The weekend that was

 

Image from here.

This weather is confusing. First it's warm and sunny and then the frostbite hits your toes and you can't feel any of your small apendages.

Hello Monday (again), this weekend I...

+ Stayed in on Friday night.
+ Watched a large amount of the series V.
+ Went to Two Minute Puzzle's video and EP launch (check out their new video here).
+ Saw Tommy Gun and Two Minute Puzzle's frontman, Patrick, juggling lemons.
+ Had lunch with the Popsicle (Happy Dad's Day all you dads).
+ Started reading Roald Dahl's Kiss Kiss (even though I haven't finished The Book Thief).
+ Stayed at The Shack 'til closing.
+ Had. A. Very. Weird. Dream.
+ Spent about two hours ambling around Newlands Forest with the lovely drummer boy.
+ Drank lots of tea.
+ Won R20 in a bet (Thanks Jeremy Loops).
+ Danced with the awesome Wal. 

What did you get up to this weekend?

The weekend that was

Hello lovelies! I hope you've all had a great start to your week? This weekend I...

+ Stayed at home on Friday night.
+ Watched three Xmen movies.
+ Was a model.
+ Slept in.
+ Ate delicious french toast made by the lovely drummer boy.
+ Went to Assembly and checked out Ashtray Electric.
+ Re-realised how small Cape Town is.
+ Had pizza. Twice.
+ Had a strange dream in which I had to save a hamster.
+ Started watching the second season of V.
+ Couldn't sleep.

How was your weekend? Get up to anything special?

Ashtray Electric CD Launch

On Saturday night the drummer boy and I headed to Assembly to check out Ashtray Electric's Measured in Falls album launch.

By the time we got there is was slowly filling up as Haasbroek spun some tunes in between the thickening crowd. The mood was expectant but also heavy as the desire to let loose took longer than normal to take hold (possibly because of the sobriety of things).

I was in the smoking section of the club when the band began to play and I was slightly bemused at the unceremonialness of it all. There was no announcement, just the first few chords plucking into the now slightly rambunctious crowd. It took a few seconds to even realise that something was happening.

The band played to a full dance floor. Their new songs are a lot grittier and harsher than any previous songs I can remember and people loved it. Of course they played a few "golden oldies" and it was not long before they announced their last song.

Afterwards G-Zis took to the stage. They definitely enjoyed their own set as they jumped around stage but more importantly so did the thrashing bodies on the floor. I skipped out on this part of the evening to go chill with DJ Sideshow who said she had been scheduled to play in the VIP section. What? What a waste of what is always a great set to move your body to. I also think it's kinda strange that at an album launch there would be a separate entertainment section set up.

Overall, though, we had a good night. Where you there? What did you think?

Image from here.

The weekend that was

Hope you’re all ready for another Monday! This weekend I…

+ Watched Kiki’s Flying Delivery Service.

+ Ate some of the best Chinese takeaways I’ve ever had.

+ Had dinner with the lovely Se, wonderful Meh and awesome Wal.

+ Realised that I eat too much toast and need to find a better (healthier) snack option.

+ Tried Simonsvlei’s Sauvignon Blanc and really liked it.

+ Went dancing with the awesome Wal.

+ Probably had too much wine.

+ Got to try some of awesome Wal and the lead singer’s cake (yum).

+ Bought a pair of high-waisted jeans and turned them into shorts.

+ Had a date night with the lovely drummer boy.

+ Went to Assembly for the aKing gig and much preferred DJ Sideshow.

What did you do this weekend?

Oh, and today, screw the rest of the world and kiss someone passionately in public. Image from here.

The weekend that was

It's a very stormy, cold Monday n Cape Town today. Hope you're all keeping warm with gloves, scarves and heaters!

This weekend I...

+ Went all the way out to Le Bonheur Wine Estate for a movie, wine and tasters.
+ Bought some cute jerseys from the Hospice shop.
+ Sewed.
+ Met some talented & wonderful people.
+ Made a faux pas.
+ Survived said faux pas relatively unscathed.
+ Saw Etienne de Crecy in a show I'm not going to forget quickly.
+ Wore heels out (my feet hurt).
+ Had lunch at the Octopus Garden in St James.
+ Missed the train so had to walk home in the freezing wind.
+ Slept 12 hours straight.

What did you get up to?

Also, don't you just love the fact that this room has been built around this tree? Love the idea, the feel, the look. I think I want to build my dream home around a giant tree.

