Now running until Saturday January 30 – Helena Hettema live at The Venue. Award-winning International cabaret artiste Helena Hettema gives exclusive dinner concerts (tonight and tomorrow night). The Pretoria News said: “Hettema has a voice that ranges from crushed silk to wet gravel and she uses it with sensitivity and skillâ€. A French-themed evening not to be missed. Advance booking essential Ticket price: $45 per person, inclusive of a three-course dinner. Cash bar available. Bookings and information: theclub@thevenue.co.zw or (04) 307081 or 0783 725171. The Venue, 23 Kenny Road Avondale, Doors open 6pm.
Now running until Saturday February 6 – The Pianist. Directed by Graham Crutchley, starring Kyla Render, with piano accompaniment by Annette Eastwood. A powerful play at Reps’ new Adrian Stanley Theatre. Booking now open at The Spotlight. Performances 7pm with matinees Jan 30 and Feb 6 at 2.30pm. Tickets $12 and $10. Set in Vienna in 1938 and in London during the Blitz, the play tells the true story of Lisa Jura, a young Jewish pianist who is dreaming about her concert debut at Vienna’s storied Musikverein concert hall. With the issuing of new ordinances under the Nazi regime, everything for Lisa changes, except for her love of music and the pursuit of her dream, as she is torn from her family and set onto the Kindertransport to London. Featuring some of the world’s most beloved piano music played live by Annette Eastwood, The Pianist features Kyla Render in the role of Lisa.
Friday January 29 – The Standard newspaper hosts the annual Cover to Cover Awards Ceremony. This will cover entries in 2015. Venue: Gateway High School; time: from 5pm. The Cover to Cover writing competition is an annual competition for school students grade 6 to upper 6 across Zimbabwe, with the winning stories being published in an annual magazine. The competition is critical in providing young children with a platform to publish their writings, but more so in that their creative works contribute to the body of literature by children for children. Their writings provide an insight into the world of young Zimbabweans; how they see the world around them, their aspirations and anxieties and the success of the competition is witness to the importance of such a platform in helping to sharpen and shape the interest of young writers.For more information on Cover to please contact Kundai on 0772961389 or email events@alphamedia.co.zw
Friday January 29 – Wine tasting evening at Inn On The Vumba. Come down for a great weekend break and join in the fun tasting. Music by Mande, and a fun evening for all ages. More information by calling (020) 60722. Inn On The Vumba is just outside Mutare on the road into the Bvumba mountains, looking green and cool at this time of year.
Saturday January 30 – Mokoomba live. Alliance Francaise, starting 7.30pm. Entry $10. Alliance Française de Harare, 328 Herbert Chitepo Avenue, Harare. Tel.: (04) 704801/ 704795.
Monday February 1 – Introduction to Basic/Beginner Level1 Shona for adult learners in Harare. Enrolment is in progress for the first intake of 2016 for basic Shona adult learners. The venue is in a very quiet private home in Vainona. We have small (5 students max) class group lessons which are very fun, well thought out and highly educational. The tutors are dedicated native Shona speakers who are trained, qualified and experienced in teaching second/foreign languages. Tuition fees cover all your learning materials. Choose a morning afternoon or evening class to join. 6 -week intensive or 8- week extensive courses available. Each group meets once a week. Private one on one lessons available. We also offer long distance Shona lessons on Skype! Email: generalinquiries@freeyourmind.co.zw   Website: www.freeyourmindlanguagetuition.com  Facebook: https://facebook.com/languageITlessons  Twitter: @privatelessons2 (Shona/English Tutor) Call: 0737924599
Saturday February 6 – Car Boot Sale. Borrowdale Country Club. On sale: various household items, clothing, a Venter-type trailer, golf clubs, electrical equipment. Further selection of catering equipment likely to include gas stove, crockery, cutlery, glasses. Entry fee for sellers is $5 for a three-square-metre stand. Buyers and spectators $1 each entry. Limited tables available at $5 but feel free to bring your own table. Call 0772 235115 or (04) 861087 for more information and bookings. Sellers come in 7.30am to set up and buyers can come in from 8.30am.
