If you would like NOT to receive this e-mail (which is sent text only to keep it very small and easily downloadable) then also advise us at that address. Please pass this e-mail on to your family, friends and colleagues, so that everyone is better informed about what’s on. If you wish to have information included on this newsletter send the information in text-only format to aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw – there is no charge as this is a free service and acts as an anti-clash diary.
Now running until Saturday June 4 - Chapatti – Good Home Wanted. A superb bittersweet play directed by Graham Crutchley, from The Repertory Players. Theatre Upstairs at Reps. Matinees May 28 and June 4 (2.30pm). Evening performances 7pm. Tickets $10. Starring Mike Blackburn and Betty Hobbs. From the acclaimed director of the recent hit The Pianist. Book at The Spotlight – call (04) 308159 or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw for online bookings. Highly recommended as a piece of theatre not be missed, with excellent feedback on the story, the set and the performances.
Now running until Sunday May 29 – Miombo Magic music festival. Zimbabwe’s family-friendly annual music festival, camping out in the stunning bush of Christon Bank, 25km north of Harare. A line-up of bands until Sunday sunset, with a wide range of additional activities to keep children happy. Tickets on sale from Pariah State in Borrowdale or online at miombomagic.paynow.co.zw. Further details on the festival and the line up at facebook.com/miombomagic. Small venue, so ticket numbers are limited.
Now running until Sunday May 29 – 2016 hp lubes Castrol 4×4 Jamboree. Donnybrook motor sports park. Lots of entertainment and good fun for all the family. All day action Saturday and Sunday, and fun for the whole family at this event that has been a crowd favourite for over 20 years.
Saturday May 28 – Baby Fair. 8 Coltman Road, Mt Pleasant (off The Chase) from 9am to 2pm. You can find everything you need for your bump and baby!
Saturday May 28 – Maasdorp Avenue Market. 11 Maasdorp Avenue (opposite the bottom drawer at our new venue). 9am to lunchtime. A morning of shopping in a relaxed environment, with a variety of products: Banting products, gluten-free products, goats cheese, fresh fruit and vegetables, cakes, savoury muffins, quail eggs, chocolate, fresh juices, farm-fresh chicken, duck products, pickles, frozen pies and samosas, pita bread, homemade jams, free range eggs, Mozambican prawns and fish and much more. Free tasters will be available.
Saturday May 28 – Tree Society visits the CABS Headquarters Gardens. We will explore the gardens at CABS headquarters (where we usually leave our cars for shared lifts on Sunday outings). These grounds have an exciting range of indigenous and exotic trees that have been well laid out in a beautiful garden. Meet in the CABS Headquarters car park at the end of Northridge Close (off Northern Rd and Ridgeway North) at 2.15pm.
Saturday May 28 – John Vlismas Live: Laugh Out Loud in Ha-ha-ha-rare. Presented by Xtra Time Investments. One of SA’s top stand-up comedians. Reps Theatre, 8pm. All tickets $20. Booking now open at The Spotlight, call (04) 308159, or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw for online bookings.
Tuesday May 31 – Fun team quiz night at one67. The latest in the regular quiz evenings at one67 Enterprise Road, also known as Theo’s House of Coffees. Bring a team or come along to join in a team. The accent is on fun. No entry fee. Supper and drinks on sale. Book a table by calling 0772 881877.
Thursday June 2 to Saturday June 4 – The Zimbabwe Suite. A presentation by the Chitungwiza Harmony Singers presenting the world premiere of this work by British composer Bryan Kesselman. Also featuring choral songs from around the world. Reps Theatre. Showtimes Fri and Sat 7pm, plus matinee Sat 2.30pm. For the Thursday and Friday shows, a discount system applies: 1 ticket total cost $8, 2 tickets cost $16, 3 tickets cost $16 – 33% discount, 4 tickets cost $24 – 25% discount, 5 tickets cost $32 – 20% discount, 6 tickets cost $32.00 – 33% discount, 7 tickets cost $32 – 43% discount. Elderly homes can check with the Reps office for details of a preview opportunity for the oldies. Book at The Spotlight (call (04) 308159 or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw).
