The Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival brings to the stage the best of South Africa’s folk and acoustic talent in a unique concert setting. On the 16 February, an incredible line up of top South Africa artists will share their stories with you. Ross Learmonth [Prime Circle frontman] who just released his first solo album, James Stewart [The Usual frontman] and Flat Stanley will represent the acoustic rock part of the festival. Andre De Villiers who is one of our favourite songwriters will bring his local folk to the show. Louise Carver another beautiful singer-songwriter will add another pop-folk unfused highlight to the mix along with YOAV and his trippy-folky pop-dance style. Mandisi Dyantyis will represent the Afro-Soul genre with his incredible acoustic quintet. Derek Gripper will bring his acoustic guitar expertise to the forefront and Paige Mac will again deliver her soul-blues folky vibe.
The Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival Line-Up:
- Ross Learmonth
- YOAV
- Mandisi Dyantyis
- Louise Carver
- James Stewart
- André De Villiers
- Derek Gripper
- Flat Stanley
- Paige Mac
Tickets:
Adults: R220. Youth (6-21 yrs with ID): R170. Children under 6 yrs: Free.
Important:
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are picnic-style and seating is on the grass, so do bring a picnic with food and refreshments plus a blanket or low chairs that do not obstruct the view of other concert-goers. NB: If consuming alcohol, please do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. Concerts take place irrespective of rain. The concert arena is a 100% non-smoking zone (includes e-cigarettes/vapes) and there are no designated smoking areas.
Please Note:
Tickets available exclusively at Webtickets for purchase at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, and online at Webtickets. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.
On Friday 14 February, Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden welcomes all love birds and nature lovers to enjoy Valentine’s Day in the Garden. The breath-taking backdrop of nature will be open for an extended hour, until 20h00.
Sarah Struys, Events & Tourism Manager of Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden says that Kirstenbosch has always been a popular place to enjoy a romantic picnic. We find that couples visit after work and by extending the Garden entrance for an extra hour, they have a little bit more time to spend with that someone special. “Fortunately, bookings aren’t required to picnic in the Garden as there are 36 hectares to find the perfect spot to savour your picnic and enjoy the beautiful backdrop,” says Struys.
What to do
Early birds can make a day of it by starting at either Gate 1 or 2 and exploring the Garden with a map from the info desk.
Kirstenbosch includes the Fynbos Garden, Forest Braille Trail, Fragrance Garden, Useful Plants Garden and a Conservatory – a desert house with a majestic baobab tree in its centre surrounded by succulent treasures from the Namib Desert. The famous Tree Canopy Walkway (AKA ‘The Boomslang‘) takes the visitor from the forest floor through the trees and bursts out above the canopy, giving spectacular panoramic vistas of the surrounding mountains, Garden and Cape Flats.
You can also browse the Garden Centre, Botsoc Bookshop, Gift Shops with botanically-inspired homeware and curios. Tickets to the Garden also grant visitors free access to a once in a lifetime botanical art exhibition currently at the Richard Crowie Hall. The exhibition features a collection of over 60 botanical art pieces by renowned artist Lady Cynthia Tait brought to South Africa from Guernsey, as well as contemporary ones by local Botanical Artist Association of Southern Africa members.
Picnic and dining options
If you are in a rush or just prefer convenience, pre-order a picnic from Moyo (Gate 1). A variety of options including vegetarian and gluten-free picnics are available from R220 (pre-order picnics five days in advance). Or book a seat for a Moyo Lunch; the Valentine’s Buffet Dinner is unfortunately booked out. Email kbfunctions@moyo.com or call 021 762 9585.
You can also pre-order a gourmet picnic from The Kirstenbosch Tea Room (Gate 2) 24 hours in advance online or pop in on the day and choose from our picnic or main menu before 17h00. A vegetarian picnic option is also available and packed in an environmentally friendly bag at R250. Email fynkos@ktr.co.za or call 021 797 4883.
Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands is open every day of the year from 08h00-19h00 in summer with the exception of 14 February, when it’s open until 20h00. Entry fees to Kirstenbosch are R75 for Adults, R40 for South African Students (with student card), and Children under 6 years enter free. BotSoc members with a membership card also enjoy free entry
Join us for a Valentine’s night market at the Pretoria National Botanical Garden.
Adults: R50
6-18 years: R20
Under 6 FREE
A variety of stalls will be available for flowers, food & drinks, kiddies entertainment, valentine gifts, arts & crafts, craft beer and gin, bubbly and more.
Let Walter Sisulu National Botanical Garden be your paradise to celebrate this Valentine’s Day in a special way at the exquisite outdoor venue under the stars. Let the best romantical music from the likes of Luther Vandross, Marvin Gaye, Josh Groban, Celine Dion, Chris De Burg and many others serenade you on this special day. There will be prizes to be won including a night out for 2 to the luxurious Afrique’ Botique Hotel in the Westrand.
Bring your picnic basket and enjoy the evening.
Entrance Fees:
Adults R50
Children R25
According to therawafrica.com, “bad boy AKA takes the crown as the best rapper in Africa and has become a household name all over the continent.” Also known as the “Supa Mega”, he’s spent the last six years pushing boundaries in the African hip hop scene with a series of killer singles and albums. When the continent stops to listen and vibe to the new music he drops, the buzz is more than justified. His self-released album “Touch My Blood” was certified gold in just seven days – probably the fastest-selling hip hop album in South Africa. Get your hip hop on with him on 9 February!
As main sponsor of Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts 2019/2020 season; Old Mutual will have an Old Mutual Kids Zone at the AKA concert from 16h00 – 18h30. The Old Mutual Kids Zone will offer an exciting variety of entertainment for kids of ALL ages and the entry is #FREE to concert-goers. This includes games, arts & crafts and a soft play obstacle course for toddlers under five. The Kids Zone will be positioned at the top right-hand corner within the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts area, it will be fully-enclosed and children will be supervised by designated childminders.
Tickets:
Adults: R220. Youth (6-21 yrs with ID): R170. Children under 6 yrs: Free.
Important:
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are picnic-style and seating is on the grass, so do bring a picnic with food and refreshments plus a blanket or low chairs that do not obstruct the view of other concert-goers. NB: If consuming alcohol, please do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. Concerts take place irrespective of rain. The concert arena is a 100% non-smoking zone (includes e-cigarettes/vapes) and there are no designated smoking areas.
Please Note:
Tickets available exclusively at Webtickets for purchase at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, and online at Webtickets. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.
In just a few months, cellist Yo-Yo Ma makes his long-awaited South African debut at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden in Cape Town, Western Cape. On Saturday, 8 February at 19:00, he will perform Johann Sebastian Bach’s Six Suites for Unaccompanied Cello without interval; his visit to Cape Town is part of his global Bach Project, presented locally by Showtime Management. Tickets on sale at Webtickets.
Concert details
Date: Saturday, 08 February 2020
Time: 19:00
Duration: 2 hours, 15 minutes. No intermission.
Ticket price: R900.00
Venue: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Cape Town.
In August 2018, Yo-Yo Ma began the Bach Project, a two-year journey to play Johann Sebastian Bach’s six suites for solo cello thirty-six times on six continents. Since the project began, Yo-Yo has performed this extraordinary music in iconic and surprising locations including the Odeon of Herodes Atticus on the Acropolis in Athens, the ancient Huaca Pucllana in Lima, the Sydney Opera House, and Millennium Park in Chicago.
The Bach Project is a journey motivated not only by Yo-Yo Ma’s six-decade relationship with this 300-year-old music, but also by Bach’s ability to speak to our common humanity at a time when our civic conversation is so often focussed on division. “We live in a world of boundless possibility, but we also face daunting challenges, even to our very survival. I believe that during times of stress, confusion, and insecurity, we should share sources that offer comfort, purpose, and meaning. Bach does that. When his music touches us, it reconnects us to our common humanity,” says Yo-Yo Ma.