Saturday February 6 – Vodacom Bulls v Toyota Cheetahs. SA rugby giants playing right here in Harare. Zimbabwe National Sports Stadium. Bookings online at www.webtickets.co.zw or buy printed tickets at Absolute Sports and The Butcher’s Kitchen, Sam Levy’s Village, or any Umax outlet.
Saturday February 6 – Book Cafe pop-up features Victor Kunonga. It’s time for the first ‘pop-up’ Book Cafe event of 2016 with favourite Book Cafe artiste Victor Kunonga. Victor and his band Peace rose to fame at Book Cafe’s sister club, The Mannenberg, where they quickly became the choice band for regular Friday night shows. When Book Cafe and Mannenberg merged and relocated to Samora Machel, Victor Kunonga continued to rise from strength to strength and racked up an impressive number of high-profile collaborations, including with the late great Chiwoniso Maraire, mbira giants Mawungira enHarira, and South African guitarist Bheki Khoza. More recently he has collaborated with another South African legend, jazzist Hugh Masekela, and his career shows no signs of slowing down. Victor Kunonga and Peace are an epic mbira-influenced guitar band that never fail to deliver outstanding live performances. Opening for Victor Kunonga on the night will be the fantastically talented guitarist Sylent Nqo with his band. Sylent’s rise has been nothing short of stratospheric, as he has quickly become one of Zimbabwe’s top-rated guitarists. Sylent Nqo has squared off against internationally acclaimed guitarists at HIFA and now regularly plays around the capital, impressing wherever he goes. New Ambassador Hotel, 88 Kwame Nkrumah Avenue. Doors open 7pm, show from 8pm. Entry $5.
Sunday February 7 – Harare Chamber Orchestra concert. Arundel School Chapel, starting at 3pm. Entry $5 (students free). Refreshments will be served after the concert by our patron, the Austrian Honorary Consul, Dr Djordjevic. Handel: Sonata No 3 for violin and harpsichord; Mozart: Quartet for flute and strings K285; Beethoven: Sonata Op5 No 1 for piano and cello. Soloists:
Jeanette Micklem – piano; Nina Crowhurst – flute; Cabby Stirling and Abigail Macy – violin; Michael Peto – viola; Amy Macy – cello; Carolyn Peto – harpsichord.
Tuesday February 9 – Fun quiz night at 167. The latest edition of the fun team quiz for all, No entry fee. As this is Shrove Tuesday, supper from $5 will feature savoury and sweet pancakes. Bar open. Bring a team or come along and join a team – the accent is on fun. More and info and table bookings by calling Lollie on 0772 881877.
 Wednesday February 10 to Friday February 12 – The 2016 Tourism Convention. A must-attend event for everyone in a decision-making role in travel and tourism. Hosted by the Zimbabwe Council for Tourism and held at Elephant Hills Resort, Victoria Falls. Regional participation from neighbouring countries. Theme: Growing emerging economies through tourism development. More information and bookings: call (04) 250246 or e-mail ceozct@gmail.com . Suppliers of goods and services to the travel and tourism sector can also take part in the concurrent Suppliers Expo. More information on that from aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw. Delegates’ registration fee for convention: $250 if booked by end of business on Monday February 1 – thereafter $350. Expo stands $100.
Friday February 12 – MAZ Business Luncheon. The annual event at which marketers and others can deliberate on the year ahead while sharing insights and ideas. KwaMambo Restaurant, 40 Cork Road, Avondale. 11am. Theme: becoming agents of change – a commitment to excellence. $50 per person. Wear something branded wear (it’s time to show off your brand). Guest Speaker: Denny Marandure, the CEO of ZOL, who will be sharing insights into becoming agents of change. Contact Loreen Chari for information and bookings: Marketers’ Association of Zimbabwe, 24 Glenara Ave South, Eastlea. Call (04) 747031, 747051 or 2932213; cell 0772 454767 or 0717 553137, Skype: loreen.alutah, website: www.maz.co.zw, Facebook : www.facebook.com/Marketers.Association.Of.Zimbabwe
Friday February 12 – Fundraising dinner for Harare Children’s Home. A superb supper with dinner and dance music, plus auction, raffles and fun for all. All in a good cause, for one of Zimbabwe’s oldest children’s homes (celebrating its centenary in 2018). Venue: Stewart Rooms, Meikles Hotel. Tickets $40 per person, or $350 for a table of 10. Book now by calling Maria Sithole on 0733 228315.
