The Chiz : gig guide

Ahh, It's A Pity But...

David — Tue, 21 Apr 2009 09:17:11 GMT

Easter Had Landed!

David — Thu, 09 Apr 2009 08:41:09 GMT

Well, the weekend I guess doesn’t officially start until 5pm today, but I am certainly in holiday mode! I am also very relieved I am going to Splashy Fen for the break and Not the Coke Zero Fest.

In a sense I pity the organisers of this annual bash. Firs the Guns n Roses debacle, and now this: Bullet For My Valentine and Red Jump Suit Apparatus pull out at the last minute! Well, there is a pernicious rumour that the organisers knew this already last week, but for reasons best known only to themselves only saw fit to announce it this week, but of course that is completely unverifiable. One can’t imagine why!

In any event, BIG Concerts CEO, Attie Van Wyk said: "We are absolutely devastated by the cancellation of these two bands. Not only have they not fulfilled their agreements with us, but they have let their South African fans down in the biggest possible manner. And all at the last minute, leaving us in an unfortunate position of not being able to find suitable replacements at such short notice."

Ticketholders who no longer wish to attend the festival due to the withdrawal of Bullet For My Valentine and The Red Jumpsuit Apparatus have until Friday 17 April 2009 to claim a refund by presenting their ticket at any Computicket outlet.

So, I am mighty glad I plumped for the local option and the 7 hour drive to Splashy Fen. It will probably rain and I don’t care! A much needed break from work and JHB is definitely in order. To boot I have a lovely new girlfriend who has never been before, so I am looking forward to a shared adventure.

So suckers, if you’re stuck in JHB over the weekend, I hope it's a great one! Catch you on the flip side!

This Easter? Well South Actually!

David — Mon, 23 Mar 2009 13:44:39 GMT

Yeah, that April cluster of public holidays and very little work is nearly upon us! as a music lover, there is a plethora of events to choose from as usual, and this year,i am plumping for splashy Fen. Mainly cos its their 20th anniversary and all that, but also because it is the most beautiful music festival location in South Africa an I can go walking in the hills during the day!

So, here is a bunch of news about this year's festival from the organisers themselves!

Splashy Fen From The Air

Splashy Fen celebrates its milestone 20^th festival this Easter with a line-up that not only pays tribute to a number of legendary artists but also features a large contingent of exciting newcomers – some new to the Splashy Fen stage and others that are hot new acts on the South African music scene.

Supported by East Coast Radio and Tourism KwaZulu-Natal, the Big 20^th Splash kicks off on Thursday, April 9 with a strong showing of going-places Durban bands. Performing in the Grant Erskine Marquee is T.H.O.T.S. (Tree Houses on the Sea), a dynamic group of experimental musicians making a stir with their fresh Hip Hop sound. Up next is Fruits & Veggies with their unique brand of ‘Rockhopsoul’, followed by Habit To, Gonzo Republic, Sugardrive, City Bowl Mizers and Squeal, reuniting for one night only.

Moving across to the Splashy Fen Stage, Pretoria band Wrestlerish makes its debut on Underberg soil at 9pm. Playing folk/acoustic music with a country feeling, Wrestlerish has been described as “original and extraordinary” and seems set to be the next big thing to come out of South Africa. Other acts to watch out for are Seth, Luna Paige, Alter Irving and The Otherwise.

Friday quick picks

Friday in the Grant Erskine Marquee is dedicated to the grand legends showcase, featuring the likes of Syd Kitchen, Tony Cox, Nibs van der Spuy, Chris Chameleon, Madala Kunene, The Rudimentals, Shawn Phillips and Urban Creep’s Brendan Jury. Jury performs at 5pm with Cape Town singer-songwriter Cofield Mundi.

Although a newcomer to Splashy Fen, Mundi is anything but a music industry novice and was nominated for a US Grammy Award in 2007 in the category Best Female Pop Vocal Performance, alongside big names such as Madonna and Nelly Furtado. Tracks from her recently released second album, The Big Question, can currently be heard on radio stations around the country.