Image from here. 

The weekend that was

I love wintry mornings in Cape Town like this, especially when I don't have to leave home.

This weekend I...

+ Felt exhausted after just three hours of sleep.
+ Couldn't stay awake at Zula (was literally falling asleep at the tables).
+ Saw Captain Stu and The Plastics.
+ Slept / lay in bed for pretty much the entire day on Saturday.
+ Enjoyed 2 Minute Puzzle, Jeremy Loops and Gazelle at Assembly.
+ Was wrong about someone.
+ Ate delicious cheesecake (thanks Scal for having a birthday).
+ Realised how much I miss my friends when I don't see them.
+ Had a family dinner on Sunday night (my family is crazy but I love them).
+ Made a big mistake and I'm not sure I've fixed it yet.

Happy birthday Scal, hope you had a killer weekend.

What did you do this weekend?

The weekend that was

Hello Monday (again) hope this week brings everyone something to smile about.

This weekend I...

+ Saw Boo! at Mercury.
+ Made new friends.
+ Drank too much.
+ Stayed in bed until 3pm on Saturday.
+ Ate some delicious homemade soup.
+ Watched DVDs with the lovely drummer boy.
+ Second guessed myself.
+ Let someone down.
+ Wolfed down a veggie burger from Pickwicks in Long Street.
+ Watched the Taxi Violence Unplugged show at Silvertree Restaurant at Kirstenbosch.

Twas lovely.

I also love love love love this open-planned loft/space/apartment.  The high ceilings are stunning!

What did you do this weekend?

The Plastics new website

By now you'll all know that I'm a big fan (and friend) of the band The Plastics.

For too, too long now though their website has been "under construction" and finally they've launch their brand spanking new one!

There are all kinds of awesome about the new site. The loading icon (a spinning record player) is too cool and the colour and feel of the pages is very retro, a theme this band can pull off splendidly.

You can't manually scroll down which is a little bit confusing at first because you can always see a thin sliver of the next photo/page at the bottom. The navigation titles on the left hand side instantly and smoothly take you where you want to be though.

Designer, Lauren Waller, does most of The Plastics' design work and she's super talented! I'm very happy they've finally got the new site up and running. What do you think of it?

Also, if you haven't caught The Plastics live yet you should come on over to Zula Sound Bar on 21 May. They'll be playing with another local favourite, Captain Stu. Tickets are R40, check out the Facebook event for more details.

The weekend that was

Gosh, I really need to organise my time better. Another week has gone by and I didn't find time to get in a blog post or two...sigh, time management is not my strong point.

This weekend I...

+ Saw Cyberpunkers and they blew my mind.
+ Met a fellow Twitterer in person.
+ Got a couple of comics at Free Comic Book Day.
+ Bought a comic and read it and thought it was kinda lame.
+ Finished the unicorn Poofum for Lize (Hooray).
+ Watched Kill Bill again.
+ Spent Mother's Day with my mom, Gran and family and it was good for the soul.

What did you get up to?

The weekend that was...

A tower of delicious cupcakes, la heaven!

Hello lovelies, this weekend I...

+ Sold four Poofums.
+ Ate the most delicious cupcake I've ever had.
+ Went to Mercury twice.
+ Drank wine and sang along to Backstreet Boys, Lighthouse People and Nsync.
+ Snuck into a club.
+ Went for a walk in Newlands Forest with two wonderful girls.
+ Had a braai with the crazies in my family and only ate half a piece of beef rump (I'm trying to eat way less meat).
+ Spent a lot of time behind a computer screen.
+ Decided I really like Stepdog (You should go see them).

What did you do this weekend?

Popskarr and Dirty Skirts at Zula Sound Bar

Lastnight I headed off to Zula in Longstreet to watch the lovely drummer boy play with Popskarr.

It's the second time I've seen the now three-piece band and I really dig their vibe. Front man Yannick has a great look and good on stage presence, after he's gotten over his stage fright jitters. I love the electro-dance vibe they put out and already have a few firm favourites from their artillery of tracks.

I haven't seen The Dirty Skirts in a while so was excited to check them. Zula was totally packed by the time they got on stage so there was little room to breath let alone see the band and dance. I'm a big fan of the heavier, darker tone the Skirts have adopted with heavy-metal basslines and epic synth sounds. I thought the sound wasn't great (I struggled to hear lead singer,Jeremy De Tolly, clearly at times) but that may have been because I listened from outside on the balconey or it may be because Zula is too small a venue for a band with such a big sound.

