Each week we round up the latest concerts, markets, parties, tours and other cool happenings so you don’t miss them! For a full guide to what’s on in Joburg, check out our online events calendar and subscribe to our newsletter guide to Joburg published every Thursday morning.
Here’s our pick of cool events to put on your calendar this weekend.
Ross Learmouth – The Wild Send Off
FRI JUL 15 & SAT JUL 16 Ross Learmonth, singer, songwriter and musician known best as the lead singer of SA rock Royalty, Prime Circle, is heading to Europe this summer for the WILD tour. Ahead of his departure he is performing two concerts at The Bioscope at 44 Stanley. The concert starts 20:00 for 20:30, tickets R250, available online here.
At all costs at Theatre on the square
UNTIL SAT JUL 23 A retired mechanical engineer who fought at the Battle of Delville Wood as a youngster in 1916 relives the drama in Peter Terry’s play, At All Costs. Peter Terry performs his own solo theatre piece directed by internationally acclaimed director Janice Honeyman. Performances Jul 12–15 and Jul 19–23 at Theatre On The Square in Sandton. Tickets R180, available online here.
Home Is Where The Music Is Exhibition
UNTIL SAT AUG 20 An exhibition celebrating the life of the father of South African Jazz, Bra Hugh Masekela, Home Is Where The Music Is includes rarely seen photographs and memorabilia from the late Hugh Masekela’s personal archive, unique prints made by local artists and the famous Louis Armstrong trumpet that Masekela played on stage. Takes place at the Art & About pop-up gallery at 8 Merchant Place (cnr Fredman Dr and Rivonia Rd, Sandton Central). RSVP to Dominique.Downs@rmb.co.za or call +27 71 889 9566 to attend the exhibition launch on Wed Jul 13 at 16:00.
Community Philharmonic Orchestra at Javett-UP
SAT JUL 16 AT 14:30 In celebration of Nelson Mandela Day, the Javett-UP Art Centre in Pretoria hosts the Community Philharmonic Orchestra for a beautiful afternoon of classical music. Another great reason to visit the museum is to take advantage of the discounted prices on entrance fees. Throughout July adults pay R67, pensioners R47, kids aged 6-18 R37 and university students and kids under 6 enter for free. Tickets available online here.
Carlo Mombelli live at Market Theatre
FRI JUL 15 & SAT JUL 16 Master bassist and composer Carlo Mombelli is one of South Africa’s most impressive jazz innovators. His music has been described by various international critics as “…hauntingly beautiful South African music woven with improvisations, soundscapes and poetry”, “disconcertingly beautiful”, “unusually and unexpectedly fresh” and “visionary, emotional and experimental”. In short, he is quite simply one of our finest contemporary jazz performers. Catch him live at Market Theatre. Tickets R150, students and pensioners R70, available online here.
Night Embassy closing bash at Moon Valley
SAT JUL 16 Jägermeister’s Night Embassy concludes its venture into the night with a huge closing bash at the dynamic Moon Valley Studios in Bezuidenhout Valley. Hosted under the mantra “there is a place in the night for everyone” all are welcome and the party celebrates creative freedom over two stages with dozens of performers on the extensive lineup. Admission is free, get your tickets online here. Doors open at 19:00.
Paint and Sip at The Playground Market in Braamfontein
SAT JUL 16 Unleash your inner Picasso at The Playground Market’s Paint and Sip class this Saturday in Braamfontein. The painting classes start at 11:00 and 14:00 and last 2.5 hours. The class costs R200 and includes all painting equipment, a complimentary cocktail, and free entrance to the market. Once you’ve completed your masterpiece stay on to enjoy the live music, DJs, delicious food selection, and lively rooftop party vibe. Get a free Heineken when you take a picture of your favourite mural at the market, part of a new project to find Joburg’s most talented mural artists. We took part in the previous Paint and Sip edition, read our review here and book your spot here.
Johnny Clegg Official Tribute Show
SUN JUL 17 A host of South Africa’s top performers come together on for a special concert at the Botanical Gardens in Emmarentia in honour of the legendary late musician Johnny Clegg. Sipho Mchunu, Soweto Gospel Choir, Just Jinjer, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Karen Zoid, Zolani Mahola, Francois van Coke, Jesse Clegg and the Johnny Clegg Band are just a few names included in the extensive lineup. Tickets R475, kids under 12 R225, Golden Circle R675 (kids R325), VIP R1600, available online here. Gates open at 11:00.
Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble 25th anniversary concert
SUN JUL 17 Buskaid Soweto String Ensemble celebrates its 25th anniversary with a memorable performance at Joburg’s biggest concert hall, the Linder Auditorium. You can expect a rich mix of old and new classical music favourites from across the world, with some fun modern pop and vibrant Kwela arrangements thrown in to get the crowd on their feet. Tickets R300 (concessions R175), available online here. The performance starts at 15:00.
Mandela Day
Monday July 18 is International Mandela Day and in honour of Madiba’s lifelong dedication to helping others, people across the world are invited to dedicate 67 minutes of their time (symbolic of the 67 years Mandela spent fighting for freedom and justice for all) to a good cause in their community. With Mandela Day falling on a Monday there are activations to get involved led by scores of local charities happening across the weekend.
COMING SOON!
Joburg Sunset Rooftop Experience
SAT JUL 30 Join us and MicroAdventure Tours for a sensational Saturday evening out that includes the city’s best views accompanied by bubbly, canapes and a cocktail! This fun ride across Joburg with the open-top City Sightseeing red bus starts promptly from Rosebank at 15:00 making stops at Munro Drive for bubbly with an awesome view, cocktails at a sky-high Braamfontein rooftop bar and canapes at the glam Hallmark House rooftop bar ending back at Rosebank at 19:00. Tickets R850 including food, refreshments, and all transport. Booking is essential! Book your place here on Quicket.