A strong line-up on the other stage will no doubt have people wishing they could be in two places at once, so as not to miss out on acts like Andra, Haggis and Bong, Brenda Burnit, The Fuzz, Maisha and The Arrows, among others.

Saturday sizzlers

Things get a bit more up-tempo on Saturday, when the programme kicks off with a cameo unplugged set by Stealing Love Jones. The glamorous pop rockers will make a splash of their own when they fly in by helicopter to be part of the Big 20^th Splash celebration.

Then it’s the turn of a cappella swing trio Dr Fly and The Nurses, followed later by a string of Cape Town artists, including Simon van Gend’s acoustic folk rock outfit, as well as the energy-driven grooves and soulful songs of The Jack Mantis Band.

Watershed is up next, followed by Hot Water, a five-piece that will no doubt get feet tapping with its cross-cultural fusion of upbeat South African jives, hopping blues and modern folk ballads. Voted Best Band in South Africa by Men’s Health Magazine in September 2008, Hot Water – also hailing from the Cape – is fronted by the multi-talented Donovan Copley and has been booked to perform at the Hague Jazz Festival in Holland in May 2009.

Sure to heat things up even more is Napalma, with their irresistible Afro-Brazilian rhythms, followed by hugely successful electronica phenomenon, Goldfish, returning to Splashy Fen with synths and sax in tow for the second year running.

Yet another act to look out for on Saturday is The Shadowclub, a Johannesburg band whose unique foot-stomping blend of blues, punk, soul, and old school rock ‘n roll is making people sit up and take notice. Catch them at 8pm on the Splashy Fen stage, where Durban punk/ska rockers Sheep Down will also be performing.

Sunday’s got the blues

A day to chill, reflect and bemoan the fact that Splashy’s nearly all over, Sunday's line-up has a strong blues flavour, featuring artists like The Gloucester Blues Project, Bobby and The Dynamites, RedHOUSE and the maestro himself, Dan Patlansky.

And if that’s not enough, festival-goers can expect to be blown away by yet another Capetonian, Dave Ferguson, whose unique approach and sound has earned him an almost cult-like following. Using only harmonica, vocals and a live, looped human beat-box component, Ferguson delivers a truly original one-man show of what he calls “Trans-Blues & Country-Dub”, with some surprises thrown in for good measure.

Also on the Sunday bill are Heather Mac and The Brills and UK-based Mann Friday, a group of Zimbabwean and South African musicians performing melodic rock with cross-over electronica tunes and some gently mixed African rhythms.

With more than 90 artists performing over four days, Splashy Fen 2009 promises a line-up studded with talented newcomers and familiar favourites. Held near Underberg in KZN, the festival runs from April 9 - 13 and also offers fun outdoor activities for the whole family, colourful craft stalls, a wide variety of food and drink outlets and various camping and accommodation options.

Tickets are available at selected Game stores (R400), Computicket (R450) and at the festival gate (R500). Children under 12 pay R50 – tickets at the gate only. The price includes camping for the entire long weekend. For more information and the full programme, visit www.splashyfen.co.za or contact Pedro at 082 892 6176.

It's New Years Eve!

David — Wed, 31 Dec 2008 06:32:42 GMT

If anyone is desperate enough for something to do that you are only looking today, here's a recommendation!

Stuck in JHB? With nothing to do? Then this is the party for you. Come drink and dance the night away into the new year ...

Theme: Dress to get laid!
Free champagne! Awesome tunes!
Drink specials on Cuervo, Jagermeister and Castle Draught!

R50.00 at the door.

Featuring the sublime to ridiculous DJ skills of:

Medium Dave (That's me)
Fokkolnonsens
The Bone Selector
The Stockists (UJFM)

Time For The Rats to Boom

David — Mon, 21 Apr 2008 06:01:27 GMT

It’s Monday.. you’re hung over, tired and reluctantly back at work. What better way to lift your day than tell you what you can do in and around Gauteng this weekend in the way of live music? Hehehe!
Here it is, a selection of odd-ball gigs for the week.
Enjoy!

