For all those who made Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow one of the most popular TV shows in South Africa – don’t miss him live in Joburg and Cape Town.

One of the top comedians in the UK, McIntyre will be delighting South Africans at The Grand Arena in Cape Town and The Dome in Johannesburg on the 19 & 20 April respectively.

The bouncy, jovial Brit’s tour in 2012 got him into the Guinness Book of Records as the biggest selling comedian with ticket sales of over 700 000 in the United Kingdom alone. Take friends, take family – mostly, take your sense of humour. This is going to rock!

Grand Arena, Grand West, Cape Town, Western Cape
Thu 18 Apr 13 8:00 PM (Open)
Fri 19 Apr 13 8:00 PM (Open)

The Coca-Cola Dome, Johannesburg, Gauteng
Sat 20 Apr 13 8:00 PM (Open)

Book now at Computicket

The Bon Jovi “Because We Can” Tour is set to fill stadiums around the world as the iconic group returns to the road . . . and includes South Africa in its itinerary. Considered the “quintessential rock band”, Bon Jovi has performed  over 2,700 concerts in more than 50 countries, in front of some 35 million fans.

In 1986, Bon Jovi achieved widespread global recognition with their third album, Slippery When Wet. Their fourth album - called New Jersey - was just as successful in 1988 and the group went on to achieve 13 US Top 40 hits (including four number ones on the Billboard Hot 100) between 1986 and 1995. These included You Give Love a Bad Name, Bad Medicine, Livin’ on a Prayer and I’ll Be There for You.

Further Top 10 hits included the ever-popular Bed of Roses, Wanted Dead or Alive and Always. Bon Jovi’s 2000 single named It’s My Life held great appeal for younger fans, many of whom delighted to Lost Highway in 2007 and The Circle in 2009. . Lost Highway debuted at number one on the Billboard 200, as did 2009’s The Circle.  The single artwork for the new song Because We Can was released exclusively on the Bon Jovi website as an app on 4 January 2013 - fans can get it here

When, where, how . . .

Cape Town Stadium - Seating, Cape Town - Western Cape
Tue 07 May 13 8:00 PM

F N B Stadium - Seating, Johannesburg And Reef - Gauteng
Sat 11 May 13 8:00 PM

To book your tickets visit Computicket here

All ages will be entertained when visiting Emerald Resort & Casino over the upcoming festive season. From the 15th to the 31st of December 2012, a daily schedule of family orientated activities and events will be happening around the resort.

Family holiday fun is at the forefront this holiday season at Emerald Resort & Casino with many prizes up for grabs. Activities and events like Know your Partner, Tug O War, Battle of the Sexes balloon contest, limbo, volley ball, Minute to Win It games, talent competitions, Mr Boep/Mr Muscle, dance offs and the Nestle ice cream eating competitions, to mention a few, will ensure that everyone is catered for.

Sharon de Leur, Marketing Executive at Emerald Resort & Casino says, “The emphasis is on family fun this holiday season. In conjunction with our popular existing amenities like the Aquadome, outdoor adventure area and Animal World, all activities and events have been designed with the entire family unit in mind.”

Activities will start at 10h00 daily and continue throughout the day until 16h00. Lunchtime entertainment happens at the Aquadome food court with music, face painting and sand art.

The daily entertainment schedule of activities will be published every day at various strategic points around the resort so that residents can plan their day. All activities and events with descriptions and explanations can be viewed HERE - and on Emerald Resort & Casino’s Facebook page.

Emerald Resort & Casino
Tel: 016 982 8000
Website
Facebook
Twitter: @emerald_resort
Blog

From the Indianspice website

Ganesha Communications launches the Indianspice Diwali in Mzansi. South Africans are welcomed to celebrate Diwali at Gold Reef City and at the Valley of the Waves, Sun City.  Diwali, Deepavali, Divali variation in names but one simple message, a row of lights or lamps signifying the the disappearance of darkness and the carrier of joy, warmth and all things good.

The Indianspice Diwali festival will be held 11 November, 2012 at Gold Reef City, 10am SHARP! And the North West province can join in lighting up the Valley of the Waves at Sun City on 13th November 2012.

The festival will host a medley of all things Indian and all things Diwali with a truly homegrown taste of bollywood ….. Mzansi style. For Artist Performance or Stall bookings contact:info@indianspice.co.za or call 082 837 4104.

Celebrating those who share the light!

