This July, Cape Town is shaking off the winter lull with a brand new arts festival in the city, unique food experiences you simply have to try, and a variety of live music performances. Here’s a roundup of events to look forward to.
Art in the Afternoon at the Zeitz MOCAA
Date: July and August 2024
Time: Tuesdays to Sundays – 3pm to 6pm
Zeitz MOCAA, The Silo District, V&A Waterfront
Tickets: R190 pp
www.webtickets.co.za/art-in-the-afternoon/
Enjoy Zeitz MOCAA’s Art in the Afternoon winter promo and experience cutting edge contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora at a discounted rate of only R190 per person (regular price R250 pp) when you purchase your single-entry ticket on-site at the museum, on the day of your visit. Terms and conditions apply.
Zeitz Museum of Contemporary Art Africa (Zeitz MOCAA) is a groundbreaking Pan-African and Pan-Diasporic institution dedicated to promoting and preserving contemporary art from Africa and its diaspora. The museum’s vision is to produce and present cutting-edge contemporary exhibitions and art historical knowledge, enhance the careers of Africa’s most talented artists in the 21st century and beyond, strengthen its education programmes, and ensure access for all. For more information visit zeitzmocaa.museum/.
For Everything Else There’s Jazz
Date 4, 11, 18 and 25 July
Time: 7pm to 9:30pm
Incognito at The Alphen, Constantia
Tickets: Book your spot through Dine Plan – follow the link www.kovecollection.co.za/whats-on/for-everything-else-theres-jazz/
Thursday evenings at Incognito promises to turn up the heat this winter. Get cosy around the fireplace while listening to the smooth sounds of jazz and sipping on a whisky cocktail. Cape Town’s finest jazz ensembles take to the stage from 7pm against the backdrop of The Alphen Gardens. This experience is best paired with delicious tapas, wintery cocktails and good company. For a full line up go to www.kovecollection.co.za/whats-on/for-everything-else-theres-jazz/ for all the details.
Forever Motown
Date 5 and 6 July
Time: 8:00pm
The Academia Theatre in Lansdowne
Tickets: R180pp
www.webticket.co.za/forever-mowtown/
Shadley Schroeder promises an unforgettable night of soul-stirring performances and nostalgic melodies. With showtime set at 8:00 pm and doors opening at 7:30 pm, audiences are invited to immerse themselves in the golden era of music.
The cast includes Yusuf Sydow, Shavaan Harker, Ganief Samuels, and Wajedie Smith who will be showcasing the iconic hits of legendary artists such as Kool & The Gang, Stylistics, Earth, Wind & Fire, Temptations, The Drifters, and many more. Motown music is personal to Schroeder and his love for the genre has seen him focusing on research and fine-tuning. Schroeder’s journey in musical theatre began in 2014 after his “Blood Brothers” performance with David Kramer. Don’t miss your chance to experience the rhythm and energy of Motown live on stage.
Salim Washington and Mark Fransman in Concert
Date 7 July
Time: 3pm to 5pm
Guga Sthebe, Washington Street, Langa,
Tickets: R200pp
www.webticket.co.za/Salim-washington
Experience Salim Washington (Sax) and Mark Fransman (piano and sax) in concert with Victor Masondo (bass) and Carlo Fabe (drums). Salim Washington is a composer and multi-instrumentalist, playing tenor sax, flute, oboe and bass clarinet. He has played and recorded with many of the luminaries of the art form, and has been featured in festivals and other venues throughout the United States, Europe, Africa, and Latin America. Washington has combined a life in music with the life of the mind and is a scholar of black music and culture. He currently serves as Professor of Global Jazz Studies and Music at University of California, Los Angeles.
Let’s Unwine Sip & Paint Edition with Peadon Smith
Date 7 July
Time: 3pm to 6pm
Hotel Sky, Long Street, Cape Town
Tickets: R150pp
www.quicket.co.za/lets-unwine-sip-paint-edition-4/
Your tastebuds are sure to sing! Reserve your spot for a day of artistic expression, culinary elegance, and the best R&B experience with Peadon Smith. Let those creative juices flow and explore your creative side with great company.
The HEAT winter arts festival
Date: 11 to 21 July
Time: From 6:30pm
Galleries around the city
Tickets: Tickets prices vary per performance
www.quicket.co.za/heat-festival/
Cape Town’s newest arts festival, HEAT is a celebration of arts and culture designed to foster community and boost visitors to the city centre. The festival is set to transform Cape Town’s CBD into a vibrant hub of artistic expression. The participating galleries presenting exhibitions are; The AVA, Christopher Moller, Ebony/Curated, Eclectica Contemporary, Kalashnikovv, 99 Loop Gallery, Michaelis Galleries, Nel Gallery, Reservoir Projects, Sisonke Gallery, Under the Aegis, Union House by Spier Arts Trust, Vela Projects and WORLDART. The live programme is headlined by the internationally renowned local theatre-maker, comedian, and actor Rob van Vuuren. Also look forward to a night of stand-up comedy curated by S’Qhamo Mangcu and Nishen Pather and headlined by Yaaseen Barnes as well as an eclectic music programme. Opera concerts feature Opera UCT’s rising stars and jazz performances hand-picked by SlowLife founder Paul Kahanovitz from emerging bands Operation Khataza and The Johnny Wxlf Experience. Additionally, Kizomba Dance Workshops led by Klinsmann Ferreira generate heat by enticing people to come together to move to the slow, sensual sway of this Angolan dance. For more information visit www.heatfestival.org .
