What to do in Cape Town this Jan

*From my events pages printed in the khuluma January issue

25–30 January
Did you know? The strongest wind gust recorded (186km/h) in SA was at Beaufort West on 16 May 1984. This year’s Suidoosterfees will be bursting with the sounds, talents and flavours of the Cape from at The Artscape Centre – showcasing an array of theatre, music, film, comedy, cabaret and dance. Expect the likes of Marc Lottering, Sharlene Surtie-Richards and Mango Groove. Visit www.suidoosterfees.co.za for all the info, tickets available at Computicket.

8 January
Did you know? A hummingbird’s heart beats at over 1200bpm in flight. Get your pulse racing at the Totalsports Challenge starting off in Gordon’s Bay in either the seven-discipline challenge (12km surfski, 1.5km swim, 50km road bike, 13km road run, 13km K1 canoe, 25km mountain bike and finally a 9km beach run) or the four-discipline challenge (50km road bike, 13km road run, 25km mountain bike and 9km beach run). Visit www.totalsports.co.za for all the info.

11–22 January
Did you know? Chimpanzees, gorillas, bonobos and orang-utans show laughter-like vocalisations in response to wrestling, play-chasing or tickling. Brighten up your day and let the comic antics of 2010 Ikwezi winner, Shimmy Isaacs entertain you in her one-woman stand up comedy show, Allie Pad Funny Worcester, focusing on Western Cape cultures of coloured, black and white people (Baxter Golden Arrow Studio). Tickets from R65 at Computicket.

29 January
Did you know? Scientific studies in 2009 proved that Snowball the cockatoo could not only dance but could stick to a beat even with change of tempo. Go listen to the biggest Afrikaanse treffers completed by a full band, dancers, choir and acrobatic acts with Afri Klassiek, featuring the likes of Steve Hofmeyr, Nianell, Chris Chameleon, Rina Hugo, Andre Schwartz, Jannie Moolman, Rudi and Corlea, Danie Niehaus, Michelle Veenemans, James Bhemgee, Riaan Hunter and Bravo! at Grand West, Grand Arena. Tickets from R150 at Computicket.

12–19 January
Did you know? As a starving child, composer Haydn often sang in the hope of getting invitations to perform before aristocrats, where singers were served refreshments. For a night of music entertainment, go watch Roelof Colyn and Jonathan Roxmouth as they dazzle audiences with a display of pianistic virtuosity and humorous impersonation with music that ranges from the great classic masters of Bach and Beethoven through to Ray Charles and Elton John under the direction of Ian von Memerty (Theatre on the bay). Tickets from R95 at Computicket, www.theatreonthebay.co.za.

29 January
Did you know? The Russian breed of horses, Akhal-Teke, can survive days without food or water.
Get dressed to the nines and be larger than life as you place your bets at this year’s J&B Met (Kenilworth Racecourse). The race showcases 16 of South Africa’s top horses, who compete for the 2.5 million stake over 2000m. Tickets are R165 per person from www.webtickets.co.za. Visit www.jbmet.co.za for all the info.

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