Friday June 3 and Sunday June 5 – All That Jazz. A superb musical show featuring jazz songs from around the world and from across the decades, and including all styles of jazz. Presented by the Fab Fusion and Ovation live band, with a line-up of five top singers. Showtimes: Friday 7pm and Sunday 2.30pm. Venue: one67 Enterprise Road retail estate (also known as Theo’s House of Coffees). Tickets $7 adults and $5 children. Advance booking open at The Spotlight (call (04) 308159, pop in (Reps foyer 9am to 4pm weekdays and 9am to 12 noon Saturdays, or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw) and also at one67 Enterprise Road.
Saturday June 4 – The Kilted Generation 2. Presented by the St John’s College Pipe Band as a fundraiser for the band’s planned trip to Scotland for the World Piping Championships. Featuring the school jazz band, electric band and acapella choir. Showtimes: 3.30pm and 7.30pm. Venue: one67 enterprise Road Retail Estate. Tickets on sale at one67, St John’s college and The Spotlight in Reps Theatre’s foyer (visit www.thespotlight.co.zw, or pop in from 9am to 4pm Mon to Fri and 9am to 12 noon Sat).
Saturday June 4 – Zimbabwe Society of Music Teachers Concert: A Feast Of Music. 3pm, Arundel School Chapel. Performers include Margot dennis and the Marden Singers, Catherine Stirling (violin), Cherith Keen (soprano), Nina Bond (flute), Pam Stumbles and Joan Deste (two-piano duet), Richard Hartnack (tenor), John Kelly (clarinet/saxophone), Carolyn Peto/Keiko Duske/Pam Stumbles/Joan Deste (two pianos – eight hands). Accompanists: Ruth Chard, Carolyn Peto and Helen Diaskouris. Entry by donation, with proceeds for the Una Coleman and Leo Birsen bursaries. Teas after the concert.
Tuesday June 7 – The Prince Experience. Music of the late musical great, presented by Alex Fairlie and friends in honour of the man who made hits like Purple Rain for the world to enjoy. Showtime 6.30pm, venue one67 Enterprise Road. Entry $5. Food and drinks on sales. Book now by calling 0772 881877.
Thursday June 9, Thursday June 23, Thursday July 7, Thursday July 21, Tuesday August 2 – Morning Music Lecture Series. This is aimed at enhancing appreciation of the music, and allows for people to discover musical listening skills through a set of themed lectures. The theme this term is Men At Work, in which the classes will explore the impact of the working conditions of the four great composers of the First Viennese School on the music that they composed. Listen to and discuss works by Haydn, Mozart, Beethoven and Schubert. Venue: The Hive, 6a Kenilworth Road, Newlands. 10.30am each day. Cost: $50. Bookings can be made by contacting thehiveharare@gmail.com
Thursday June 9 and Saturday June 11 – Musicians Inspire Africa. This is an organisation founded by Zimbabwean-born musician Prince Nyatanga. It is based in America and sends out young musicians each year to spend a week in a Zimbabwean school. This year they are being hosted by Hellenic Academy and the musicians are Sylvia Wehrs (violin), Evelyn Lam (piano), Allegra Whiting (cello), Ariadne Antipa (piano), Kendra Leigh Balmer (choral conductor),  Bridget Kinneary (viola) and Michael Sherman (jazz musician and sound engineer). They are studying at a variety of American institutions including the Cleveland Institute of Music and the Eastman School of Music. Thursday June 9 at 6pm: recital given by MIA musicians; Saturday June 11 at 6pm: MIA musicians in concert with Hellenic Academy Orchestra. Both concerts will be held in The Room at Hellenic Academy and will be followed by wine, tea, coffee and snacks. Entry will be by donation.
Friday June 10 – Roll Out The Barrel. A fun pub night, with bangers and mash, fish and chips and other pub grub. Music from Mande, Tony and Mike … including sing-alongs of old pub favourites. An indoors treat with a roaring log fire. Entry $5. Food and drinks on sale. Booking essential as places are limited. Call 0772 881877.
