Tuesday May 10, Tuesday May 24, 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
Tuesday May 10 – Italian movie night. Dante Alighieri Society presents a screening of the Italian movie Noi e la Giulia. One67 Enterprise Road (also known as Theo’s House of Coffees). An Italian evening of good company, delicious wine and tasty food. On arrival receive a welcome drink and enjoy a few snacks with light Italian chit chat … and gesticulations of course. Once the sun goes down, get your popcorn and seat and enjoy this award-winning Italian comedy. The film is in Italian with English subtitles. Sergio, Fausto Diego and Claudio have to struggle against Camorra in order to open an agritourism business. Director: Edoardo Leo. Writers: Fabio Bartolomei (book), Marco Bonini (screenplay). Stars: Luca Argentero, Edoardo Leo, Anna Foglietta. After the movie enjoy a plate of pasta for $5. Dress warmly or bring a blanket if you like. Entry: Dante members $3, non- members $5. You will be able to pay your annual membership fee or join this Italian cultural society there. Book by e-mailing zimdante@hotmail.com or calling Robyn Koen on 0773 365232.
Tuesday May 10 – The Act Of Killing. Presented by The Doc Club. BAFTA Best Documentary Award Winner 2013 and an
Academy Award Best Documentary nominee. 96% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. “One of the most audacious documentaries ever made, this mind-boggling film forces us to examine our opinions about human history.” – Rich Cline. When the government of Indonesia was overthrown, Anwar and his friends helped kill more than one million people. Today, Anwar is revered as a founding father. The Act of Killing looks at killers who have won, and the sort of society they have built. It is a journey into the memories and imaginations of the perpetrators, offering insight into the minds of mass murders. A frightening examination of killers who celebrate moral disaster with the ease and grace of a soft shoe dance number. 7pm, Tristan’s Bar, 14 Aintree Rd. Entry $5 (goes to charity).
Thursday May 12 to Sunday May 15 – HIFA Theatre Festival. Fresh from the success of the CABS Classical Celebration last weekend comes the theatre celebration. Full details to be mailed out as a Clipboard extra. Bookings at The Spotlight and performances at the Reps Theatre complex. Call (04) 308159 or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw.
Friday May 13 – Hello Mary Lou. The magnificent music of Ricky Nelson and contemporaries from the late 50s and early 60s. A live show at one67 Enterprise Road, also known as Theo’s House of Coffees, the latest in the monthly ‘down memory lane’ shows that are proving very popular. Entry $5. Book by calling 0772 881877. Show features Mande with the king of the keyboard Tony Palmer and the guitar maestro Mike Freeman. Supper and drinks available. If it’s cold the action will be indoors.
Saturday May 14 – Farewell to the Macys. A chamber music concert, 3pm, Arundel School Chapel. Entry $5. Tea to be served after the concert. Fresh from a well-received HIFA weekend, Jeanette Micklem and Cabby Stirling join the Macys (Amy, Arianna and Abigail) for their final chamber music concert before their departure from Zimbabwe. This all-new programme will feature Schubert’s glorious Piano Trio No. 1 in B flat major performed by Cabby, Amy and Jeanette in addition to a variety of works featuring Macy violinists.
Sunday May 15 – Tree Society AGM. For members only, 9.30am, Mukuvisi Woodlands. Please bring a plate of food to share.
Sunday May 15 – String Theory Fundraising Concert. 2pm, Arundel School Chapel. Tickets: $10 adults, $5 students. Tickets available at Ginger Tree, from String Theory members and school string teachers or at the door. Tea to be served. String Theory, directed by Amy Macy, is a student ensemble of top string players from a number of local schools. Many of them recently performed in a HIFA concert as the core of the Harare Philharmonic Orchestra. They present a diverse programme including classical, pop, Latin, film and musical theatre pieces to raise funds so that more string teachers can be trained in Zimbabwe.  It will be a great concert for young musicians and all music enthusiasts to attend. Guest appearance by Roz Whaley, conductor. Solo performance by Abigail Macy, concertmaster.
