Catch one of the best plays on the theatre circuit at The Drama Factory, The Stellenbosch University Jazz band is celebrating its 10th Birthday, grab some fresh air at the Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge and South Africa’s most passionate producers will offer their wines for tasting and sale at the Cab Franc Festival. There is something for everyone this weekend in our eclectic list of things to do in the Winelands.
FESTIVAL
Franschoek Literary Festival – 17 to 19 May 2019
The Festival runs from Friday to Sunday during the third weekend in May, preceded by our Book Week for Young Readers. The events take place in a variety of village venues within a few minutes’ walk of each other, creating a vibrant ambience in streets buzzing with book-lovers.
The emphasis is on informal discussions and spirited debates between several writers with a chairperson, or one-on-one conversations and occasional talks. Starting at 10am and ending at 5pm, up to nine one-hour events run concurrently with half an hour between each (except where otherwise stated). Fringe events include writing workshops and discussion groups, the Poetry for Life finals, theatre performances and contemporary and classical music concerts.
Cabernet Franc Carnival 2019 @ Avontuur – 18 May 2019
The 2019 Cabernet Franc Carnival takes place on Saturday, 18 May from 11-4 at scenic Avontuur Estate on the R44 between Stellenbosch and Somerset West. Up to 20 of South Africa’s most passionate producers of this niche varietal will offer their wines for tasting and sale at the event.
The interactive tutored tastings of the 2019 Cab Franc Challenge Top 6 wines is an integral part of the Carnival and is often the only place to taste these winning wines due to small volumes produced. The tastings are presented by convenor of the judging panel, Christine Rudman. Tickets cost R150 pp extra and only 20 seats per session are available at 11h30, 13h00 and 14h30.
THEATRE
Dirt @ The Drama Factory – 16 to 18 May 2019
James Cairns stars in Nick Warren’s smash hit comedy, directed by Jenine Collocott.
‘Three estranged friends get back together for the funeral of a fourth. Their friend might be dead, but their friendship is still kicking.’
Having gone their separate ways for almost a year, the poker club are back together to bury their mutual friend.
On a journey from Johannesburg to Cape Town the trio trade insinuations, insults, and injuries as they try to dig up the past and bury the present.
Grant is nervous about giving the eulogy for a man he admired greatly but could ever live up to. Sam is still angry about the last time they saw each other and can’t see the point in having male friends anyway. Wayne is sad that their friend is dead but can’t help thinking that this is his best chance to finally get rid of the dog with the embarrassing habit.
The performance of the festival. ~ Western Australian, World Fringe, Perth
Thrilling lines, ringing ironies, hilarious gags… it changed my life. ~ Zane Henry, The Argus
MUSIC
An Autumn Music Weekend In Franschhoek @NG Church Franschhoek + Cafe Bon Bon
For the past 16 years Christopher Duigan’s Music Revival has delighted classical music audiences with stellar performances in two annual weekend festivals in Franschhoek. The concerts of one of these festivals, the Autumn Music Weekend, are also enjoyed by those attending the popular after Franschhoek Literary Festival. This year’s Autumn Music Weekend in Franschhoek – which runs from Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May 2019 – continues that tradition.
The festival opens with a performance from leading South African pianist Charl Du Plessis who plays a varied programme of music by Chopin, Piazzolla, Gershwin and his own improvisations. Charl du Plessis most recently made headlines when he became the first pianist ever to perform on top of Table Mountain. He rose to fame when he was the youngest pianist in Africa to be named a Steinway Artist in 2010 and has since embarked on an international career working simultaneously as classical and jazz pianist and has illuminated the music of from Bach to Billy Joel for a new generation of listeners.
SU Jazz Band celebrates 10 years @ Stellenbosch Conservatorium – 17 May 2019
Endler Hall 2019 concert series features the Stellenbosch University Jazz Band conducted by Felicia Lesch on the 17 May 2019 – 08:00 pm to 10:00 pm.
Tickets are R40 & R60 via Computicket or at the door.
Celebrating musicianship! The Endler Concert series is proud to present the Fiesta award-winning Stellenbosch University Jazz Band on Friday 17 May at 8pm in the Endler Hall.
This concert celebrates the 10th anniversary of the SU Jazz Band and the 20th anniversary of the Music Department’s Certificate Programme and in so doing, marks the milestones of two initiatives which, above and beyond their academic/artistic merit, have contributed greatly in the past decades to the transformation and rejuvenation of the Music Department at large.
DINING + ART
Art & food converge @ Grande Provence – 17 May 2019
Art enthusiasts can book their seats for a sensory food and art encounter when The Gallery at Grande Provence showcases paintings by Jenny Groenewald, followed by dinner on Friday, 17 May 2019.
No stranger to Grande Provence, this prominent artist returns with a still life series entitled ‘Sand Stories’. These works hark back to her childhood when she would create stories through drawing shapes in the sand.
Adding its creative culinary touch to this exhibition, guests will be treated to a three course dinner at The Restaurant at Grande Provence. The evening begins at 19h00 with canapés and bubbly in the Gallery. The cost of the evening is R495.00 per person. Pre-paid booking is essential. Email events@grandeprovence.co.za or call Tel: 021-876 8600.
If you are planning to spend the weekend at the Franschhoek Literary Festival (17-19 May), take advantage of the Grande Provence Heartland winter rates and stay over at either The Owner’s Cottage or La Provençale for a luxurious retreat in the winelands. To book your stay, visit www.grandeprovence.co.za, call Tel: 021 876 8600 or e-mail reservations@grandepovence.co.za.
HIKING
Falke Full Moon Hikes @ Dirtopia – 18 May 2019
You can enjoy the sunset over Table Mountain with stunning views of the Winelands and even a picnic whilst the full moon rises over Klapmutskop.
This 9.75km marked circle route through the vineyards starts at the Trail Centre located on the Delvera Farm. This gives you the unique experience of hiking through the Greater Simonsberg Conservancy and Yellowwood forest to the top of Klapmutskop. It can take you up to one and half hours to reach the top so don’t be there late.
Dates: 20 Jan, 21 Jan, 19 Feb, 21 Mar, 19 Apr, 18 May
Arrival by 16:00 – 17h30, depending on date of hike
Time: Arrival by 16:00 – 17h30, depending on date of hike
Venue: Dirtopia Trail Centre, Delvera Farm, R44 between Klapmuts and Stellenbosch
Cost: R100pp & R50 for children under 10yrs (incl permit, marked route & map, optional shuttle)
MARTIAL ARTS
Complimentary Tai-Chi @ Life Retreat Studio – 18 May 2019
Complimentary Tai-Chi Class presented by Robert Rudniak:
Date: 13 & 18 May Time: 13th at 19:15 pm 18th at 09:00 am Cost: Free For info, please contact: studio@liferetreat.co.za or robert@wu-taichi.co.za
RUNNING
Jonkershoek Mountain Challenge @ Assegaaibos Nature Reserve – 18 May 2019
The Jonkershoek Valley is without a doubt one of the most beautiful mountain scenes in the Western Cape. Massive turrets and cliffs of orange-faced quartzite hold fortress over a collection of rambling mountain streams and waterfalls. It’s so magnificent that it’s impossible to ignore, the essence of the place seeping under your skin into the fabric of your senses.
Arguably one of the most incredible mountain trail running challenges on the calendar.
Distances 38km, 24km or 11km