Sunday February 14 – A Valentine’s Day edition of the regular Meikles Hotel Centenary High Tea. Enjoy the delightful Meikles high tea, and have a talk on the history of the hotel (recently celebrating its centenary!), followed by a tour of the hotel and surrounds and then ending with a glass of sparkling wine. Ideal for all ages. $12 per person. Book by calling reservations on (04) 707721 or e-mailing switchboard@meikles.com. These high teas started in August and have proved so popular they are being extended into 2016.
Friday February 19 – Down Memory Lane. A musical evening with Mande Snyman and Kevin Hanssen at 167 Enterprise Road, or Theo’s House of Coffees. Showtime 7pm. Entry $5 per person. Supper and drinks available. Bring your own chairs and blankets if you wish. No cooler boxes. Call to reserve a place by phoning Lollie on 0772 881877. Featuring music from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s.
Tuesday February 23 – Fun quiz night at 167. Quizmaster Stewart Mackinlay. A fun team quiz for all, No entry fee. Supper available from $5. Bar open. Bring a team or come along and join a team – the accent is on fun. More and info and table bookings by calling Lollie on 0772 881877.
Friday February 26 to Monday February 29 – Leap Into the Leap Year, with the Meikles Grapevine’s Mountain Weekend. A fun weekend for wine lovers, Join members of the Meikles Grapevine wine club at this wonderful weekend in the mountains, being hosted at Inn On Rupurara. Bookings now open. For costings and information e-mail aquarius@iwayafrica.co.zw. Choose to stay Friday to Sunday or Friday to Monday.
Saturday February 27 – Barry Hilton live. SA’s popular comedian back in Harare for one performance only. Reps Theatre, starting 8pm. Advance booking essential, through The Spotlight. Tickets $25.
Wednesday March 9 to Saturday March 24 – The Musical World of Disney. A colourful show featuring music from Disney shows. Directed by Sue Bolt, assisted by Mario Ciampi, with musical direction by Meg Mackenzie. Reps Theatre. Booking opens soon at The Spotlight.
Wednesday June 15 to Sunday June 19 – The Bulawayo Music Festival. Back after a four-year break. Musicians will include Nokuthula Ngwenyama (violin), Theo Bross (cello), the Odeion Quartet, Leslie Howard (piano) and Coady Green (piano). More information from music@gatorzw.co.uk
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
Celebrity Subscription Concerts is back in action and everyone is invited to join, and enjoy superb performances by invited international classical music performers. Schedules performances being arranged at present: Feb 21, May 8 and June 12, plus four others later in the year. The membership officer is Veronique Wakerley (e-mail vwakerley@yoafrica.com). Subs for 2016: Red Carpet (all recitals during the year, plus after-recital receptions) – $100 per person or $180 per couple. Ordinary members: (four recitals, plus discount for remaining recitals) – $40 per person or $70 per couple.
Theatre training for youngsters and teenagers: PREPS – theatre fun for ages six to 12. Saturdays 10.30am to 12 noon in Theatre Upstairs at Reps. REPTEENS, for ages 13 to 19, Fridays 6pm to 8pm, in the Repteens Room at Reps.
Some helpful information about school terms in 2016: First term, which started on Tuesday January 12, End: Wednesday March 23, half term: February 19 to 22. Second term – Start: Tuesday May 3, End: Thursday August 4, half term: June 17 to 20. Public Holidays: Africa Day, May 25. Third term: Start Tuesday September 6, End: Thursday December 8, half term: October 14 to 17. First term 2017 starts Tuesday January 10. Thank you to Paula Blackburn of St George’s College for assistance with this useful information.