All in all a good gig. Now I'm gonna have a chilled out Saturday before we head out to Aandklas in Stellies to watch The Plastics (yes I'm a big drummer boy groupie).

Happy Saturday all.

Image from here. 

The weekend that was

Blergh. It's Monday again; time for everyone to slog it back to work or school or college. Why, oh why didn't the proverbial "they" make ours a three-day week?

This weekend I...

+ Stayed in on Friday night.
+ Made a felt bunny.
+ Went to Simonstown with the Marja and ate pastries at The Sweetest Thing Patisserie.
+Checked out the Simonstown Navy Birthday Festival.
+ Spent about an hour in a compact submarine.
+ Helped out on set for The Plastics new music video (I'm in it, see if you can spot me).
+ Watched the lovely drummer boy play drums for Popskarr.
+Stayed awak for about 38 hours solid.
+ Had a mini (see: maxi) breakdown about "where am I going in my life!?"
+ Slept.

What did you do this weekend?

Also, how incredible is this illustration of a wet dog? It's by Rodri Gonzalez, I found it here.

One Small Seed is renewable

The lovely Drummer Boy was in this viral and I wondered what the beeg news was. Well here it is: One Small Seed has renewed its old self and become a new self and just in time to have its new edition on the shelf.

Check out the new website here.

I liiiiiike. The old site was, well I wasn't a fan but his new and improved site is purdy.


Also I got the Mahala number two printed mag and they gave me a surprise: p.h. fat's Dinosaur Blood album. It's rad you should have in your ears.

A little birdie told me you can subscribe to Mahala's printed mag for free so that's exactly what I'm gonna do.

These South African publications; they know how to make a chappy happy.

Image from here. 

i love Ram!

ok wow, so Ramfest was incredible, crazy and hot. our carpool left Cape Town at 1pm all cramped up and listening to Phoenix's Lisztomania (soundtrack to my life currently) and embarked on our lil adventure.

We had our tents, sleeping bags, booze and food and we were ready to rock the weekend out of its socks! we arrived and were brisked right through the entrance, no queues for the awesome, found our site and immediately headed for the pool for a swim.

the vibe was incredible. the weekend had begun.

i had checked out the lineups of all the acts and made a mental note of everyone i wanted to see. i probably missed more than half of my "want to see" list for, uh, reasons.

friday afternoon we kicked off with some vino and bounced around from electro pyramid to main stage to river to main stage to river to river to river (it was hot ok) and just generally had an awesome time. then i got hungry, got tired and passed out only to wake up in time for Die Antwoord.

the ninja and yolandi were disappointing. but even though the sound was terrible and they were shouting at us i couldn't tear my eyes away, especially when the fiesty little blonde pulled down her trademark gold pants and flashed us all her lily-white ass.

then i headed over to the pyramid and was blown away by Tom Deluxe and Haezer. somewhere between all this my lovely friend Se and i made a sneaky late-night trip to the pool for a little bit of swimming and i managed to slice open my palm a bit on the broken asbestos of the pool floor: fun. the medics were super accomodating even after i'd been back a fourth and fifth time for a redressing. needless to say i'd be swimming with one hand for the rest of the weekend.

saturday passed in a hot, dusty time loop of swims, refills, chilling, more chilling, arbing around and food. i tried to enjoy the "beach party" vibe they had set up but the acts were all scheduled wrong. bummer. and let me just say this right now: Alkaline Trio and Funeral for a Friend: disappointment. i didn't watch either passed the first two or three songs.

instead i revelled in the madness of the pyramid. Mr Sakitumi, Bruce Willis?, P H Fat all totally blew my mind. and of course throughout the weekend i'd amble in and out of crazy reminiscence at the Mercury tent where everyone loved everyone else and everyone knew the words to every song. DJ Sideshow you are pure, beautiful music-love.

my Ramfest highlights:
+ Vodka slushies
+ the river
+ late night missions
+ the pyramid
+ naps
+ redbull
+ hanging around our awesome campsite (Sash, Se, Wal, Paul, Kaley, Key, Jeanne, Matt, Nick, Kyle, Steve and Karl, you made this weekend amazing - thank you!)

how was your Ramfest experience?

oh and thank you Griet, your excellence is well-observed.

pics to follow

also if you've got Ramfest FOMO check out more of Paul Ward's pics of the entire weekend, they'll almost make it better.

the weekend that was

wow Ramfest was brilliant!

this weekend i...

