What's on in Knysna...
All That Jazz
From 27 to 29 April, the All That Jazz festival returns to the Bravo Lounge at the Garden Route Casino, treating music lovers to three days of live entertainment, including a karaoke competition on Friday (free), Nur Abrahams and his band on Saturday (R150pp) and Battle of the Bands on Sunday (R60pp). Tickets at the casino cash desk, gardenroutecasino.co.za and Computicket, as well as at Shoprite and Checkers, with discounts available for Rewards cardholders.
Free movie time for kids
At Bloo Bistro, Memorial Square, Knysna on Saturdays at 12:30. We will offer popcorn and a cold drink (Fanta, Cream Soda or Coca-Cola) at a minimal charge of R50 optional but not compulsory. Due to limited seating, bookings are essential, at 082 923 1185. Line-up: 28 April: The Croods; 5 May: The Incredibles
Introspection at Bloo
Alex Cavan with Introspection at Bloo Bistro on Saturday 28 April, 21:00 to 23:00. Bookings: 082 923 1185
Album launch at Blend
SA singer-songwriter Rowan Stuart will support the release of his fifth studio album, Faraway (Deluxe), with a special Knysna album launch on Wednesday 25 April at 19:00. at Blend Country Restaurant, George Rex Drive. The songs from the album tell tales of the complex and chaotic modern world from which the protagonists dream of places ancient and free. Entrance R60 prebooked or R80 at the door. Book through Jackie 084 587 6665 / jackie@betterlive.co.za. The new album will be on sale at the venue. More info: www. rowanstuart.com for more information.
Knysna Garden Club meet
On Wednesday 25 April at Barrowdale Nursery on the N2, between Knysna and Plett, at 09:45 for 10:00. The nursery is about 3km past Stromboli’s turnoff (going towards Plett), Plot HH13. A beautiful nursery specialising in aloes and water-wise plants. Bring comfy chairs, hats and refreshments. Visitors welcome. Info: 044 387 1966.
Matjiesfontein revisited
On Thursday 26 April Dr Dean Allen will enthral with War, Cricket and the Empire, the sequel of his first introduction to Matjiesfontein. All welcome at the U3A general meeting in Brenton community hall. Doors open 09:00 when tea, coffee and biscuits will be served. Members R5, visitors R10 towards hall hire. More info: Judy Dixon 072 390 6667.
When legends get together
Auldfield (Wendy Oldfield and Robin Auld) @ Bloo Bistro, Memorial Square, Knysna on Friday 27 April at 21:00. R100pp. Enquiries: 082 923 1185
Jazz in George
Cape jazz pianist Ramon Alexander at the George Arts Theatre on Monday 30 April (Tuesday 1 May is a public holiday). Cape jazz is a fusion of indigenous sounds mixed with Western and European music flavours, originating from early colonial times when slavery was rife. Alexander is especially inspired by Abdullah Ebrahim and has performed at the Cape and Grahamstown jazz festivals as well as the Borneo Jazz Festival. He will include a free workshop before the show. (Enquiries: Luna Paige 082 859 2420). Doors open for pre-drinks and ticket sales at 19:00, show starts 19:30. Tickets R100pp, R70 for theatre members, R40 for school learners. Tickets/bookings: Jolien 044 874 3142
Plastic: friend or foe?
At the Gardening @ Leisure meeting on Friday 4 May, Sue Swain from BioWise will discuss plastic recycling at 10:00 at the Leisure Isle Bowling Club, Links Drive, Leisure Isle. Important: Please bring a black bag containing clean, recyclable plastic items generated five days before the meeting, as well as a 2-litre plastic bottle – or be prepared to pay R75 entrance if you don’t bring that bag! Visitors are most welcome at R20pp (tea and eats included). Also bring a mug for tea/coffee and money for a raffle.
Kiekies – Lucas se Liedjies
Lucas Maree as liedkunstenaar het min gelykes in Afrikaans. Jannie du Toit en Thean Kotze herontdek sy verbeeldingryke kyk na die lewe en laat die gehoor met persoonlike anekdotes iets beleef van sy uitsonderlike menslikheid en kreatiewe gees. Vrydag 18 Mei by The Barnyard, Plettenbergbaai, 19:00 (deure oop vanaf 17:30). Besprekings: www. barnyardplett.co.za. Navrae: 079 876 0406
Art exhibition
Knysna Arts Society presents its Monochromatic exhibition, with 40 pieces that were created using only one hue or a black-and-white colour scheme. Currently at the Knysna Art Gallery in the Old Goal complex in Queen Street.
