Woes Rand — Which gigs are we to attend this week? What will inspire us, make us dance, party, or chill out with the good vibes? See this regular column for your best shots at a good time on the West Rand.
Saturday 23 November
This band needs little introduction. Everyone knows that Just Jinjer is one of the biggest contemporary rock band exports in South African history, with over a quarter million albums sold. They are considered one of the new breed of South African rock bands that rose to prominence in the late 90s. Their live shows are energetic and will leave you with goose bumps. See them, supported by Kinky Robot, at Tanz Live in Blackheath. Earlybird tickets are R80 and tickets at the door are R100. The show starts at 8pm.
Sunday 24 November
Watershed now may be South Africa’s leading acoustic rock group, with a string of platinum and gold albums and awards to its name – but when its debut single Indigo Girl surged up South Africa’s charts back in 2000, it was hard to predict just how successful the group would be. See them in all their glory at the Barnyard Theatre in Cresta. Tickets cost R140 per person and the show starts at 7pm. Contact the Barnyard on 011 478 5300 or visit their website at www.barnyardtheatre.co.za to get tickets.
Monday 25 November
Rock your Monday night with that all-too-familiar band The Debaters. They rehearse at Rumours Lounge in Weltevreden Park every Monday. Entrance is free. The show starts at 7pm.
Tuesday 26 November
When last did you attend or take part in an open mic night? Join Burning Blue & Friends at Rumours Lounge in Weltevreden Park for free live gigs. Your musical act could gain valuable performance experience and exposure on Rumours’ special Music Connection stage. For more information, email Burning Blue & Friends at burningblueandfriends@gmail.com.
Friday 29 November
Johnny Clegg took his highly acclaimed A South African Story to the Royal Albert Hall in March, and will be bringing this show home to The Teatro at Montecasino. This story covers Johnny`s life through his music, and is an inspiring and uplifting voyage. Catch him at the Teatro at Montecasino from 8pm. Tickets cost between R262 and R415 per person and can be purchased from Computicket. Contact them on 0861 915 800.
Friday 29 November
The Heart of Music brings you another favourite gig at Rumours Lounge in Weltevreden Park. See the Anti Retro Vinyls, Newtown Knife Gang and Facing the Gallows, the last of which will be launching their new album. Entrance costs R70 per person and the show starts at 8pm.
Saturday 30 November
Join Stanley June for the launch of his much-anticipated album Imitating Art at Tanz Live in Blackheath. Stanley June is a solo rock performer who strongly believes that music is a progressive voyage, a method of story telling and an emotional outlet. June will be supported by the foot-stomping, skirt-lifting, shoulder-popping musical bliss of the Pretoria-based band December Streets as well as the energetic blues-rock band from Cape Town, Ballistic Blues. Band merchandise will be on sale. Tickets cost either R50 per person or R80 per person including the new album. The show starts at 8.30pm.