+ went to Ramfest
+ got really really dusty
+ cut my hand
+ danced for hours
+ saw P h Phat, Mr Sakitumi, Die Antwoord, Bruce Willis, Isochronus, Alkaline Trio, Funeral for a Friend and Tommy Gun
+ made some new friends
+ got lost
+ got found
+ only slept about four hours
+ swam in the river
+ spent a lot of money
+ got home and bathed
+ spent Sunday at a chilled family braai
+ finally watched Forgetting Sarah Marshall

what did you do this weekend?

image from here. 

sailor jerry....ahoy! (the Holy Smoku party)

so on Friday night i went to the sailor jerry party at Mercury Live and had some of the liquid gold (which, turns out is way too sweet for me with coke).

twas an excellent night spend frolicking and dancing with friends, listening to bands and letting the stress of the previous week go. here are some things i think about the night:

Albert Frost was a bit of a laugh. at some point i remember watching him at the downstairs stage and he had guitar problems. fair enough but then he stops playing and the music continues? huh? did i miss something here and if i did please correct me but isn't the music suppose to be heard when the artist is playing it? at first i thought i was going crazy but my friend noticed it too so there you go.

Machineri are cool cause Sannie Fox is a sexy frontgirl a la Natalie, former frontgirl of Red Light in June. but the fox had lost her heart (or something). she stood onstage like some sort of zombie sultrily (i don't care if that's not a word) singing away. kinda a weird mix.

i loved The Bone Collectors. they're mad zany and have such a cool onstage vibe. the bluesy rock and the action onstage as these guys bang on their instruments is lovely.

and, to be perfectly honest, i missed Peachy Keen. by that time i had migrated to the great watering hole that is The Shack.

were you there that night? what did you think?

Image from here.

Crowded House Y'all!

Oh my gosh, I totally didn’t tell you all, last Tuesday night (October 26) I got to see Crowded House live at the oh-so-swanky Grand Arena!

It was amazing. I’m a big fan of theirs and have been for a few years so to be able to hear songs like “Fall at your feet” and “Don’t Dream it’s Over” gave me goose bumps!

I went with my lovely Marja, the Actor (my big brother from another set of parentals), the Actor’s brother and of course the lovely drummer.

I bought the drummer his ticket as part as hi birthday present and was a little worried he wouldn’t enjoy himself cause he had never really listened to the band before but turns out he loved them!

It was such a special evening and one guy even got up on stage and proposed to his girlfriend. The audience were like “whaaaaat!?” It was cool.

Oh. She said yes (thank goodness or that might have put a bit of a damper on the whole event).

Anyways, if you ever get a chance to see Crowded House live, do it! They have such an amazing onstage sound and presence and are just all round awesome.

What awesome bands have you seen lately? (Or bought tickets to see)?

The Weekend That Was

This one was pretty busy again, this weekend I...

+ Went for lunch with the girls and the lovely drummer (summer's on its way I can feel it!)
+ Realised how good it is to be a good friend when three of us accompanied the fourth to the airport even though she was only going for the weekend
+ Played poker with 5 boys, astonished not only them but myself when I came 2nd, and won some money
+ Had a horrendous headache from five hours of poker
+ Ambled around the mall with the Marja on Saturday morning [i love spending time with her]
+ Saw Billy Talent
+ Peed in the bushes
+ Thought it was Mother's Day and not Women's Day so bought the Marja a present [She was happy]
+ Walked to the Pier in Kalk Bay and watched the seals frolic and roll and be playful
+ Celebrated a friend's birthday at the Brass Bell
+ Had a *tiny* meltdown and cried *LOTS*
+ Felt much better

What did you do this weekend?

Bands I saw...

On Saturday night I visited Zula Bar in Long Street to see a band.

Blaque Haze are a foursome with style and class (and best of all a collective sense of humour) who play Jazzy, Soulful Funk with such eloquence that I immediately liked them. Their M. Jackson tribute was heartfelt and played with such sensitivity, and they owned their version of Solange's Sandcastle.

I found my expectations of them being whiny and too R. Kellyesque were completely squashed under my dancing feet. Goh-Lee!

I also saw Good Luck, a dj-type, sax-keyboard vibe with female singer onstage ball of energy, all with one thing in mind - to get the masses dancing. They really got everyone into the dancefloor, but for me lacked the personal touch that Blaque Haze gave their audience.

Photo from here.

Love you Zula xox