Alongside each concert, Yo-Yo and his team partner with artists and culture makers, cultural and community organisations, and leaders from across sectors to design conversations, collaborations, and performances.
Together with the concerts, these ‘days of action’ invite us all to think differently about the role of culture in society, exploring and celebrating all the ways that culture makes us stronger as individuals, as communities, as a society and as a planet. In Cape Town, as it does all over the world, the Bach Project will explore how culture helps us to find truth, build trust, and act in service of one another.
Edwin Rye is an award winning gardener, he will present an illustrated talk on ‘Flowers, flowers everywhere! Flowers growing, lowers as decoration. Flowers in art.’
Entry fees
Free entry to our Wednesday talk but garden entry fee applies.
Enquires:
Cathy Abbott
Tel.: 021 465 6440
E-mail: cathya@wol.co.za
On Sunday, 2 February Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert stage will host South Africa’s best selling hip-hop artist, Kwesta, for the first time and welcome back local vocal powerhouse, Lady Zamar.
Hot off Kwesta’s recent collaboration with 2020 Grammy nominee, Rick Ross, and just a few weeks ahead of the release of his highly anticipated new album, this double-diamond recording artist’s first show at Kirstenbosch is set to be one to remember.
“I can’t wait to take the Kirstenbosch stage for the first time! I shot one of my first music videos in Cape Town so it’s always great coming back to one of the places where this started for me and sharing what I’ve been working on with the Mother City.” Kwesta.
Closing the show will be sultry South African songstress, Lady Zamar. The double-platinum artist is set to stun the day’s audience with a selection of firm favourites as well as songs from her new album, Monarch.
“Due to an unforeseen personal commitment, I have had to move my Kirstenbosch performance initially scheduled for the 15th of March to the 2nd of February. I am extremely excited to be returning to Kirstenbosch which was one of my favourite concerts of last year. I look forward to playing alongside Kwesta for all my fans at one of Africa’s most beautiful venues.” Lady Zamar.
Lady Zamar packed Kirstenbosch with her debut performance during our 2018/19 season, and if that was anything to go by, we recommend wearing your dancing shoes as her music’s infectious danceability is sure to keep you on your feet.
Every Sunday afternoon throughout summer, intimate concerts are held at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, where you can picnic and enjoy some of South Africa’s best live music while the sun sets. You can also pre-order picnics five days in advance from Moyo Kirstenbosch Restaurant or visit their food trucks at the concert which offer freshly made burgers, boerie rolls, chipstix, beverages and snacks.
Tickets cost R170/p – R220/p. Book now at www.webtickets.co.za
Lady Tait Returns to Kirstenbosch exhibition is a first of its kind and simply a must-see. The exhibition also includes botanical art by top local artists from the Western Cape branch of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa (BAASA).
The exhibition is curated by Mary van Blommestein of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Irma Stern Museum. Mary will host, a walkabout of the exhibition on Saturday, 1 February at 10 am. Visitors will be given an overview of the two components of the show: the one featuring the work of Lady Cynthia Tait and the other, which focusses on new work by BAASA artists.
Botanical art captures the beauty of the natural world in all its intricate detail. It also has an important scientific function and is crucial in the documentation and conservation of species. Read more here about the exhibition
Entry Fees: Entry to the exhibition is free but garden entry fees apply; Kirstenbosch Garden entry tickets range from R20 to R75, children u/6 years enter free. BotSoc members with membership cards will gain free access to the garden and exhibition.
