. No one can compare, however Nathan Belt is one of the best impersonators of Elvis and one of the best talents in the business.

Being a fan from a young age, one could definitely be skeptical when people pay tribute to legends and stars, both deceased and alive. However Nathan Belt has definitely put those worries aside with his tribute of the great legend. His voice and looks are an uncanny resemblance to Elvis. Nathan has the same husky deepness in his voice that caused girls of all ages to fall in love him all those years ago.

 There is a night full of Elvis’s classics in store, including Jail house rock, blue suede shoes, love me tender, can’t help falling in love and many more to get the audience up and dancing.

Nathan Belt, all the way from Nashville, graces Johannesburg with his presence and brings Elvis back to life. “Nathan Belt is respected and applauded worldwide for his unique tribute to Elvis Presley.”

 Although there were similarities between Elvis the Show and Whitney Houston, it did not defer from the greatness of both shows, as well as how professional the cast and crew were. This is not a show to be missed if you are a fan of the King.

Returning to The Mandela Theatre or the Joburg Theatre from the 26^th of February to the 8^th of March. Ticket prices range from R120 to R280. The only thing missing,was my partner in crime Ghia, next time girl!!!

Shannalee Doran 

#SpraygroundSA launch

 

 

Sprayground specialises in high-street fashion bags, especially backpacks. Created by US designer, David Ben-David four years ago, the Sprayground backpacks reignited a "bag renaissance" with its heavy use of pop culture and has become a street favourite amongst its own cult following. They're bold, artistic and not afraid to offend.


 




Seen on the backs of some of the biggest hip hop artists in the world, like Chris Brown and Rick Ross, Sprayground has even recently joined forces with renowned director and cultural icon, Spike Lee for their new range.



Sprayground has featured in top international media outlets, located in some of the worlds best boutiques and is sold in over 35 countries. These designer bags will now be heading to SA and will be available from 15 March 2015.

 

 By Ghia ten Doeschate

Exciting Briefing Notes For SAITEX

WONDERboom turns 19!

At a time in the music industry when artists and bands come and go with increased regularity - it's time to celebrate with one of South Africa's most legendary rock bands; WONDERboom as they turn 19 this month and invite everyone to come celebrate with them on Friday 27 February at Smuggler's Pub in Fourways from 8pm.

 

Music lovers will be treated to an unforgettable evening when they can relish the experience that has made WONDERboom one of the best live acts to date. 

WONDERboom has much to be proud of.  They have released 8 albums, headlined every major SA festival, been nominated for 5 SAMA’s (South African Music Awards), and won a Kanna Award and People Crystal Award in 2003 for South Africa’s hottest band. They also won the South African leg of the 2004 Global Battle of the Bands and came second worldwide, all while maintaining the level of music that audiences love.

Always a crowd favourite at festivals and intimate venues alike, they are currently in studio again, working on their 9th album and promise the crowd attending their birthday celebrations a sneak preview as to what to expect from their latest offering.

 

Adding to the evening's revelry will be the indie band The Anti Retro Vinyls joining them on stage who are fast carving their own niche in the rock circles. 

The Anti Retro Vinyls are a 3 piece reincarnation of the British rock and punk bands from the 70’s and 80’s. Their sound as well as their image is that of the original anti-establishment acts from Britain, alongside modern influences and features to deliver a performance that promises infectious, high-energy music alongside tight jeans and big hair. 

The band has played on some of the largest stages in South Africa including OppiKoppi, SplashyFen and Thornfest. They have performed with such luminaries as Shaun Morgan, Fokofpolisiekar,Van Coke Kartel, Taxi Violence, Aking, Straatligkinders, CrashCarBurn, Stealing Love Jones, Prime Circle, Cassete, Wreslerish and many more…. and now WONDERboom.

 

Entrance Fee is R70, and the performances kick off at 8:30pm with Special Guest Skårlit opening the evening and adding their own unique flair to the evening. 

This 4-piece all-female teenage band form part of The CoLab Network's ongoing commitment to showcase budding talent wherever possible.

 

Cito had this to say; “I can’t believe we’ve been doing the WONDERboom thing for 19 years! It still feels like we’re  only 19! I guess the Rock 'n Roll has kept us young… It’s gonna be cool celebrating our last “teenage” year together at Smuggler’s with The Anti Retro Vinyls (who remind me of us a while back) and the upcoming, talented, all-babe band, Skarlit! It’s kind of like a Rock 'n Roll timeline of bands, playing timeless music together! As far as our performance is concerned; expect a couple of new tracks that will be featured on our forthcoming album, as well as a couple of oldies.”

 
By Ghia ten Doeschate

Nathan Belt: The Elvis Show

Joburg Theatre audiences will be rocking as Las Vegas legend Nathan Belt returns with Elvis – The Show.  He will be on the stage of The Mandela from February 19th to March 8th.