Mosaic Your Mojo – Women’s Retreat
Date: 11 July
Time: 9am to 5pm
Sacred Valley Studio, Hout Bay
Tickets: R2250 pp includes refreshments
www.quicket.co.za/mosaic-your-mojo-womens-retreat-day/
Join Kim and Lee for a wonderful day to ‘Mosaic Your Mojo’ at the beautiful Sacred Valley Studio in Hout Bay. Allow your right brain creativity to expand with the intricate art of mosaic and empower yourself to transform self-limiting beliefs into self-supporting ones. Enjoy delicious soup served with crusty bread around the fireside. You’ll get to create a mosaiced birdfeeder and can choose to do a dragonfly, a heart or a flower (please select when booking . All that you will need for your mosaic will be provided as well as your self-limiting beliefs workbook. Tea, coffee and refreshments will be served and there is a special gift for you! Directions to the Sacred Valley Studio in Hout Bay will be sent to you upon confirmation of your booking.
Laughs for the Arch Gala
Date: 13 July
Time: 8pm
Cape Town City Hall
Tickets: R1000pp and includes the show, dinner and drinks www.quicket.co.za/laughs-for-the-arch-gala-dinner-and-auction-2024/
Get ready for a night of comedy, dinner and an auction as we celebrate the legacy of a global icon who spoke truth to power while maintaining a legendary sense of humour! The Desmond and Leah Tutu Legacy Foundation is hosting a fundraising gala dinner, to raise funds for the Tutu Legacy Fund. This fund supports our impactful work, ensuring the sustainability of our Foundation and our programmes to inspire uncompromised bravery in children, youth, activists, change-makers, and thought leaders to build justice and peace around the world.
Hosted by Mel Jones, guests will have the pleasure of enjoying stand-up comedy by renowned comedians Marc Lottering and Nik Rabinowitz as well as an auction led by the esteemed Philip Powell.
11th South African International Ballet Competition
Date: 14 to 17 July
Time: 6pm
Artscape Opera House, Cape Town
Tickets: from R150pp www.webtickets.co.za/ballet-competition/
The largest Ballet Competition in Africa returns to the Artscape this month with competitors live on stage and online. The SAIBC attracts dancers of the highest calibre from South Africa and across the globe and this year sees Jury members from China, Canada, South Korea, Switzerland, South Africa, Belgium, and America. Entry videos should be sent to badenhorstdirk.db@gmail.com. For more information please visit the website www.saibc.com or email: @saiballetcomp
Artscape provides wheelchair seating. Call Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 76 95 to book. For more information go to www.artscape.co.za/
Nelson Mandela Day at EARTHBOX
Date: 18 July
Time: 1:30pm
EarthBox at Lourensford Wine Estate, Somerset West
Tickets: R150 to R1400
This Mandela Day, you’re invited to give 67 minutes of service to supporting children of the local surrounding community. Imibala offers a series of highly successful programmes that assist children to nuture their creativity and support their academic learning through workshops, skills and material support. This year, along with 22 amazing kids from Imibala’s awards programme, we’ll be decorating backpacks to donate to kids from the local community. Attendance is free for adults and children aged 10 and older. Book your spot by purchasing a backpack to decorate and donate. Get involved, have fun and give back. For more information go to earthbox.co.za/
Celebrate Life Party!
Date: 18 July
Time: 7pm to 11pm
Addis In Cape Ethiopian Restaurant, 168 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tickets: R450pp www.quicket.co.za/celebrate-life-party/
Addis in Cape, one of the city’s most popular African restaurants is celebrating their transformation with a delicious buffet dinner experience. Entitled the Celebrate Life party, restaurant goers can look forward to the establishment’s signature dishes, both non-vegan and vegan while enjoying some fantastic live music. The Ethiopian chef and South African sous-chefs look forward to creating healthy, tasty food made from quality ingredients just for you. For more information and to view the menus go to https://addisincape.co.za/.
Christmas in July with Karin Kortje
Date 20 July
Time: 8:00pm
Missio Dei Auditorium in Bellville.
Tickets: Tickets from R100-R360
www.webtickets.co.za/christmas-in-july/
The Karin Kortje Foundation and songwriter Karin Kortje brings Cape Town an innovative celebration warm your hearts and spread the joy of Christmas in the cold winter months. This cosy indoor experience adorned with festive decorations and twinkling lights, will feature a line-up of talented singers and showcase young, emerging artists too. Performers on the line-up include former Idols winner Sasha-Lee Davids; singer and TV presenter Elwira Standili as well as the vocally impressive musicians Andrea Fortuin, Loren Erasmus and Talitha Luiters. “Our Christmas in July event is not only about celebrating the holiday spirit out of season but also about giving young talent a platform to shine,” said Kortje.
The event will feature a mix of traditional and contemporary Christmas music.
Look Who’s Joking with Wayne McKay
Date 25 and 26 July
Time: 8pm
The Wave Theatre Café, 44 Long Street, Cape Town CBD
Tickets: R150 catchthewave.co.za/tc-events/look-whos-joking-with-wayne-mckay/
Celebrated South African stand-up comedian, Wayne McKay, known for his sharp wit and unique take on everyday life, is set to dazzle Mother City audiences with his latest comedy offering this month. Fresh off his successful performances on the MSC Splendida, where he left audiences in stitches, he is ready to entertain comedy fans with his unique comedic perspective.
The show incorporates various art forms including music, stand-up comedy, and meta-commentary.
For more information go to https://catchthewave.co.za/.