Drum Cafe is the world’s premier interactive team-building, performance and events company, with world-class facilitators backed up by outstanding musicians. It is a truly unique service that is ideal for corporate team-building and training, events, conferences, launches, weddings – in fact anywhere or any time there is a group or team of people gathered together. Drum Cafe’s programmes have been tried and tested worldwide and are guaranteed to build powerful teams, motivate groups, and unite companies or add that wow factor to any event, corporate or social, and bring your guests together with Drum Cafe’s world-class, customised performances. We also offer great commission opportunities which may interest you. Please don’t hesitate to call if you would like to schedule an appointment for me to come in and see you, give more information on what we offer, marketing material, information on our commission offers and other information. Allan Kennedy, Drum Cafe Zimbabwe: www.drumcafe.com, cell 0778 505162, office telephone (04) 885200. Skype: Drum Cafe Zimbabwe. Facebook: Drum Cafe Zimbabwe. Address: Greystone Park Shopping Centre, Gaydon Road, Greystone Park.
News from Amanzi Restaurant: The shop Café @ Amanzi is open Tuesday to Friday each week from 10.30am for coffee and Kerry Wallace is back with us to make all of your favourite Shop Cafe @ Amanzi dishes, too. The very popular vegetarian buffet is available from 12pm to 2.30pm and we have a price reduction: now only $12 and meat extras are only an additional $5. The fastest lunch in town, all done in less than an hour. Call us on 04-497768 to book a table.
Monday February 1. Introduction to Basic/Beginner Level1 Shona for adult learners in Harare. Enrolment is in progress for the first intake of 2016 for basic Shona adult learners. The venue is in a very quiet private home in Vainona. We have small (5 students max) class group lessons which are very fun, well thought out and highly educational. The tutors are dedicated native Shona speakers who are trained, qualified and experienced in teaching second/foreign languages. Tuition fees cover all your learning materials. Choose a morning afternoon or evening class to join. 6 -week intensive or 8- week extensive courses available. Each group meets once a week. Private one on one lessons available. We also offer long distance Shona lessons on Skype! Email: generalinquiries@freeyourmind.co.zw   Website: www.freeyourmindlanguagetuition.com  Facebook: https://facebook.com/languageITlessons  Twitter: @privatelessons2 (Shona/English Tutor) Call: 0737924599
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INNto 2016 SPECIAL with Inns of Zimbabwe. $240 double for two nights at Inn On Rupurara or $200 double at Pine Tree Inn or Inn On The Vumba – on a bed and breakfast basis. Children under sharing with parents enjoy complimentary accommodation (pay for meals and drinks). Single or conferencing rates on request . Contact Armadillo Travel (04) 302267/61 or armadilo@zol.co.zw for more information . Don’t forget to become and InnSider Card holder or keep your card up to date in 2016 – this gives you discounted accommodation countrywide with Best of Zimbabwe operations, also in Mozambique and Botswana … and enjoy up to 50 percent discount on accommodation at City/Town Lodges in SA (subject to availability). Visit www.innsofzimbabwe.co.zw or the Facebook pages for IOZ and each of the inns.
If you are in the fields of sales, marketing, advertising, public relations, broadcasting, journalism, printing and publishing, research, e-communication or related disciplines, then you should be a member of the Advertising and Publicity Club. Running continuously since 1963, this is a platform for social and business networking, and includes monthly lunches with guest speakers, educationals and famils, quiz nights, sports days and other events. Join by paying a $30 subscription for the year! Visit Facebook/Advertising and Publicity Club of Harare or call 0737 694383. First lunch this week (Thursday January 21) with guest speaker Roger Stringer, talking on how to go about publishing that book you have always had in your mind.
Support the work of the Zimbabwe National SPCA, the Harare SPCA, VAWZ, Mukuvisi Woodland Society, Harare Children’s Home, BS Leon Home for old folks and other registered welfare organisations. No matter how bad things are there’s always someone worse off than you, and they need help more than ever before. Check Ndeipi magazine for detailed information. Ndeipi is the monthly guide to what’s on and happening in and around Harare – it’s a good read and has exceptional amounts of useful information – all for only $2
Post published in: Lifestyle