WHAT’S ON IN MARCH
Your jam-packed Easter gig guide
SPLASHY FEN WHERE: Splashy Fen Farm, Mkhomazi Wilderness Area, Bushman’s Nek Rd, Underberg WHEN: March 28-April 1
Mzansi’s oldest — and longest running — music festival returns to Kay-Zen-En’s scenic Underberg region surrounded by the Drakensberg mountains on Thursday! Monikered “South Africa’s friendliest music festival”, Splashy has been providing kiff tunes and lank lekker jols since the early ‘90s — and 2024’s edition will be no different. From The Ndlovu Youth Choir to Desmond and the Tutus, Veranda Panda to Hot Water, Black Mamba Man to Steve Umculo, MaliZulu to Ryno Theron, Tribe of Afro to Dael Lithgow: the line-up features a smorgasbord of genres. Belly dancing performances, didgeridoo-making workshops, stand-up, and kids’ activities ties the festival together in one Splashy finale. Tickets are from R150 via Howler. splashyfen.howler.co.za
REFOREST FEST 2024 WHERE: Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat, R43 Grootbos Rd, Stanford
WHEN: March 29 - April 1
Environmental degradation, biodiversity loss, habitat destruction, global warming: four very real and very severe realities humanity faces owing to modern mankind’s rapaciousness and anthropocentrism. A sense of helplessness often accompanies this distressing factor — a ‘[w]hat can I do to make a difference in the near-unprecedented scale of environmental ruination?’ Enter Greenpop’s Reforest Fest: As evergreen as our geelhout tree is, as perennially popular this annual festival dedicated to planting trees and creating environmental awareness remains. Join likeminded folks for a weekend of camping and reforestation at the tranquil Bodhi Khaya Nature Retreat. Arboreal activities aside, the programme includes live music with performances by local icon Jeremy Loops, Nomadic Orchestra and October Sky, interactive art, musical storytelling, conscious dance, botanical embroidery workshops, yoga, forest walks and more. Immerse yourself in all things eco-conscious and secure your tickets now. Tickets are from R150 via Quicket. quicket.co.za.
JOBURG ZOO JAZZ IN THE LIGHT
WHERE: Johannesburg
Zoo, Jan Smuts Avenue, Parkview
WHEN: March 30
Come and celebrate the rich musical tapestry of the City of Gold’s history — and present — at the Joburg Zoo Jazz in the Light do. Egoli’s music scene is nearsynonymous with jazz music and musicians, with the genre playing a pivotal aural role in serving as a uniting force in light of navigating the country’s complex past. Local and international performers will showcase their jazztastic skills and abilities, and audience members can look forward to a combination of old classics and fresh beats. Nascent jazz-philes/young ‘uns are welcome, too — and their musical taste in the making will be complemented with the privilege of interacting with the zoo’s animals. Tickets are from R85 via Webtickets. webtickets.co.za.
BANDS AT THE BEACH WHERE: Guido’s, West Beach, Port Alfred
WHEN: March 30
Are you a fan of local musos? Keen on all things beach? Welcome partaker of tipple? Supporter of the NSRI? If yebo to any of the above, head to Port Alfred’s Bands at the Beach Music Festival next Saturday. From Arno Carstens to Wonderboom to aKING to December Streets, the line-up will satiate many a music lover’s varying genres. Bring your cozzie and SPF for a day dedicated to the beach — in more ways than one, for this festival is a fundraiser aimed to support Port Alfred’s National Sea Rescue Institute Station. Come and support this noble and necessary cause, with a jive in your step, drink in your hand, and kids with the play area tended to by childminders! (Yes, the whole family is catered for). Tickets are from R150 via Quicket. quicket.co.za.
17TH ANNUAL IPHONE PHOTOGRAPHY AWARDS WHERE: Worldwide WHEN: Entries close March 31
Aspiring Alf Kumalos, Annie Leibovitzes, Frans Lantings, Zanele Muholis and Man Rays: the 17th Annual iPhone Photography Awards wants you to submit your photos snapped by Steve Jobs’ ingenious smartphone’s lens (yes, iPads are permissible!). With categories ranging from abstract to animals; children to cityscapes; nature to lifestyle; people to portraits; and still life to travel, this competition offers all amateur photographers the opportunity to submit their images. Get asnapping and enter (for free!) before March 31st. ippawards.com.
IRENE JAZZ PICNIC WHERE: Irene Country Club, 1 M18, Doringkloof, Centurion WHEN: March 31
Featuring jazz sensation Thandi Ntuli, Carlo Mombelli (whose work has been described as “hauntingly beautiful” by BBC London) and his stellar ensemble The Prisoners of Strange, Daveyton denizen (and saxophonist, pianist and composer) Mthunzi Mvubu and his quartet, and jazz connoisseur and radio host Nothemba Madumo, the Irene Jazz Panic promises to be one of good tunes and good times. John Coltrane and Billie Holiday fans, diarise this date today. Tickets are from R100 via Quicket. quicket.co.za.