Queries: Catherine Gribble, Botanical Society, Kirstenbosch Branch Manager, 021 6715468
| January 29 | Marijke Honig | Green Buildings & Landscapes of the 21st century : exciting changes ahead |
| February 05 | Edwin Rye | Flowers, flowers everywhere! Flowers growing, lowers as decoration flowers in art. |
| February 19 | Richard Peirce | Cuddle Me, Kill Me : Canned Lion Hunting |
| March 04 | Rosalind Spears | Lady Anne Barnard, Balcarres and the Cape |
| March 18 | Matthew Syphus | Cape Clawless Otters |
| April 01 | Charles Griffiths | Alien species in the marine environment’ |
| April 15 | Prof. Mike Bruton | Finding Old Fourlegs. The Story of the Coelacanth |
| April 29 | Anthony Wain | The magnificent Mughal Garden Heritage of Lahore, Pakistan, Monsoons, Elephants, Poppies and Poppadoms |
| May 13 | Rupert Watson | On Peacocks and Picathartes – Reflections on African Birdlife |
| May 27 | Augustine Morkel | WWF in 2020 |
| June 10 | Leon Kluge | Chelsea 2020 |
| June 24 | Elton LeRoux | Behind the Scenes at Kirstenbosch |
| July 08 | Dr Donovan Kirkwood | What is the role of a botanical garden in our unique landscape? Stellenbosch University Botanical Garden as a case study |
| July 22 | Adam Harrower | The New Cliff-face Plant display |
| August 05 | Norman Larson | Spiders and the mythology |
| August 19 | Jenny Louw | Ecological Gardening |
| September 02 | Alice Notten | Spring at Kirstenbosch |
| September 16 | Dr Eugene Moll | How Tree Book Authors have failed amateurs of today |
| September 30 | Alex Lansdowne | Restoring Threatened Species & Habitats on the Cape Flats |
This programme may be subject to change or cancellation without prior notice.
Free entry into the talks but garden entry fees apply.
Enquiries:
Cathy Abbott
Email: cathya@wol.co.za
Tel.: 021 4656440
Marijke Honig, Landscape Designer, Environmentalist and Author, will present an illustrated talk on Green Buildings and Landscapes of the 21st Century. Marijke’s talk will deal with the questions – ‘How will built environments contribute to the urban ecosystem?’ and ‘What practices and innovation can we expect to see?’
Entry fees
Price at the door: Adults-R75; SA Students (with card)-R40; Children (6 – 17 years)-R20; Under 6 years-Free. Garden entry ticket or BotSoc membership card is required in order to access the talk.
Enquires:
Cathy Abbott
Tel.: 021 465 6440
E-mail: cathya@wol.co.za
Chart-topping, award-winning and globe-trotting GoodLuck have rocked sold-out shows across SA, Europe, Asia, Africa and the UK. While their epic sound is rooted in SA with the rhythms of Afrobeat, Afro-house, tribal music and African drums lining their songs, GoodLuck’s sonic style is defined by a modern electronic edge with global crossover appeal. They’ve also rubbed onstage shoulders with Groove Armada, Basement Jaxx, Pet Shop Boys, Paul Oakenfold, Lost Frequencies and huge pop icon Pharrell Williams.
The opening act will be Tresor, his hit songs reflect a peregrine of life shared by so many on the continent, but few are able to express their experiences in a way that captures the ear so beautifully, universally and directly. Venerated for his idiosyncratic musicality and fluid vocals, his sophomore album, The Beautiful Madness got prime banner placement on iTunes both locally and abroad.
As main sponsor of Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts 2019/2020 season; Old Mutual will have an Old Mutual Kids Zone at the GoodLuck/Tresor concert from 16h00 – 18h30. The Old Mutual Kids Zone will offer an exciting variety of entertainment for kids of ALL ages and the entry is #FREE to concert-goers. This includes games, arts & crafts and a soft play obstacle course for toddlers under five. The Kids Zone will be positioned at the top right-hand corner within the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts area, it will be fully-enclosed and children will be supervised by designated childminders.
Tickets:
Adults: R220. Youth (6-21 yrs with ID): R170. Children under 6 yrs: Free.
Important:
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are picnic-style and seating is on the grass, so do bring a picnic with food and refreshments plus a blanket or low chairs that do not obstruct the view of other concert-goers. NB: If consuming alcohol, please do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. Concerts take place irrespective of rain. The concert arena is a 100% non-smoking zone (includes e-cigarettes/vapes) and there are no designated smoking areas.
Please Note:
Tickets available exclusively at Webtickets for purchase at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, and online at Webtickets. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.
