Making waves at the new Zula Bar

7th Son

Remember the grand opening of the Zula Bar? Springbok Nude Girls, Hog Hoggidy Hog, The Rudimentals and Ashtray Electric were there. So was I. So were approximately 1 500 revellers. It was mayhem. It was crowded and chaos reigned. But it rocked, literally. Arno Carstens outdid himself and Hogs fans spilt beer on one another in the mosh-pit. Girls in ridiculous heels wobbled up and down the stairs, teenagers snogged in the corners, people took photos with their Crackberries and the barmen struggled to keep up with orders at the bars. It was whilst waiting for a drink at a bar that I wondered how this new venue was going to fare after the big opening night.

As it turns out, quite well. I went back a few days later for the 7th Son and Tidal Waves gig. Not bands I know particularly well, but was told by The Viking that Tidal Waves was not to be missed. As they are from Pretoria and seldom play on our shores, I decided to check it out.

The funny part was parking was more difficult to find than on opening night. Which goes to show that getting parking is all about luck and timing, not about how many cars there are. Zula was noticably much less crowded and it was nice to actually say hello to the bouncers and not grimace at them whilst trying to push through the door. The barmen were less stressed and getting a drink was a far quicker affair. Nice to know that drinks prices are still excellent. Savanna Dry at R13 will certainly have me coming back for another round, so I hope they keep it that way.

It wasn't difficult to realise what sort of gig you were at, even if not a die-hard fan of the bands. Dreads, beads, tye-dye pants, bare feet ... I almost felt as if I needed to go have a spliff to fit in. I have to admit that I am not the biggest fan of reggae/ska music (more of a rock chick), but I have to say that I really enjoyed 7th Son and Tidal Waves. Everyone else there did too - there was even a stoner-reggae-vibes mosh-pit happening at one point. Somehow a lot less busy than a punk rock moshpit. Must have something to do with having bare feet. My friend Bob was there too and even he let his hair down. The best part for me was that I actually got to see the bands properly (even got right up to the stage) and there was room to move. Or dance. Or mosh. Or just stand there clutching your beer with a grin on your face without being bumped or pushed.

All in all I liked it. The space is awesome and the drinks are cheap and they are hosting cool South African bands. I'm easy to please like that. The only complaint I have is that whoever designed the loos in the ladies was either really tall or has a good sense of humour. C'mon guys, I am just over 5ft. I have to stretch twice my body length to pull the chain. So far I have been relatively sober whilst attempting this. It will, and I repeat, will, be a disaster at some point.

Oh, I was also lucky enough to meet the Tidal Waves band members. They even posed for a photo* for me and called me "sista".What a bunch of cool guys. I am now a firm fan of Tidal Waves. I reckon I could be an even bigger fan of the new Zula Bar in time.

See you all at The Dirty Skirts on Saturday night. I may very well be the one with her feet sticking out of the toilet.

Upcoming gigs in July at Zula Bar:

Friday 22nd – Van Coke Kartel ft Southern Gypsy Queens

Saturday 23rd – The Dirty Skirts Album Launch

Friday 29th – Popskaar and Gazelle

Saturday 30th – FAR TOO LOUD

Sign up the Zula Bar Loyalty Card - I just did! Hopefully I get a free tequila on my birthday (why else would they ask for my birth date?)

*First photo crisis of my life. Lost the photos! But it did happen. I wasn't stoned. Promise. Perhaps the cool Tidal Waves guys will give their sista another chance to take a rocking band pic...

A Jolly Roger-ing in Plumstead

The other weekend I had a series of "firsts". No, it wasn't the first time I got "rogered" as the title may suggestively suggest. It was the first time I saw the band Three Chord Theory (at their last gig, go figure) and it was the first time I went to a pub on Plumstead main road called The Jolly Roger. The gig was there, so it was a very convenient two firsts with one pint. The band rocked with their good old school punk rock and I was so impressed I even wanted to buy their CD. I was told there wasn't one as they had spent all their funds on beer back in the day. Ah, how very punk of them! I was also pretty impressed with the venue, especially as the floor in front of the stage literally bounced. At a punk gig you can just imagine. It was fabulous! So when I was asked to go back to The Jolly Roger to do a write up about their plans, I leapt on the gangplank immediately. And boy, do they have plans!