 

From the music that rocked the 50's, the movie songs that charmed us in the 60's, the electrifying 68 Comeback Special performance and the thrills of the Las Vegas years, Elvis – The Show has it all. And it’s with true talent, reverence and respect that Nathan Belt delivers this stunning musical biography.

 

Crowned as ‘The King of Kings’ and named ‘one of the world’s best’ by Elvis Presley Enterprises, Belt delivers the look, the moves, the charm and most of all the voice. Every song is performed live by this multi-instrumentalist and his full band and every authentic wink, smirk and hip-swivel will take you back to the glory days of The King.

 

In 2010 world-renowned producers Showtime Productions (Michael Jackson HIStory starring Kenny Wizz, The ABBA Show starring ABBAsolutely fABBAulous) sought to recreate the essence and phenomenon of Elvis live in concert, on a world scale. After embarking on a world search to find a performer to take on the incredible new production, Showtime soon found Nathan Belt, a performer who transcended tribute and entered reality.

 

For years Nathan Belt has toured the USA creating a reputation as the best and bringing back the legend of Elvis to thousands of fans. Nathan discovered Elvis at an early age and says: “The first time I remember recognizing an interest in music was when I was about 5 or 6 years old. I had found an Elvis Presley 45 of my Dad’s that had ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ on the A-side and ‘I’m Gonna Sit Right Down And Cry (Over You)’ on the B-side, and I listened to it over and over again on my Fisher-Price record player! I pretended to play guitar and danced like Elvis, not even knowing who he was or how he performed”.

 

Since the founding of his Elvis obsession in his youth, Nathan has gone on to achieve some of the highest honours within the ‘Elvis’ realm including headlining the EP Expo produced by Presley Productions and becoming a Top 10 finalist in the Ultimate Elvis finals in Memphis.

 

The show will feature a whole host of classics; Jailhouse Rock, Hound Dog, Are You Lonesome Tonight, Heartbreak Hotel, All Shook Up, Blue Suede Shoes, Always On My Mind, Can’t Help Falling In Love, A Little Less Conversation, to name but a few.

 

“After the incredible response from Johannesburg audiences first time round, we thought we would mix up the repertoire just a bit, including some other crowd favourites like Wooden Heart, In The Ghetto and others,” says show producer John van Grinsven, “Elvis had so many great hits, we felt we wanted to add in other songs that were requested, for those wanting to return a second time”.

 

Performances for ELVIS THE SHOW begin in The Mandela at Joburg Theatre on Thursday February 19th and the limited season must close on Sunday March 8th.  Shows are at 8pm Thursdays to Saturdays, and 3pm on Sundays.

 

Tickets range from R160 to R350, and are on sale by visiting www.joburgtheatre.com, or by calling the theatre’s ticketing line on 0861 670 670.  Discounted rates for groups of ten or more are available by calling Joburg Theatre on (011) 877 6853(011) 877 6853/6815.

Discover what everyone is raving about when Elvis enters the building in Elvis – The Show.  If you respect and honour the memory and musical legacy of Elvis Presley, make sure that you put on your Blue Suede Shoes and get ready to Shake, Rattle and Roll, Elvis style, with Nathan Belt!

 

Nathan Belt is endorsed by South Africa’s Elvis Appreciation Group Blue Suede Heaven.

“The group welcomes Nashville’s own to SA shores.  Singer, songwriter and talented musician, Nathan, is respected and applauded worldwide for his unique tribute to Elvis Presley, King of Rock ‘n Roll. He has the looks, he has the moves and he has a voice and charisma that might just make you forget that you are in the 21st century!” says a spokesperson for the group.

By Ghia ten Doeschate

The Greatest Love of All – The Whitney Houston Show

Possibly one of the best tribute shows ever made to date!

This brilliant concert featuring South Africa’s own Belinda Davids is equal parts fun, touching and uplifting. Accompanied by a live band and dancers, Davids pays tribute to one of the world’s most revered singers by performing over 2 hours of Houston’s pop hits.

 

And there is no person better equipped to do so. In addition to having a voice described as “jaw-droppingly similar” to the pop diva, Davids openly acknowledges that Houston is her personal idol and was the original inspiration for her own career when she began singing at the age of 14.

 

“I want people to come and remember Whitney when she was at the top of her game and when she was fabulous”, says Davids.

 

And people all over the world have done exactly that, with South Africa, New Zealand, Singapore, Canada and the USA already hosting sold-out performances in the show’s first year of touring.

 

The show includes over 20 of Houston’s most popular tracks taken from the full span of her career, including ‘I Will Always Love You’, ‘I Wanna Dance With Somebody’, ‘Didn’t We Almost Have It All’, ‘I’m Every Woman’, ‘Exhale (Shoop Shoop)’, ‘Million Dollar Bill’ and more.

 

Davids will again be directed by Showtime Management CEO John Van Grinsven Snr. and joined on tour by the production team responsible for the worldwide hit show Michael Jackson HIStory starring Kenny Wizz.

The show concluded yesterday, 15 February after almost a month of incredible performances.

By Ghia ten Doeschate