Sunday June 12 – Scruffs Dog Show. 8.30am, Hellenic International Academy. All (and people) dogs welcome. Lots of entertainment, all sorts of entry classes and prizes.  For the children: jumping castle, fun photos.
Sunday June 12 – Celebrity Subscription Concerts’ pre-Bulawayo Music Festival recital. Performer will be world-famous pianist Leslie Howard, one of the most popular classical performers ever to come to Zimbabwe. Advance booking open at The Spotlight from June 1. Tickets $10. This is an additional concert and not a subscription concert.
Tuesday June 14 – Fun team quiz at one67. The latest in the fortnightly series of popular quiz evenings, where the accent is on fun for all. No entry fee. Food and drinks on sale. Advance booking for tables is recommended: call 0772 881877. Quizmaster tonight will be Pete Simpson.
Wednesday June 15 to Sunday June 19 – Bulawayo Music Festival. With the sponsorship of NMB Bank. Performers include Nokuthula Ngwenyama (violin), Theo Bross (cello), the Odeion Quartet, Coady Green (piano), Leslie Howard (piano), Christopher Smith (piano) and the Heuglin Tenors, as well as Bulawayo dance and vocal groups. The programme will include Vivaldi’s The Four Seasons, string sextets by Brahms and Tchaikovsky, piano quintets by Franck and Taneyev, string quartets by Schubert and Tchaikovsky, a string quintet and piano trio by Mendelssohn, piano music by Beethoven, Bortkiewicz, Grieg, Liszt, Schubert, Tchaikovsky, a new work by Nokuthula Ngwenyama – and more. Booking will open on Monday May. Harare people should e-mail music@gatorzw.co.uk on details and bookings.
Thursday June 16 to Saturday June 18 – Sanganai/Hlanganani/World Tourism Expo. The Zimbabwe Tourism Authority hosts the ninth annual edition of this event, to be held this year in the Zimbabwe International Trade Fair grounds, Bulawayo, using Halls 3 and 4. The relocation of Sanganai/Hlanganani/World Tourism Expo to the city of Bulawayo has been done to stimulate the development and growth of tourism in regions across the country. Sanganai/Hlanganani is one of Africa’s premier tourism showcases, aimed at bringing international buyers and exhibitors under one roof. Details can be sourced from the Executive Director, National Convention Bureau, call (04) 770409 or e-mail ncb@ztazim.co.zw. Alternatively, contact the exhibition team: edson@ztazim.co.zw, sheona@ztazim.co.zw or sanganai@ztazim.co.zw
Wednesday June 15 to Saturday June 18 – Barnyard Theatre returns to Harare with Viva Las Vegas. A tribute to the greats of the musical world who have had them rocking in aisles in the night spots of Las Vegas … from Elvis to Celine Dion and everyone in between, presented by a 10-member dance, song and music ensemble cast. Booking now open (tickets $20) at the Barnyard cob office in PaSangano, Avondale. Call 0772 238715 or 0712 601107. Grab a group of friends and pack a picnic … then enjoy one of the best shows you’ll see in Harare this year.
Sunday June 19 – Fathers’ Day luncheon at one67. Dads and families can come along for an afternoon of relaxation and fun, with music by Steve Theron. Starts 12 noon. Lunch and drinks on sale. Call 0772 881877 to book. Fun events for families including ‘how well do you know your dad’ quiz competition with prizes.
Tuesday June 21 – Games Evening at one67. Come along for board games and other fun activities around the fireplace at one67 Enterprise Road. Starts 6.30pm. No entry fee. Food and drink on sale. Table bookings can be made by calling 0772 881877. Open to individuals, couples, families and groups of friends. It’s officially the shortest day and longest night of the year and the half-way point of winter, so come out for a warming night of fun.
Wednesday June 22 to Saturday July 16 – Phantom – The Concert. Reps Theatre. Following the great success of 2014’s Les Miserables – The Concert, The Repertory Players present the music of one of the world’s favourite love stories, with all the great music you know so well. Starring David Bvumbe as The Phantom and exciting new talents Natalie Carroll as Christine and Shaun Mundawarara as Raoul. Matinees June 25, July 2, 9 and 16 (2.30pm). Evening shows 7pm (family specials on the first two Tuesdays). Tickets $8 to $15. Book at The Spotlight (call (04) 308159 or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw (online bookings available). Directed by Sue Bolt and musical direction by Meg Mackenzie. A treat for audiences of all ages.