A much-loved favourite among all orchestral aficionados, The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra never disappoints. This year, Brandon Phillips takes the baton, with soloists Gabriella von Durkheim on flute, Peter Martens on cello and Jordan Brooks on violin. Sets include Berlioz Roman Carnival, Doppler Hungarian Pastoral Fantasy (flute), Tchaikovsky Romeo and Julieta Overture Fantasia, Saint Saens “Swan” and Allegro Appassionato (cello) and Mendelssohn Symphony No 4 “Italian” Monti Chardas (violin). All best enjoyed sipping on a crisp ‘n cold Chardonnay under a sun-kissed sky.
Tickets:
Adults: R220. Youth (6-21 yrs with ID): R170. Children under 6 yrs: Free.
Important:
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are picnic-style and seating is on the grass, so do bring a picnic with food and refreshments plus a blanket or low chairs that do not obstruct the view of other concert-goers. NB: If consuming alcohol, please do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. Concerts take place irrespective of rain. The concert arena is a 100% non-smoking zone (includes e-cigarettes/vapes) and there are no designated smoking areas.
Please Note:
Tickets available exclusively at Webtickets for purchase at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, and online at Webtickets. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.
The Kirstenbosch Branch of the Botanical Society will host an exhibition of the watercolour paintings of Lady Cynthia Tait (1894-1962) from January 16 to March 15 in the Richard Crowie Hall at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden.
Lady Tait was a botanical illustrator with a passion for South African flowers.
Her paintings were inherited by granddaughter, Cynthia Cormack, who granted permission for them to be exhibited at one of her grandmother’s favourite places, Kirstenbosch. Sixty-six of Lady Tait’s paintings will be on loan for the exhibition, which will be curated by Mary van Blommestein of the University of Cape Town (UCT) Irma Stern Museum.
The exhibition will also include botanical art by the Western Cape branch of the Botanical Artists Association of Southern Africa (BAASA), a non-profit organisation dedicated to promoting public awareness of botanical art in Southern Africa.
Copies of Tait Florilegium, which contains full sized reproductions of the watercolours of selected South African wild flowers by Lady Tait, will be on sale at the exhibition, along with note cards.
Entry fees:
Free entry to our exhibition but garden entry fees apply.
Contact details:
Catherine Gribble
Tel.: 021 671 5468
email: catherine@botsoc-kirstenbosch.org.za
The dynamic and highly addictive verve of Mi Casa has resulted in eight sold-out shows at the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts, many more on the continent and overseas, eight smash hit #1 singles and too many platinum sales and awards to count. This is what cements Mi Casa’s total dance music domination – and you’ll hear why for yourself on 12 January 2020. The soulful trio’s persona and stage presence are deeply rooted in making music that carries positive vibes with an amplified and uplifting energy. Their live horns, vocals and keys, combined with deep soulful grooves, produce a sound that is unique, fresh and original.
As main sponsor of Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts 2019/2020 season; Old Mutual will have an Old Mutual Kids Zone at the Mi Casa concert from 16h00 – 18h30. The Kids Zone will offer an exciting variety of entertainment for kids of ALL ages and the entry is #FREE to concert-goers. This includes games, arts & crafts and a soft play obstacle course for toddlers under five. The Kids Zone will be positioned at the top right-hand corner within the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts area, it will be fully-enclosed and children will be supervised by designated childminders.
Tickets:
Adults: R220. Youth (6-21 yrs with ID): R170. Children under 6 yrs: Free.
Important:
Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts are picnic-style and seating is on the grass, so do bring a picnic with food and refreshments plus a blanket or low chairs that do not obstruct the view of other concert-goers. NB: If consuming alcohol, please do so responsibly and ensure that you have a designated driver for your safety and that of others. Concerts take place irrespective of rain. The concert arena is a 100% non-smoking zone (includes e-cigarettes/vapes) and there are no designated smoking areas.
Please Note:
Tickets available exclusively at Webtickets for purchase at Pick n Pay outlets nationwide, and online at Webtickets. Kirstenbosch cannot guarantee that tickets purchased from third parties will be valid.