The exciting and reverent theme for the Indianspice Diwali in Mzansi is Keepers of the Light, Remembering the Mahatma’s. The Indianspice Diwali in Mzansi will be paying tribute South Africans for their contribution to the upliftment of humanity. Each of the chosen individuals that will be acknowledged share the spirit of Satyagraha that makes up South Africa’s colorful diverse mosaic of communities.

Festival Director, Naufal Khan shared the vision of the new independent festival at the media launch yesterday morning at the Crown Reef Convention Room, Gold Reef City,”The festival aims to integrate the varied communities of South Africa on what Diwali means for South Africa and Africa as a whole as the central message of Diwali is the dispelling of darkness with the power of light. Diwali in mzansi is a concept that aims to encourage social cohesion through our immensely beautiful cultures, music, dance. food and literature.

The Thuthuzela Home for Children and the Anavarata Dance Institute are the 2 primary beneficiaries of the Festival. Diwali in Mzansi will be kicking off a funding drive to purchase a property for this home that provides care for 60 orphans in Alexandra, Johannesburg. The Anavarata Dance Institute, the second beneficiary is in aid of vehicles for their non profit dance organisation will be funded by Indianspice’s drive for sponsorship at the festival.

The sponsors of the Indianspice Diwali in Mzansi festival who have come together to share the light are platinum sponsors, Thava Indian Restaurant, Gold Reef City, ABI, Coca Cola, HKR Printing, Official Media Partners Eastern Mosaic, LotusFM, SABC are making this dream possible for our beneficiaries as we intend to celebrate the festival of lights next month, 11 November, Sunday at Gold Reef City!

Diwali Celebration Society

The festival that will come alive is steered by the Diwali Celebration Society of creative Directors of Cultural Programming, Ms. Anusia Govender-Pillay & Mrs. Kashmira Nagardas, Ms Natasha Bezuidenhout, Project Manager, Lakshya Malhotra, Public Relations, Ms. Mellisha Ramrathan, Operations and Naufal Khan, Festival Director.

For further information please email naufal@indianspice.co.za or call 082 837 4104.

About Indianspice

Variety is the spice of Indian life: The distinctive languages, cuisines, arts, crafts, customs and traditions of the Indian diaspora is an unending journey of discovery full of pleasant surprise. Indianspice, South Africa’s premier indian lifestyle website shares the colorful experiences of South Africa’s Indian community with readers from all walks of life, race, colour and creed.

It is our ambitious goal to cover issues/events/news concerning various South Asian countries as well as of those concerning various diasporic locations.

Gold Reef City is claiming bragging rights as it has once again won an award – this time for the “Best Place to take Out-of-Towners” in the 2012/13 Leisure Options Readers Choice Awards.  This follows on previous accolades including Leisure Options “Best Kid’s Party- Outdoors Venue” (2010/11) and “Best Family Outing in Gauteng” in The Star Readers’ Choice Awards (2010/11).

According to Mike Page, Gold Reef City General Manager, it should come as no surprise that his precinct has won such a prestigious award. Gold Reef City encompasses, The Gold Reef City Theme Park and mine museum, The Gold Reef City Casino – home to the Lyric and Globe Theatres, as well as the highly acclaimed Apartheid Museum. This indeed makes us one of THE best places to take visitors, after all it is considered to be one of Tsogo Sun’s premier entertainment destinations, and all the awards prove just that.

‘We are honoured and proud to have received such a great award.  It will inspire us to keep up the quality service and entertainment offerings so as to retain this prestigious title and others in the future’, he says.

And for sheer family fun, there’s nothing quite like Gold Reef City Theme Park - a world where small kids scream with excitement and big kids scream with terror. Home to thrill rides, live shows, music, & games, it’s a wonderland of non-stop entertainment.  With its rich heritage, you can re-live Jozi’s incredible story by experiencing Jozi’s Story of Gold or relax at one of the many restaurants in this vintage setting. Boasting the first 4D Theatre, offering a great motion-ride experience, you can share in the magic of fun & laughter with more things than you can do in a day!

Gold Reef City is more than just a precinct.  It is a destination where imagination becomes reality.  It’s not about seeing and doing; it’s about experience and feeling.  It is built just a short walk away from the original headgear of one of Johannesburg’s oldest and most profitable mines.  It is a destination with a sense of self, defined according to its own terms. Gold Reef City balances history and heritage with an increasingly progressive way of life, embraces diverse cultural roots, and is surrounded by neighbourhoods that provide a mix of entertainment options.