Some background first. Because you should always ask about backgrounds. Nope, the place isn't haunted. But if the regular that goes there from 11am in the morning until 10pm at night dies, it could be. She loves it that much and that way she can never be asked to leave when the bar is closing. But I digress, as I love to do...

The premises was originally lawyers' officers. That made me laugh, from sharks to pirates! It's all too perfect. Then it became Hickory's and then Gunners on Main (something about the Arsenal football club was mentioned at this point). And now it's The Jolly Roger. Down the road you'll find Pirates and The Birkenhead, so The Jolly Roger is well in keeping with the nautical theme. I suggest the next time you have a pirate-themed party and want to go out afterwards, this part of the Plumstead "strip" would be very fitting. Talking of parties, they don't actually cater for functions, but you are most welcome to have a function or party at the pub. Tables can be set aside for you and if you wish to bring snacks to put on the tables you can.

It's all fun and games  
Get to the Jolly Roger on a Thursday for the LMG Cape Town Pub Quiz. Prizes include beer, wine, concert tickets and cash! Sounding good? It gets better - there's also a R500 jackpot to be won. All you need to do is pitch up, get yourself a drink and a shot of Sailor's Revenge (I recommend you have one, they are quite yummy) and be seated by 7.30pm. It'll cost you R20 (you can't even buy a box of cigarettes for that) and teams are limited to 6 people per team. There will be snacks available and with Castle draught on tap at R15 a pint, it could be the best Phuza Thursday you'll have. Bonus if you win the jackpot.

If you not too sharp on general knowledge, but like flinging sharp metal objects into boards, then join their Darts League. The darts-loving folk meet on a Wednesday night and there's even a spot of gambling involved. On that note, if you are feeling lucky, they have gaming machines too. Ones that actually pay out - someone recently won R7 000! If you prefer big sticks and colourful balls, there's also a pool table.

Having a gas
If you fancy a pint or two with your mateys on a Sunday, pop in with your braai meat and use the gas braai out the back on the balcony (which can be covered if it decides to rain as it does in Cape Town). At this stage you need to bring your own meat, but they will be offering braai packs in the future. If you lucky, you might even get potjie if you choose the right Sunday. Then sit back and listen to some jazz or accoustic tunes. Just how a lazy Sunday should be.

Jump on the bandwagon
Whilst there is already a resident DJ and cover bands on a Saturday and Sunday night, the most exciting plans the guys at The Jolly Roger have are to start having more gigs at the venue. Three Cord Theory was the first of many in the pipeline. There is a full PA System and any extra band equipment is available from SMD Technical at affordable prices. So not much schlepping around of band bits and pieces required. The venue is fairly small (150 max), creating an intimate atmosphere which would make it perfect for fledgling bands to launch their music careers. All this in addition to the spring-loaded floor and a percentage of bar sales? I say "Hell yeah!"

Give Dave a shout on (021) 447 7706 or email him on nixsah@gmail.com to book your gig. Like do it now!

I have to say that I think this is going to be the next cool happening spot and am quite excited about the fact I am going to have a new local. There's guarded parking out the back, cool rock and rockabilly tunes in the bar, the cheapest draught on main road, a sprung floor, an enclosed balcony, band equipment, ongoing drinks specials, jackpots and slots, a pool table and a spot to have a braai. If you run out of booze money or the slots aren't kind, there are banks on the main road. There are also plenty of take-away joints in the area (because eating is not cheating!)

The Jolly Roger is open every day from 10am to 2am every day. See you there? Yes? Jolly good!

