SO here’s the thing about Capetonians and winter. We don’t like to go outside, unless we absolutely have to. Especially when it’s cold and wet. Which is a tiny bit ridiculous because there are so many reasons to sally forth. Restaurant specials, for example. You’ll never get better meal deal than you will right now.
No pot and kettle situation here; I’m as guilty of this as anyone. As I type these very words, it’s grey and chilly out there, with rain on the way, and I’m taking advantage of being my own boss and working while under the influence…of my duvet. That reminds me – time for a nice glass of red wine.
What I have discovered, however, is that the most difficult part is crossing the threshold; once I’m out, it’s usually great. First of all, it’s the opportunity to layer on all the lovely winter clothes I claim to love so much. And unless we’re in the midst of one of the deathly storms the weather people are always warning us about, it’s not too bad. Which is exactly what happened when my friend Diva and I headed to the V&A Waterfront for the inaugural Good Night Friday, which happens on the last Friday of evert month until September, from 5pm till 9pm.
Sure, the shops and whatnot are all usually open anyway, but extra activities in the Silo district, Pierhead, Alfred Mall and Nobel Square and the Watershed make for an evening of entertainment and good food. Because we initially spent a fair chunk of time at La Parada drinking wine, and then another hefty bit shopping and browsing in the Watershed (where I met a brilliant new vinyl contact who has amazing albums and I may as well just give him my bank card and be done with it), we didn’t get to many of the other events, but hey – that was our night out and we were happy. The cherry on the top was being able to put our names in lights. Literally.
Here’s what’s happening this month:
SILO DISTRICT
Performances by 18-year-old pop singer Anita Kiana; Fruit Vendor with their assortment of Afropop that fuses ghoema, funk, hip-hop, RnB and jazz sounds; and Jimmy Nevis.
PIERHEAD
Skumbuzo Salman known as “Skubalisto” will be showcasing a lumo paint graffiti interactive wall. Busker Zenn creates electro sounds and beats using his loop synthesised keyboard to keep you moving and your toes tapping.
ALFRED MALL + NOBEL SQUARE
Warm things up by popping into Alfred Mall for some salsa. Get moving and dancing with two Red Bull DJs, and LED poi dancers.
WATERSHED
DJ Dario will be on the decks from 5pm. Get a drink from the mobile bar and meet some of the makers of creative and innovative products:
- Small and brightly coloured figurines from Bongolomba Carvings and its creator, Roger Bongolomba.
- Aretha Doyle reduced her carbon footprint when she created Cool Tabs, accessories such as handbags and belts made from recycled can tabs.
- Jewellery designer and owner, Tiffany Marx, makes unique and striking pieces such as rings, bracelets and necklaces for her store, Tiffany Marx Inspired Jewellery.
- Davis Ndungu from Recycled Flip flop Sculptures makes handmade art work and sculptures out of recycled flip flops.
- Award-winning potter, Anthony Shapiro from Anthony Shapiro Collect will be showcasing his iconic ceramic bowls.
- Jenna Engeldoe from Raw Joy, who makes handmade jewellery from leather, metal and semi-precious stones, will tell you all about her craft
- For a list of restaurant specials and the detailed entertainment line-up, click here.