Sunday May 15 - Organ recital by Gene Bedient. Featuring works of J.S. Bach, César Franck and Marcel Dupré. 4pm, at the Cathedral of St Mary and All Saints, corner Sam Nujoma Street and Nelson Mandela Avenue. Admission by donation, received for the benefit of the Cathedral General Fund. Since 2014 Gene Bedient has been living in Harare, as his wife, Gwen, is a member of the US Foreign Service, posted at the American Embassy. Gene founded the Bedient Pipe Organ Company, Lincoln, Nebraska, USA in 1969 and managed the company until his retirement in 2010. During that time the Bedient Company, with its staff of 12, built 81 organs for churches, homes and concert halls in America. In retirement, during Gwen’s Foreign Service postings, Gene has done repair work and tuning on organs in Algeria, Paris and Zimbabwe. Between January and April 2015, with the help of two assistants, all pipes of the Cathedral organ were removed, cleaned, repaired voiced and tuned, to bring the instrument back to a state of function and refinement that it has not known for many years. The original organ was built in 1907 in Great Britain by Norman and Beard. In the 1960s and 1970s, it was rebuilt and enlarged by Cooper, Gill and Tompkins of South Africa. Others have made revisions and additions in subsequent years. Gene studied engineering, industrial arts and music at the University of Nebraska, obtaining a Bachelor of Music Education, majoring in piano, in 1967. In 1971, he obtained a Master of Music degree with a major in organ performance.
Tuesday May 17 – Fun team quiz at one67. The fortnightly quiz evening for teams – come along with a team or join in a team. The accent is on fun. Arrivals 6.15 to settle in, with quiz starting 6.45pm. No entry fee. Supper and drinks available. Table reservations not essential but as the quiz nights are proving popular, it is recommended. Call 0772 881877.
Thursday May 19 to Saturday June 4 - Chapatti – Good Home Wanted. A comedy directed by Graham Crutchley, from The Repertory Players. Theatre Upstairs at Reps. Matinees May 21, 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.
Friday May 20 – VAWZ presents the screening of Blood Lions. 6pm, Avondale Sports Club. A world-acclaimed documentary on lions. $15 including supper. Advance booking essential. Call Di Fynn on 0772 357820 or e-mail difynn61@gmail.com,  or call Lisa Bass on 0774 722032 or e-mail LISA.BASS.73@gmail.com.
Friday May 20 and Saturday May 21 – The Magic of Broadway. An exhilarating dance show presented by Breakthrough Productions, previewed recently at one67 Enterprise Road. A journey through wonderful music from various hit stage shows with a top line-up of dancers. Performances Fri and Sat at 7pm with matinee Sat at 2.30pm. Tickets $10. Booking now open at The Spotlight, call (04) 308159, or visit www.thespotlight.co.zw (online bookings available).
Saturday May 21 – Chegutu Touch Bowl. The 12th annual edition of this popular event. Bryden Country School, Chegutu. Rugby starts 8am. Children’s entertainment, bar and catering, free camping available. Under-16s free, all other $15 entry fee. Book teams or get more info from Colin Delport, 0772 345314, e-mail colindelport22@gmail.com.
Sunday May 22 – Alex Fairlie and Matt Greenwood live at one67. A lunchtime and afternoon performance from one of Harare’s top singers and one of the city’s most talented guitarists. Entry $5. Tables can be booked by calling 0772 881877.
Wednesday May 25 – Africa Day luncheon and music. A family afternoon in a garden setting, with music by Faith and Brennan Wyngardt, who are Fab Fusion, with a great mix of music from all over Africa. A selection of dishes from across the continent, too … from Mozambican prawns to North African spicy delights. One67 enterprise Road, also known as Theo’s House of Coffees. From 12 noon onwards. Booking will open at the end of April.
Wednesday May 25 – Meikles Hotel Centenary High Tea. The latest in the series of high teas, this time on the holiday afternoon for those folks not going away for the day. Starts 3.30pm and includes high tea, a history talk and a tour of the hotel and surrounds. Suitable for all ages. Book by calling (04) 707721 or e-mailing switchboard@meikles.com.
Thursday May 26 – The Four Seasons Designer Lunch. A fashion presentation from Aurora Hill over a ladies’ luncheon in the garden setting of one67 enterprise Road retail estate. Delightful lunch, music by Mande and a chance to enjoy a selection of designs for all. >From 12 noon onwards. Table bookings essential – please call 0772 881877.
Friday May 27 to 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 from Friday afternoon to 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.
Friday May 27 an Saturday May 28 – Diva Delight in the Eastern Highlands. The popular show that launched at one67 in Harare earlier this year goes to the mountains with performances at Inn On The Vumba (Fri night) and Pine Tree Inn (Sat afternoon). Book for a weekend, or if you live in the area, come along to be entertained. Bookings at the hotels or (for Harare people) through Armadillo Travel in Avondale. Show starts Mande Snyman and Storm Whittaker and is a miscellany of hits by the great ladies of song.