Township tours
Experience the vibe in the township, meet the people, visit the preschool in the morning, visit the hairdresser, grocer, cobbler and library. Enjoy tea in a home in the township with drumming and singing. This tour gives back to the community. Depart daily at 10:00 and 14:00. Cost: adults R400, children R150. The tour lasts between two to three hours. To book: 082 338 6289 or 044 382 1087 / book@ emzinitours.co.za
Artfully floral
The Garden Route Floral Art Club meet every third Tuesday of the month. Enquiries: Jill Fraser 082 776 0410
Weeding Wednesday
Help with the control of alien vegetation and learn more about our local indigenous plants at Pledge Nature Reserve every Wednesday from 09:30 to 10:30. More info: 082 773 4118.
Concordia free pet clinic
Every first Wednesday outside the Concordia library from 09:00 to noon. Free inoculations for dogs and cats, by Knysna Veterinary Clinic and Emzini Tours. We try to give collars to the dogs, give some pet education to everyone there, sign up as many for sterilisation at KAWS as possible, then all the dogs get dewormed, inoculated, checked for fleas and mange and any other problems. Each dog receives a booklet with their information.
Birding
Lakes Bird Club outings every first Saturday of the month, also other outings and talks. Info: Pat 044 382 0638 / Steve 082 785 6152 / lakes.bird. club@gmail.com.
Rotarians get together
The Rotary Club of Knysna meets at the Knysna Yacht Club every Tuesday from 12:30 onwards for the lunch meeting from 13:00 to 14:00. All visiting Rotarians are welcome as well as potential new members.
Embroidery
The Knysna Embroidery Guild meets every first Wednesday of the month at 09:30 at the Knysna Bowling Club in Rawson Street. Visitors welcome, R20. Info: Berry 082 216 9666 or davidprentice25@yahoo.co.uk.
Network in Knysna
Knysna Networking, a group of dynamic individuals looking to help each other grow their business, meet twice a month on a Wednesday. Interested to join? Call Gudrun on 072 699 4174.
Time in nature
Visit Pledge Nature Reserve – 10 hectares of pure nature in the heart of Knysna. Open every day from 07:00 to 19:00. Entry off Main Road between Postnet and Steers. Dogs on leashes welcome. Ticket sales at Knysna Tourism, Polvo Coffee and Wayside Inn. For yearly/monthly tickets, call the manager on 083 629 9201.
Steenbok Nature Reserve, Leisure Isle, Knysna (all year). Dog friendly. Info: Knysna Tourism 044 382 5510
Park it at the market
The Friday Market @ Knysna Montessori School, 16:00 to 20:00, for good food, live music, licensed bar and crafters. Follow the scarecrows on N2 then up Welbedacht Lane. Info/enquiries: Liezel 044 382 5316
Sedgefield: Wild Oats Community farmers’ market every Saturday morning (an award-winning market with over 60 stalls of the finest local farm produce, home bakes, plants and flowers, outdoor breakfast and live music), Scarab Craft Village and Mosaic Market, all in close proximity along the N2.
Plettenberg Bay: Harkerville Saturday Market every Saturday morning offers food, art and craft and more, on the N2 midway between Knysna and Plettenberg Bay.
Find it online!
For a comprehensive listing of what to enjoy in the Greater Knysna and Plettenberg Bay area, from sport and entertainment, nature walks and cycling, places to stay and dining, to arts and culture, go to the Knysna Tourism website on www.visitknysna. co.za/things-to-do. Plett Tourism’s Daily Diary and Calendar of Events are also updated on a daily basis – visit www.plett-tourism.co.za/do/event and www.plett-tourism.co.za/do/daily-diary.
* Send detailed notices of your events, from meetings and fundraisers to regular get-togethers, to rianas@groupeditors.co.za. This must reach us by NOON on a Monday.