The first Balkanology part of 2008 revels in another tour de force of clever venue scouting: The Gypsy Wake is at the defunct Oriental Plaza with its multiple levels and countless nooks and crannies, secured by the organiser before the place is gutted for redevelopment.
Following last year's Great Balkan Wedding, which defined the Old Biscuit Mill as a party venue, this party sees our poor groom deceased - his party trick (riding a donkey while playing the tuba and balancing a rooster on his head) went horribly wrong - and a wake in his honour.
It features Dunkelbunt, the Vienna-based DJ and globe-trotting collector of far-flung music from the gypsy diaspora (you'll recognise him from Asfalt Tango with Fanfare Ciocarlian from the Balkanology CD). Also expect DJ Toby2Shoes and Kolo Novo Movie Band, featuring Zolani Mahola and Kyla-Rose Smith, of Freshlyground, and Rus Nerwich (Mantras 4 Modern Man, Beyond The Walls) as well as the usual madcap antics from the Rooster Theatre Collective, VJs Rosebud and Grumpers and decor genius Angela Nemov. (Thursday, Oriental Plaza, 72 Sir Lowry Road, 9pm. Tickets: WebTickets.co.za/Balkanology; presold: R140 from A Store (Kloof St), Movie Magic (Gardens); students and pensioners discount: R120 from Mimi's (Observatory). Info: 084-332-2118, 072-211-5563, www. Balkanology.co.za
- The long weekend also sees the second annual Living Heritage Jazz Festival. It celebrates local legends and rising talents, with performers presented according to four themes.
Our African Jazz Heritage features Winston Mankunku Ngozi, The Cups Nkanuka Big Band, Robbie Jansen, Tete Mbambisa's Big Sound, Roger Khoza with Pheka and visiting Eastern Cape trumpeter Feya Faku.
Family Dynasties In Jazz presents The Ngcukana Brothers, The Moses Brothers, The Dyers Brothers and Barney Rachabane and family.
Women In Jazz includes Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Zelda Benjamin, Phyllis Madikwa, Vuyiswa Ngcwangu, Fancy Galada, Soi Soi Gqeza and Lungiswa Plaatjies.
Youth In Jazz hosts Little Giants, Wafiq, Allou April, Mark Fransman and the Jazz Workshop's latest offering, Baby Giants. (Friday, 7pm; Saturday, 2pm to midnight; Sun, 1pm to midnight. All at Artscape. Tickets: R120 per day. Available from www.computicket.com or 021-421-7695. Info: 082-720-1665.
- The Warehouse Project presents 35 bands, DJs and MCs over six arenas with indoor floors and outdoor stages. Featuring Prime Circle, who are completing work on their new album at local producer Theo Crous's Durbanville studio, Van Coke Kartel, touching home base on their East Coast Tour, Taxi Violence, now sporting new bassist Jason Ling, Tait, also preparing a new album, newcomer rockers Ragdolls and, taking time out of the studio, The Dirty Skirts, all on the Live & Loud stage.
The other stages include master turntablist Ready D, Roger Goode, Shaun Duvet and Lady Lea, Bruno Morphet, Peter Abrahams and Craig De Sousa, Nick E Louder and, in the VIP area Dino Moran and Vanessa Holliday. (Thursday, Old Biscuit Mill, Woodstock, Albert Road, Woodstock, 7pm. Tickets: R120 pre-sold, R140 at the gate, (VIP R200 & R220) from All About Music (Sable Square. Tel: 021-554-722) and Computicket. co.za (082-915-8000), no under-18s. Info: 083-290-2469).
- Diary note: the visiting US electro band Red Flecks play the Armchair Theatre (March 26), Evol (March 28) and Assembly (March 29 ) after rocking Splashy Fen.
- Submissions to [email protected] or fax 086-689-3282 by Friday noon.