Friday June 24 – Harare Children’s Home gala dinner. A fundraiser for this well-established and well-managed home for boys under 12 and girls up to late teens. Meikles Hotel, 7pm. Tickets $40 per person, includes supper and entertainment. Raffle and auction. Limited number of seats available as many seats have already been sold in advance to groups. Call 0737 694383.
Sunday June 26 – Fun team quiz at the GSD Club. First quiz at this venue (behind OK Mart) for some years. Open to everyone, with no entry fee. Food and drinks on sale. A fun quiz for teams – come alone to join a team or bring a team Suitable for families. Quiz starts 11am. Good idea to book – call 0737 694383 or e-mail aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw.
Tuesday June 28 – Fun team quiz at one67. The latest in the fortnightly series of popular quiz evenings, where the accent is on fun for all. No entry fee. Food and drinks on sale. Advance booking for tables is recommended: call 0772 881877. Quizmaster tonight will be Pete Simpson.
Thursday June 30 – Four Seasons Designer Luncheon. One67 Enterprise Road. Starts 12 noon. Fashion from a leading designer, presented tearoom style by a line-up of models. Buffet luncheon, including salads and health options. Advance booking essential – call 0772 881877. This will now take place at one67 on the last Thursday of each month. Tickets $15 per person. It’s not just for the ladies!
Sunday July 3 – 2016 Borrowdale Craft Fair. Old Georgians’ Club. 9am to 4pm. Entry: adults $2, pensioners and children $1. More information and stand bookings: visit 256 Herbert Chitepo Road, corner 5th Street, or tel:  (04) 794182, cell 0772 308381. Office open between 8am and 2pm Mon-Fri. E-mail itafrica@zol.co.zw
Friday July 8 – Red Blazer Golf Day. Open to anyone currently or previously connected with the St George’s College, the Old Georgians’ Association or Hartmann House – the ‘red blazer community.’ Fourball format, Royal Harare Golf Club, $250 per team. Download the registration form from http://www.stgeorges.co.zw/red_blazer_golf_day_2016 and return to College Cashier by latest Thursday 30th June. For queries email Suzanne Robinson alumni@stgeorges.co.zw
Friday July 8 – Star Trekking. A musical show with a difference on the 50th anniversary of the start of the original Star Trek TV series, and on the day the latest Star Trek movie is released. Venue: one67 enterprise Road. Diarise now, details to follow. Showtime 7pm. Information from 0737 694383.
Saturday July 9 – Argentinian Braai and Musical Afternoon. One67 enterprise Road. It’s Argentina’s national day so enjoy a stylish braai and a great afternoon of music by Mande. Starts 12.30pm. Diarise now, details to follow.
Thursday July 12 – Fun team quiz at one67. The latest in the fortnightly series of popular quiz evenings, where the accent is on fun for all. No entry fee. Food and drinks on sale. Advance booking for tables is recommended: call 0772 881877.
Thursday July 14 – Café Rene at one67. July is the months in which the people of Canada, the USA and France celebrate their national days, so it’s time for an indoors evening around the fireplace, where you’ll fins some food, drink and entertainment that comes from each of these lands, and, just maybe, you’ll have Rene … and Edith … and some of the others on hand to amuse you. Starts 6.30pm. Diarise now, details to follow.
Saturday July 16 – Cynthia Smith Memorial Bike Ride. Wingate Golf Club. Ride 15km, 25km or 50km (GPS needed). Registration from 7am. Fundraiser for VAWZ. Phone Chrystal on 0712 201553.
Friday July 29 – VAWZ Fundraising Golf Day. Wingate Golf Club. For teams of four. Individuals can also be teamed up with others. Call Di Fynn on 0772 357820.