• Email thejollyrogerct@gmail.com or call Fred on 083 630 9961. You can also join their Facebook page so you are in the know about what's happening.
• Bands wanting to book some stage time can contact Dave on (021) 447 7706 or on email at nixsah@gmail.com
  

Hit men, a boxer, the gangster's wife and free popcorn

That's got you interested! Or perhaps just the picture of that famous poster did. Except I don't hang around with hit men (although the owner of the corner store where I get my ciggies on credit could turn into one soon), or boxers (OK, my grandfather was one) or gangsters (that too could be debatable). But I did get free popcorn and lots of it!

So, Monday night was spent at the Grand Daddy Hotel at The Pink Flamingo roof top cinema. I was sent an email in the morning asking which movie would I like to see with the choices being Casablanca, Rocky Horror Picture Show or Pulp Fiction. All iconic films and nice to be given a choice. My choice was in the order they gave them as I last watched Casablanca as a kid, watched a Rocky Horror re-run years ago and watched Pulp Fiction again a week ago. I got a mail back later saying the first two were out of the DVD club, so Pulp Fiction it was. I then got a mail from Big Tom's Mom to say that she couldn't make it to the movies. Something about husband working late and kid needing fetching from creche. There's always something with parents of small children. And they wonder why suddenly their friends stop asking them out to stuff. Note to parents - your childless friends who have all the fun don't invite you out anymore because you are likely to cancel! It's not personal... Anyway, I digress, there's content there for a whole other blog (if I don't get beaten to death in my sleep by my child-rearing friends)...

I ended up getting The Viking to join me - he's single (and childless) at the moment. Perfect. We both love popcorn. Naturally, first stop upon arrival on the rooftop was at the bar. There was mention of free gluwein after all! Unfortunately the gluwein had just run out ( they went scuttling downstairs for more) but the comforting smell of popcorn made up for that. We grabbed a packet and then went to grab our seats. The gluwein arrived shortly after and with blankets over our knees and heaters overhead we sat contentedly munching our popcorn and watching one of the greatest cult movies of modern times.

It was great! Where else can you go to the cinema and drink gluwein, go to the bar when you feel like it (OK, the Labia serves alcohol too) and even have a smoke on the sidelines whilst still watching the movie. They did try gas us out at one point (perhaps they were trying to stop us lighting up our ciggies), but the rest of the heaters kept us super warm. They also ran out of sweets before we got there, but this was more than made up for by the endless packets of popcorn that kept arriving. In fact while Uma Thurman was OD-ing on heroin and frothing at the mouth I was OD-ing on popcorn with pretty much the same effect. The movie also jumped and got stuck a few times (as DVD's do), but no matter. In the shower scene I got to see just how shaven Bruce Willis really was. Really. No hair. Anywhere.

As we were leaving, The Viking said "It's only in Cape Town that you can do cool stuff like this." Perhaps that is true, but then again I live in Cape Town so am biased. What is true is that The Pink Flamingo Cinema is a fun concept and a novel way to go catch a movie. We got the R60 ticket which includes the movie, popcorn, gluwein and sweets. Considering what a movie and popcorn will cost you in a standard, overcrowded, musty cinema, it is great value. You can also get a gourmet picnic ticket (the food in those hampers looked and smelt amazing) and one that includes a night in one of their famous airstream trailers.

We enjoyed it so much that we are going back with a group of friends. You should too. But get in early as we are planning to book it out next time...

"Just because you are a character doesn't mean that you have character." - The Wolf

No right to be at Student Night

Monday nights. Nothing happening right? It's the ultimate school night. Ha! You couldn't be more wrong. While you are all tucked up safely in your beds, there's a whole other world happening. It's called Student Night at Mercury.

Party Partner and I stumbled (literally) upon Student Night many shots ago and whilst nursing momumental hangovers at work the next day both agreed that we have absolutely no right to be at Student Night. Yet we kept going back until we eventually learnt the error of our ways and decided to quit the ultimate "school night" jol. That was until this Monday...