Civilised 8.4
Lucky Fonz iii (Holland) and Paul E. Flynn
Date: 24 April, 2008
Venue: The Bohemian, Corner Park and Menton Roads, Richmond, JHB
Telephone: 011 482 1725
Line Up: The One Night Stands and Doris
Time: Doors open at 8pm First band on at 9pm
Cover: R30 (R20 with Student Card)

Clash Of The Titans
Date: Friday 25 April
Venue: Carfax, Gwi Gwi Mrebi Street, Newtown
Line-up: Van Coke Kartel, A King, Reach, Slashdogs, My Epic, Suicide Kings, The
Shadow Club
Time: 20:00
Cover R60.00

Death Valley Blues Band – London Calling’s Birthday
Date: 25 April, 2008
Venue: London Calling, Opdebergen street, Troyeville
Telephone: 011 618 1018
Line Up: The Death Valley Blues Band and others
Time: 9pm
Cover: R30

Lucky Fonz @ Tanz Cafe
Date: 25 April, 2008
Venue: Tanz Café, the River Road Bryanston
Telephone: 011 463 5937
Line Up: Lucky Fonz III and Arno Carstens
Time: 9pm
Cover: R50

8Ball Madness 4th Edition
Date: 26 April, 2008
Venue: Stones Edenvale, Cnr of Modderfontein and van Riebeeck rds, Edenvale Telephone: 011-609 5432
Line Up: Lucky Fonz III, New Academics, Josie Field Duo, The Hellphones and more
Time: Doors open at 8pm
Cover: R40 for Guys and R20 for Girls

Lucky Fonz @ Bassline
Date: 26 April, 2008
Venue: The Bassline, 10 Henry Nxumalo Str. Newtown
Telephone: 011-838 9145
Line Up: Lucky Fonz III and Sarah Bettens and Stealing Love Jones
Time: Doors open at 8pm
Cover: R50

The Oppikoppi “Vmmijdkwmkah,oid’napmwemp?” Not Quite Easter Festival
Date: 25 April, 2008
Venue: Oppikoppi Farm, Northam
Telephone: 012 346 1679
Line Up: Lucky Fonz III, Sarah Bettens and others
Time: 17:00
Cover: R250 for the weekend

Levi’s Sunday Sessions
Date: 27 April, 2008
Venue: The Crazy 88, William Road Norwood
Telephone: 011 728 8417
Line Up: BLQ and Tasha Baxter Time: 7:30pm
Cover: Free

Wet Wet Wet

David — Mon, 17 Mar 2008 07:54:45 GMT

Well, if you're in Jozi, it certainyl is! So I have spotted two nice diverse gigs that will warm you up... they are on the SAME night, Thursday night and represent two very different sounds, check it out!

Civilised 7.3
The “It’s a public holiday tomorrow!!” Party

So, you know the vibe here, cheap booze, cheap pizza, good music. The addition of the Rockford DJ's means that this will be anice dancing party as well though, so think about it!

Date: 20 March, 2008
Venue: The Bohemian, Corner Park and Menton Roads, Richmond, JHB
Telephone: 011 482 1725
Line Up: The Hellphones (acoustic set), The One Night Stands and The Rockford DJs
Time: 9pm
Cover: R30

New Academics and Gang of Instrumentals

These two bands have been playing together a lot lately, but not really at club shows, so this is a nice opportunity for you to sit down and check it out in the relaxed environs of The Blues Room. Their is a definite chemistry between the two bands, so be prepared for dancin'!

Date: 20 March, 2008
Venue: The Bluesroom, Village Walk, Rivonia Rd, Sandton
Telephone: 011 784 5527
Line Up: New Academics and Gang of Instrumentals
Time: 9pm
Cover: R50

Some Early Luck Of The Irish

David — Wed, 12 Mar 2008 06:20:51 GMT

All Dressed Up And Nowhere To Go?

David — Mon, 10 Mar 2008 12:27:38 GMT

So, plan your live music consumption for the week from this list will you?