It’s safe and easily accessible whether by car, taxi, bicycle, or on foot, and the Destination’s offerings are the envy of not only the province but the country as a whole.  It is vibrant and serves as both the focus of everyday life and a fun Destination for locals and visitors alike. It’s a place where history meets heritage and creates fun.  There’s so much to do in this city, squeezing it all into one visit may be the only thing that’s not possible.

For more information, contact Gold Reef City on 011 248 5000, e-mail info@goldreefcity.co.za or visit www.goldreefcity.co.za.

About Tsogo Sun

Tsogo Sun is the leading hotels, gaming and entertainment company in South Africa, providing a vast variety of hospitality and exciting entertainment and leisure experiences. Combining an established heritage with a professional and energised approach, the group proudly encompasses 14 casinos and 95 hotels in South Africa, Africa, Seychelles and the Middle East.

Top South African musical talent has been secured for the Emerald Cup on Saturday 22nd September. Sponsored by Emerald Resort & Casino, SA’s richest horserace on sand, will be hosted at the Vaal Racecourse. To cater for the entire family, Die Heuwels Fantasties, Toya Delazy and DJ Vin Deysel are the headline acts premiering the 2012 Emerald Cup.

The entertainment does not stop after the last race has been won, though: Emerald Resort & Casino’s trendy and hip Breeze restaurant will be hosting The Emerald Cup’s after party on the 22nd September.

Join the party as an exciting day winds down after hours of horse racing and jam packed entertainment at the Vaal Racecourse.  R80.00 cover charge at Breeze Restaurant guarantees entertainment as Euphonik (5FM), Poppy (5FM), Speedsta and Soulkid rock and jam the night away.

Unfortunately no under 18s will be permitted and IDs may be requested. Check out their blog here.

For further information please contact Roxanne Malan.
Tel: 016 982 8026
Breeze Restaurant: 016 982 8166
Email: roxannem@emeraldcasino.co.za
Facebook
Twitter: @emerald_resort

For more on Breeze Restaurant, visit HereNow

By Jacqui Thompson

I recently wrote about places in Joburg I take visitors to see and enjoy. Here are a few things  I do and places I go when I have down time and which regularly remind me of the fabulous city I live in.

Teatime at a Boutique Hotel
There’s nothing nicer than finding a quiet retreat that serves chilled champagne, fabulous desserts and tea in fine china in a tranquil setting. It makes one feel ever so special! One of my favourite places to do the lady-of-leisure is Fairlawns in Morningside Manor.  Other excellent hide aways are the Peech, Morrells and Falstaff with the best chocolate torte in town. Another perennially perfect place to crook your pinkie is the classic Westcliff Hotel with a spectacular view over Joburg’s leafy suburbs and the zoo. Yes, it’s larger than a boutique hotel but there aren’t many places in Joburg you can spot elephants while sipping on your Twinings!

Walter Sisulu Botanical Gardens

With a mile high (okay not quite, but close) beautiful waterfall and a resident pair of breeding Black Eagles this is my favourite emergency bush breakaway.  Not only is it a perfect back to nature getaway but they offer interesting talks and walks, some even after dark.  They’re conducted by interesting, motivated and knowledgeable experts. Their SAPPI Sunday afternoon concerts in wintertime are not to be missed. (more…)

The South African Tattoo, in partnership with JacarandaFM, presents its biggest and most spectacular line-up ever at Montecasino’s outdoor event area for four days only, from 06 to 09 September 2012.  Now in its 4th consecutive year, the SA Tattoo has thrilled more than 70 000 people, selling out at every show since its launch in 2008.  It’s the hottest ticket in town!

The increasing popularity amongst audiences of all ages makes this year’s 90-minute, open-air spectacular event the biggest SA Tattoo ever staged.  With its largest cast to date comprising of over 800 multi-cultural and multi-national performers the SA Tattoo is diverse mass entertainment on a scale rarely seen in SA. “The South African Tattoo is so much more than mass entertainment. It is a showcase of strength, discipline, morale and unity. When you combine strength in numbers, discipline through precision, morale from music and unity for a common cause, anything is possible.” says Simon Carter, Executive Producer of the SA Tattoo.

The SA Tattoo is delighted to announce the soloists for this year’s finale.  The highly talented singer and theatre and television actress, Siyasanga Papu (Hillside, Usindiso, Rhythm City) and popular local recording artist, music writer and producer, theatre performer and local television and movie star, Vaughan Gardiner (Kyknet’s Hartland, Platteland, TREE AAN!) will not only bring glamour and excitement to the Tattoo but also show their vocal prowess to the audience as they close the 2012 event.

