Newtown's Dance Factory which hosted Romeo & Juliet, choreographed by award-winning Dada Masilo, assisted by PJ Sabbagha and Gregory Maqoma played out to capacity audiences on each of the three shows held over the weekend of 6th September.

Keeping up with the theme, Indian band Indian Ocean played to sold-out audiences at the Blues Room in Sandton on the 5th and 6th of September– the rock/jazz quartet, accompanied by rising star Sam Mtukudzi on the 6th, were warmly received by Johannesburg audiences, many of had to be turned away, as both shows were completely oversubscribed.

A sunny Sunday set the tone for a languorous day on Zoo Lake at the annual Jazz on the Lake concert, held this year in celebration of the City of Johannesburg’s 80th birthday. The concert, which took place on Sunday, September 7th, was a jubilant welcome to spring - complete with picnic baskets, sunglasses, and the requisite celebratory atmosphere! Jimmy Dludlu, Sam Mtukudzi, Zamajobe, Don Laka, Indian Ocean and Simphiwe Dana performed to an enraptured crowd of over 15,000 people who came out to participate in the festivities and wish Jozi 80 more years of growth and prosperity.

As the month rolls out, Arts Alive continues to offer even more quality entertainment. The Speak the Mind Poetry Night, featuring a range of local and international artists on September 13th delivered on its promise of an evening of the finest wordsmiths to Jozi audiences. The musical component of Arts Alive, featuring R&B vocalist Tamia and Eliades Ochoa, co-founder of the Bueno Vista Social Club, is also sure to set Jozi nights afire on September 26th and 27th when they play two nights each at Mary Fitzgerald Square and the Bassline respectively.

Whack Jobs comedy night, presented by John Vlismas, and feauturing Jozi’s most sharpest comics is another must-do on the Arts Alive calendar. Taking place on 20th of September at the Bassline, the evening features Joburg comedians Loyiso Gola, Al Prodgers, Krijay Govender, Alyn Adams, Kedibone Malaudzi and Mum-Z.

The Late Nights in Newtown aspect of Arts Alive ensure that the vibe rocks on once Eliades and Tamia have done their thing – various venues in and around Newtown will host must-see performances from artists from all over the world– Cappello’s will host Brazilian hip hop outfit Movimento na Rua, the world renowned Robert Bachner Quartet will perform at Nikki’s and DJ Cajus will entertain Fuel Café’s audiences. Brixton’s House of Ntsako will host Guadeloupe’s Admiral-T, Admiral and Jahseed in a dancehall reggae mash-up, and Sophiatown audiences are sure to be mesmerised by jazz crooner Catherine Lambert’s dulcet tones and velvety delivery. Japan’s own DJ Krush will bring the house down at Carfax, for good measure – ensuring that all tastes are catered for over the final weekend of Arts Alive – the 26th and 27th of September.

As the various programmes planned for Arts Alive draw nearer, organizers urge audiences to book their spaces early, as ticket sales are moving quite swiftly. Judging from the warm reception given to the opening weekends events, Arts Alive has become a ‘must-do’ item on Jozi’s cultural calendar – so as summer rolls in, make sure you’ve reserved a space at your event of choice, and get your slice of an incredible offering of local and international arts and culture, courtesy of Arts Alive.

Visit the Computicket website at www.computicket.com for more information on tickets.

We have 10 tickets to give away to the Tamia show on the 26th of September, please click [ HERE ] for more details.