August – the 2016 SPCA Blue Cross. The annual walking, running cycling event that takes participants from Zimbabwe’s lowest point near the confluence of the Save and Runde rivers to the highest point, Nyangani. You start when you need to suit your own pace (visit www.bluecross.com for advice) and everyone finishes together on Monday August 8. More information from Lynne 0772 470657 or Kirsten 0777 055803. E-mail mutarespca@gmail.com.
Sunday August 21 – VAWZ Vets Dog Walk. 7 am at Wingate Golf Club.
Monday August 22 to Saturday August 27 – 2016 Harare Show. This year is the 106th annual show, and the theme is: Climate Resilience – The New Agricultural Frontier. Preceded by exhibitors’ training on August 3, international showjumping competition from August 15 to 21. The show itself will feature exhibition stands and many events to educate, inform and entertain. Children’s fun park, daily fireworks displays, police display daily, live performances by entertainers each day. Traders’ Day Monday August 22. WEZ and ZAS agri quiz Tuesday August 23. National agri-business conference Wednesday August 24. Official opening and prizegiving Friday August 26. Leadership for enhancement of Agricultural Development Series each day. Students in uniform free on Tuesday August 23. Learn more through www.zas.co.zw or Facebook/Zimbabwe Agricultural Society. Call (04) 780963-6 or e-mail marketing@zas.co.zw
Friday September 23 to Sunday September 25 – The 2016 Zimbabwe Motor Show. Venue: Old Georgians Sports Club. Previous exhibitors have first option on their exhibition stands and new exhibitors are welcome. Visit Facebook/ZimbabweMotorShow. Enquiries and bookings to Gabriel Ettlin, event organiser, tel. 0774 336376.
Some helpful information about school terms in 2016: Second term – End: Thursday August 4, half term:Â June 17 to 20. Public Holidays: Africa Day, May 25. Third term: Start Tuesday September 6, End:Â Thursday December 8, half term: October 14 to 17. First term 2017 starts Tuesday January 10.
Need a breath of fresh air? Enjoy a healthy walk or run through the Mukuvisi Woodlands this and every Sunday. Beautiful grasses, flowers and mushrooms to see. Enjoy the rock pool on the Mukuvisi river, which is flowing nicely. You may start your walk any time from 6.30am up to 10.30am (Please note that there have been sightings of our sable family along the 5km route early in the morning). Depending on the trail that you take you can be out in the fresh air for 1 – 2 hours.  Bacon and egg roll, coffee and other items at the coffee shop is available from 7am onwards this Sunday (new weekend caterers started last Sunday – hot, fresh and quick!). Entry fees are $5 per adult (visitor/runner/walker/biker), children from 5-12 years $2, and $1 per dog, senior citizens over 65 – no charge. Dogs on leashes and kids on mountain bikes very welcome. Trails from 3km to 10km. Please note, with annual Woodland Walker membership ($50 single, $80 double, $120 per family, including kids and dogs!) you can walk on any weekend at no further charge. Get more details when you book in with our reception staff. Food is placed for the animals at the Viewing Platform around 10am – see eland, zebra, giraffe and impala; guinea fowl, Egyptian geese, grey heron and more. Mukuvisi Woodlands is 5km from centre of Harare on Glenara Avenue/Hillside Road. Call (04) 747111/123 or 0774 198009. Advice for walkers: When it’s hot make sure you wear a hat and take some water with you. You can buy bottled water before you start. The trails take you near the bird hide and small dam and then into the wild game area. So ensure your dogs are well leashed. Anyone letting their dog off the lead in the wild game area may be banned from The Woodlands. Having dogs on the leash is not only for the protection of your dog, but to stop them disturbing  our wild animals. We have cut the grass on the trails, but please check your dogs afterwards for ticks, (preferably spray/dip them beforehand). and discourage them from eating any animal droppings they may find along the way!
Dombombira. A wonderful place to spend the day in the warm Zimbabwe winter sun. Lots to see and do. Bring a braai or a picnic. Booking essential. 14 Mandalay Park, Ruwa, cell 0772 868577, cell /whatsapp 0772 466 683, Facebook: Dombombira and www.dombombira.co.zw
Post published in: Entertainment