Gauteng:

Josie Field (with Southern Gypsy Queen)

Date: 11th March, 2008

Venue: Tings n Times, Hatfield Galleries, 1065 Arcadia St, Hatfield, Pretoria

Telephone: 012 430-3176

Line Up: Southern Gypsy Queen & Josie Field

Time: 8pm

Cover: R30

Josie Field & Band

Date: 15th March, 2008

Venue: Radium Beer Hall, Louis Botha Ave, Orange Grove

Telephone: Andy on 0835421044

Line Up: Josie Field & Band

Time: 9pm

Cover: R50

Josie Field takes a break from the recording studio to unveil some of her new songs.

Josie Field Duo (with Syd Kitchen)

Date: 16th March, 2008

Venue: Back2Basix, Perth Ave, Westdene

Telephone: (011) 726-6857

Line Up: Syd Kitchen & Josie Field Duo

Time: 7pm

Cover: R40

Civilised 7.2
Syd Kitchen, Ramblin’ Jay Bones and Deep Fried Man

Date: 13 March, 2008

Venue: The Bohemian, Corner Park and Menton Roads, Richmond, JHB

Telephone: 011 482 1725

Line Up: Syd Kitchen, Ramblin’ Jay Bones and Deep Fried Man

Time: 9pm

Cover: R30

Fuzigish

Diesel Boy

Date: 14 March, 2008

Venue: Carfax, Carr Street, Newtown

Telephone: 011 834 9187

Line Up: Fuzigish, Dieselboy, Pestroy, Japan and I

Time: 9pm

Cover: R80 at Computicket, R100 at the door

Western Cape

Venessa Nolan

Date: Thursday 13 March

Venue: News Café, Greenpoint, Exhibition Building, Main Road, Cape Town

Tel: (021) 434 6196

Time: 18:00

Venessa Nolan Album launch party

Cover: FREE

Another One Bites The Dust

David — Fri, 22 Feb 2008 06:34:27 GMT

The beautifully canorous LARK has always been one of the freshest SA acts ever.

Sadly, the band has decided to call it a day.

This is a poignant parting indeed, and certainly a huge loss to the boundary bashing band genus.

No doubt the superb individual talents in this outfit will move on to greater things.

Come and show your appreciation tonight, Friday 22^nd, as LARK performs for the last time at The Crazy 88 in Norwood.

On the decks for the night will be The Smiling Lion, Ricky H and the Milk Bar Kid.

Doors open at 8pm, R60.

Band on stage at 10.30.

We Lark it, and we think it’s Naas.

Be My Bloody Valentine

David — Wed, 13 Feb 2008 08:38:47 GMT

What is this Valentine's nonsense? Celebrating the death of some Catholic priest marrying people who wasn't supposed to. Please. And whats that got to do with chocolate and flowers anyway? Except maybe lillies....

It's just another excuse to squeeze money out of you for more frivolities, more nonsense. Just another means to get you to take your eye off the ball, to try and fool you into thinking you can get what you want if you just believe in it enough.

Fuck that.

Personally, I will be at The Bohemian in Richmond, eating pizza, talking to my mates.

There's a great anti-Valentines day on Starring Martin Rocka and The Sickshop as well as The Death Valley Blues Band.There are also great booze specials so you can get drunk enough to pick up ANYTHING, or get drunk enough to forget your sad single life, or what have you. I am assuming that if you aren't single you won't come. But if you do come as a couple, I am sure it will be fun. Sorta.

Some Live Entertainment For The Perspicacious

David — Wed, 17 Oct 2007 05:51:34 GMT

Gauteng:
Civilised: Submachine and Swivel Foot
Date: 18 October 2007
Line Up: Submachine and Swivel Foot
Venue: The Bohemian, Cnr of Park and Menton Roads, Richmond JHB
Telephone: 011 482 1725
Cover: R30
Time: 8pm

Josie Field
Date: 18 October 2007
Venue: Tanz Cafe, River Rd, Bryanston
Telephone: 011 4635937
Time: 20h30
Line Up: Josie Field, Voodoo Child & Replay
Cover: R40
See Josie perform songs from her debut album Mercury including the smash hits Every Now & Then and 10 Years.