Party Partner also happens to be a drummer and has joined the band One Song On. They were playing a gig at Mercury on Monday night, so of course we had every right to be there. I was also requested to take photographs of the fledgling band at one of their first gigs, which are always iconic. The gig, not the photos necessarily.

So camera bag in hand, I arrived confidently outside the doors of Mercury at about 9.45pm. Only to be met by a queue of epic proportions. It's one thing to drive past this queue on a Monday night and nod smugly going "bloody students everywhere", it's another to know that you have to get in that queue. And there's no "age before beauty" policy here. I considered trying the "I'm with the band" thing, but there was no guest list. I also made a mental note to find out about getting a VIP Tequila Tart card. I am damn sure I deserve one by now - they can take the cost out of the money I have been pumping into their bar over the last few years.

After being asked for my ID by the boucer (he has a good sense of humour) I was finally let through the door. Into what seemed like quite a civilised crowd. I found my friends and the band members and set about finding my way to the bar. The wait and the josling is worth it for a R7 Hunter's Dry. The main draw of Student Night is cheap liquor and although I am not a student, my budget is very similar.

Then it was time to go upstairs for a cigarette (no smoking allowed downstairs, sigh). Now this is where it gets interesting. Every student in Cape Town makes their way upstairs and what greets you at the door is a cesspit of heaving bodies. There's a distinct whiff of alcohol, cigarette smoke and hormones. Raging ones. Every single person in there is out to get hammered and get laid. To be honest, I had never seen anything like it. Or perhaps I had on previous occasions, but it's all quite different when you are sober. Which is clearly not the way to be at Student Night. So after my fix, I went back downstairs (make that pushed and shoved my way) to the safety net of my friends, got another R7 drink and got ready to play photographer.

The photos came out quite well and the band did a good set. Not that I am musical or anything, but they sounded good to me. Whilst I was busy with that, Brainy Friend (even he braved it for the night) was apparently pounced upon (literally) by a chick that he described as "a very large gothic version of Amy Winehouse". Needless to say he left shortly after our friends finished their set. Clever lad ... I however have difficulty in finding the "home" button on the party remote.

A few more cheap drinks later and Dancing Partner (yes, she was there too!) and I headed upstairs again. By now the dubstep was in full swing and so were the students. You gotta give it to Dancing Partner though, she got fully involved. No dancing on the outskirts for her, oh no. She found her way onto the dance floor and dubstepped it along with the rest of them. Having lost my pal in the seething masses, I stayed on the fringes trying not to look mortified whilst being bumped into from every direction. No manners these kids of today... there was almost bloodshed. I am taking my walking stick next time.

Then the next minute a set of tentacles (sorry, arms) found their way around my waist from behind, followed by a breathy "You are so damn hot" in my ear. I quietly removed arms from around my waist, turned my head around and replied "This kind of hot is old enough to be your mother." To which I got a reply... "Oh, but I like it like that." I swear he still had acne. I was out of there like an old woman running for the shops on Pensioners' Day. On the way out a chap with a fake mohawk dropped his bottle on my foot. It smashed, he said "Sorry bru", I stepped over it very dramatically and ran next door to The Shack, leaving Dancing Partner to fend for herself.

The Shack was a quieter, slightly more adult affair in the company of a few remaining members of the Drunken Hillbilly Bar Flies who also have problems locating the "home" button. Whilst there I met quite a nice young lad (no acne) who had to leave on account of getting up early to do a shoot. On the way out he said to me "So, do you come here often?" and then burst out laughing.

What a night. Starting with being chatted up by the youngest lad in Mercury and ending with the oldest chat up line in history at The Shack. Fun times ...

Postscript:No students were harmed, although some should have been.
Dancing Partner managed to make it home safely and unscathed.
And to the hot young photographer .. "Yes, I do go there often. Hope to see you soon."

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