Friday May 27 to Sunday May 29 – 2016 hp lubes Castrol 4×4 Jamboree. Donnybrook motor sports park. Lots of entertainment and good fun for all the family. More details in due course but diarise now.
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. 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: 2.30pm and 7pm. Venue: one67 enterprise Road Retail Estate. Tickets on sale from Friday May 13.
Saturday June 4 – Zimbabwe Music Teachers’ Society annual concert. 3pm, Arundel School Chapel. More details in due course but diarise the date now.
Tuesday June 7 – A Tribute to Prince. 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. Book now by calling 0772 881877.
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. 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. Diarise now and await full details. Performer will be world-famous pianist Leslie Howard, one of the most popular classical performers ever to come to Zimbabwe.
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
Thursday June 16 to Saturday June 18 – Barnyard Theatre returns to Harare with a show called Vegas. Diarise now and information will come soon on booking dates and costs. More information, including requests for gala shows, from Minky Walters, mwalters@dae.co.zw
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.
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 May 20 – VAWZ presents the screening of Blood Lions. 6pm, Avondale Sports Club. A world-acclaimed documentary on lions. $15 including supper. Advance booking essential. Call Di Fynn on 0772 357820 or e-mail difynn61@gmail.com,  or call Lisa Bass on 0774 722032 or e-mail LISA.BASS.73@gmail.com.
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.
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.
Remember to support those in our society who are disadvantaged and in need. Clipboard supports VAWZ, AWARE Trust, SPCAs through Zimbabwe including the ZNSPCA, Mukuvisi Woodland, Harare Children’s Home, the Friend Foundation. They all need your help to keep going and to do their job of protecting those who cannot always protect themselves.
HIFA 2016 is now up and running, wit the CABS classical music celebration having taken place this past weekend. Planned future events: HARARE THEATRE SEASON at Reps Theatre, May 12 to 15; early June (date yet to be confirmed): PARTY IN THE PARKADE. Funky, innovative venue for a real dance party with well known DJs. Parking no problem! 25 – 26 June: MUSIC WEEKEND at Glamis Arena, ZAS showgrounds. This weekend will be dedicated to live bands in a similar programming stance as for HIFA Main Stage. The area will be divided in half, one half being for the performances, the other being a larger ‘Coca-Cola Green’ idea. July (date to be confirmed): RUGBY EXHIBITION MATCH at Glamis Arena. July (date to be confirmed): CLASSICAL BALLET PRESENTATION at Reps Theatre. This will be in association with National Ballet and Cape Town City Ballet doing a presentation of extracts from THE NUTCRACKER SUITE. August (date to be confirmed): EQUESTRIAN EVENT WITH FINE ART EXHIBITION AND AUCTION at Bushman Rock. September (date to be confirmed): FORMULA 1 PRESENTATION AND INNOVATIVE CAR SHOW within central Harare and at Donnybrook. November (date and venue to be confirmed): HAIR, BEAUTY AND FASHION CELEBRATION. This is hair, beauty and fashion as art – not to be missed! December (date and venue to be confirmed): ENVIRONMENTAL CONSERVATION AND ANTI-POACHING CONFERENCE at Victoria Falls. Notification of box office openings and dates as timings become secured. We have revisited our subscription levels so that more people can become Amigos. Please encourage your friends and family to join as well. It is a difficult time in our country and at times like this, we need to be able to meet, to laugh, (to cry!) and to reassure each other that “we will get through it!†We look forward to welcoming you as a HIFA 2016 Next Level HIFAmigo. Harare International Festival of the Arts (HIFA), tel: (04) 300119/ 300984/ 300977/ 309999 or 0772 978 763 (general office line). E-mail amigos@hifa.co.zw. Visit www.hifa.co.zw
Food For Life Market: join us at the Food For Life Market each Thursday from 9am to 2pm. 17 Phillips Ave, Belgravia. Stock up on unique local products, specialising in traditional, organic and healthy options. Featuring: food/cooking presentations, crafts, vegetarian and vegan food options, baked goods, sauces and spreads, international cuisine, sweet treats, fresh produce, meats and more. Contact: FoodForLifeMarket@gmail.com for more information or to reserve a stall. Endorsed by the Zimbabwe Traditional and Organic Food Forum. www.facebook.com/FoodForLifeMarket.
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!
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