The Tattoo brings a new never seen before combination of South African and international acts. Top international performers such as the Talentholdet Gym Team from Denmark and the O`Shea Ryan Irish Dancers from Australia, perform alongside our finest local talent to present an array of wonderful singers, dancers and performers from across the globe. The Amazing Skipping Routine, the SA Air Force and SA Medical Health Service bands, the Anavarata Dance Institute’s traditional Indian dancers, the Afrikaanse Hoër Meisies and Seunskool massed choir as well as acclaimed soloists Siyasanga Papu and Vaughan Gardiner are sure to wow audiences.  We proudly welcome back traditional favourites, the 180-piece massed pipes and drums and the contingent of over eighty Highland and Irish dancers, as well as our giant 27m x 18m South African flag, our biggest symbol of patriotism and pride.  The prestigious role of the lead Pipe Band for the 2012 SA Tattoo has been reserved for the Transvaal Scottish Regimental Pipes and Drums in honour of the Transvaal Scottish Regiment in celebrating their 110th Anniversary this year.  There’s so much entertainment on offer for the entire family to enjoy.

“Here at Montecasino we are proud to call the South African Tattoo our own”, says Steve Howell, General Manager of Montecasino.  “For four years, this foot-tapping, heart-pounding, cultural extravaganza has thrilled audiences across all ages and demographics, becoming one of our favourite events to be hosted on the Montecasino Outdoor Event Area, which also sees high profile events the likes of Taste of Joburg and Oktober Bierfest returning year after year. If you’re visiting Montecasino for the first time, be sure to make a day of it and enjoy the myriad entertainment and dining options which have made Montecasino Gauteng’s most visited leisure destination.” says Steve Howell, General Manager, Montecasino.

This show has sold out for three years running so hurry; don’t miss the fanfare, the massed pipers and bands, dancers and other incredibly talented performers representing a global stage.  Book now at Computicket service centers, visit www.computicket.com or call 0861 813 9000. Ticket prices range from R 218.00 to R 398.00. Discounted tickets apply to groups of 10 or more and children under the age of 12. The disabled seating area is strictly reserved for disabled persons and their one companion. Bookings for the disabled area can only be booked via a Computicket service centre or via the call centre. Regret, bookings for this section are not available via the Internet.

Date: 6 - 9 September 2012
Venue: Montecasino Outdoor Event Area
Ticket Price: R 218 - R 398 (Club Festival Discounts Available)
Website: www.satattoo.co.za
Facebook: South Africa Tattoo

By Dianne Bayley

Delighting Little Monsters of all age groups in South Africa, Big Concerts has announced that music icon Lady Gaga will rock Johannesburg on 30 November this year.

Gaga’s Born This Way album was released on 23 May 2011 and sold 1.108 million copies in its first week in the US, debuted atop the Billboard 200, and topped the charts in around 20 other countries. Her Born This Way Ball Tour began on April 27, 2012, at the Olympic Stadium in Seoul, South Korea and will see her taking her music and her unique message around the globe – including the shows in South Africa later this year, much to the thrill of thousands of adoring fans here.

Born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta on 28 March 28 1986 in New York City, Lady Gaga’s 2008 debut album The Fame was both a critical and commercial success, topping charts around the globe and rocketing the unique star to worldwide fame.

Her commercial success includes estimated 23 million albums and 64 million singles sold worldwide, making her one of the best-selling music artists of all time. Add to that 13 MTV Video Music Awards and five Grammy Awards and her consecutive appearances on Billboard magazine’s Artists of the Year (scoring the definitive title in 2010). Gaga was ranked fourth in VH1’s list of 100 Greatest Women in Music and was named one of the most influential people in the world by Time magazine. This year, the flamboyant (and personable) star was ranked at number four on Billboard’s list of top money makers of 2011, grossing more than $25 million. (more…)

From the Standard Bank website: This year, the Standard Bank Jazz Festival programme – which runs place alongside the highly popular 38th National Arts Festival (from 28 June to 8 July in Grahamstown) - is developed around six distinct genres of Jazz. The themes are Youth, World Music / Gospel, Cross-over Jazz, Afro-Jazz, Mainstream Jazz and Modern Jazz.

The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival (SBNYJF) celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2012 with a suitably powerful line-up of musicians and teachers, gathered to perform for the audiences of the National Arts Festival, but also to inspire the 350 young South African jazz players gathered in Grahamstown - our national jazz future. The Festival celebrates two decades of jazz development with a blow-out performance of some of those who have been teaching and performing at the NYJF, putting together some of Europe’s leading performers with young South African talent in the Youth genre. (more…)