Date: 19 October 2007
Venue: The Asylum, Cnr 10th Ave & 4th Street, Edenvale
Telephone: 0722138214 or 0727557041
Time: 20h30
Line Up: Josie Field & Elaborate Station
Cover: R30
See Josie perform songs from her debut album Mercury including the smash hits Every Now & Then and 10 Years.

Kidofdoom
Date: 18 October 2007
Line Up: Kidofdoom, the Critical Hits, King of Town, Data Takashi, Sassquatch, Casioheart, Going Steady
Venue: Tings ‘n times, 1066 Arcadia Street Hatfield, PTA
Telephone: 012 430 3176
Cover: R20
Time: 8pm

Western Cape
GOLDFISH
Date: 19 October
Line Up: Goldfish
Venue: The Mystic Boer, Stellenbosch
Telephone: (021) 886 8870
Cover: R20
Time: 22:00

Hell Cape!

David — Tue, 09 Oct 2007 07:22:17 GMT

It's all About Gauteng!

David — Mon, 01 Oct 2007 10:46:13 GMT

So, some nice shows to get to for the week... not a huge selection, and there are all up here, sorry everyone else1

New Academics
Date: 4 October 2007
Line Up: New Academics and Menage a trois
Venue: Tings ‘n times, 1066 Arcadia Street Hatfield, PTA
Telephone: 012 430 3176
Cover: R20
Time: 8pm

Civilised: Wendy New
Date: 4 October 2007
Line Up: Wendy New
Venue: The Bohemian, Cnr of Park and Menton Roads, Richmond JHB
Telephone: 011 482 1725
Cover: R30
Time: 8pm

Josie Field (with Simon Van Gend)
Date: 1 October 2007
Venue: Cafe Barcelona, Elardus Park Shopping Centre, Pretoria
Telephone: (012)345-3602
Time: 20h00
Line Up: Josie Field & Simon Van Gend
Cover: R40
See Josie perform songs from her debut album Mercury including the smash hits Every Now & Then and 10 Years.

Josie Field
Date: 5 October 2007
Venue: Thyme Out, 127 Greenway Street: shop 9, Greenside
Telephone: 011 486- 0214
Time: 20h30
Line Up: Josie Field Duo
Cover: R40
See Josie perform songs from her debut album Mercury including the smash hits Every Now & Then and 10 Years.

One Hell Of A Phone Weekend!

David — Fri, 28 Sep 2007 12:26:34 GMT

Gig Picks for The Weekend

David — Tue, 11 Sep 2007 07:43:50 GMT

OK, so it has been one hell of a long hiatus, but i am back and not just with flyers and rubbish either!

I have decided to post gigs for the week earlier in the week too... so you guys can plan to actually get to shows! LOL!

Here is a selection

Civilised: BLK JKS and the Greenhouseffect
Date: 13 September 2007
Line Up: BLK JKS and the Greenhouseffect
Venue: The Bohemian, Park Rd, Richmond, JHB
Telephone: 011 482 7461
Cover: R20
Time: 20:00

The Slashdogs
Date: Friday 14th September 2007
Line-Up: The SlashDogs (Pta), The Mochines (CT), Rokkeloos (Jhb), End Of My Leave (Jhb)
Venue: Cafe Arc (Pretoria, Hazelwood, under Gaslight Video)
Telephone: 011 482 7461
Cover: R30
Time: 20h00

The Slashdogs
Date: Saturday 15th September 2007
Line-Up: The SlashDogs (Pta), The Mochines (CT), Rokkeloos (Jhb)
Venue: The Bohemian, Park Rd, Richmond, JHB
Time: 20h00
Cover: R30

The Dirty Skirts
Date: 16 September
Line-up: The Dirty Skirts
Venue: The 88 Lounge, William Rd Norwood, Jhb
Cover: T.B.A
Time: 21H00

KwaZulu Natal

The Hellphones and Japan & I
Date: 15 September
Line Up: Hellphones, Japan & I and Gonzo Republic
Venue: Burn, Walls Avenue Durban
Contact: 011 482 7461
Cover:R30
Time: 20:00