9. Get thee to The Ranch
In 2014, Banjo Rancho, Dean Montanaro and Kyle Drakard embarked on a full-powered musical journey that has become known as The Ranch. Their sound is distinct, intelligently weaving powerful grooves with playful improvisation that creates sounds that flirt with imagination.
Their first year has seen the band perform at a number of events, like Earth Garden, the Sliema Arts Festival, Sunscape Festival, The Bubble Festival and a performance in Devon, the UK. The culmination of this busy year has led the band to Temple Studios, where it is currently recording a full-length, debut album called Cuckoo Island.
The album includes seven tracks that will lead listeners on a full-powered journey of contemporary sounds brimming with experimentation, improvisation and attitude. During the launch, the musicians will be joined by a number special guests to further colour up the band’s tunes with the sounds of the saxophone, trumpet, vocals and more. Cuckoo Island will be launched on December 11 at the Marsa Sports Club.
www.facebook.com/theranchoben
8. Get strung along
The Leipzig Quartet will be giving two recitals of the series of concerts featuring Beethoven’s string quartets on November 30 and December 1 respectively, at 8pm. Each of the Leipzig Quartet recitals includes a different programme; the November 30 event features String Quartet in B flat major, op. 133 The Great Fugue; Quartet in B flat Major op. 18, no. 6; and Quartet in F major, op. 59, no. 1. The December 1 performance features String Quartet in C minor, op. 18, no. 4; Quartet in E flat major, op. 74 The Harp; and Quartet in C sharp minor, op. 131. Each concert is preceded by a pre-concert talk for ticket holders at 7.15pm.
Tickets are available online, by calling on 2124 6389 or by sending an e-mail to bookings@teatrumanoel.com.mt.
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt
7. Check out Kafena
Kafena are launching their debut album Lukanda Propaganda, on Friday and Saturday at the Robert Sammut Hall, Floriana. Kris Spiteri has joined forces with Daniel Cauchi in this duo project to record the album on an adult contemporary platform. The songs, written and composed by Spiteri, are lyric-driven. The album is partly influenced by the Maltese as well as the global current social and cultural situations. There are also songs which reflect some personal and interpersonal circumstances.
The artwork for the album’s booklet was designed by Steve Bonello, who has created a drawing to describe each song. The concert starts at 8:30. During the launch, the band and an ensemble from the Malta Philharmonic Orchestra will play the entire album live. Tickets are available online. The project is supported by the Malta Arts Fund.
http://new.ticketline.com.mt; www.kafena.com.mt
6. Enjoy some art
The newly restored Wignacourt Tower in St Paul’s Bay is the venue for an exhibition of paintings by Ian Camilleri, a volunteer and supporter who served 10 years as council member and secretary general of Din l-Art Ħelwa.
Camilleri’s works are known for their sense of tranquillity; he has a penchant for detail, order and restraint which is clearly expressed in his Medusa. His landscapes, streetscapes, seascapes, skylines capture light and shadow, shapes and forms, space, depth and distance and vibrant light in a figurative and realistic manner.
The paintings are up for sale and the artist will also be donating one of his works to Din l-Art Ħelwa. The exhibition is being organised by Din l-Art Ħelwa and runs between Sunday and Friday.
5. Celebrate our heritage
Din l-Art Ħelwa celebrate their 50th anniversary with a vocal performance by internationally-renowned mezzo soprano Hadar Halevy De Vito, who will perform works by Gluck, Rossini, Saint-Saëns, Bizet, Verdi and Gershwin. She will be accompanied by Charlene Farrugia on the piano.
Part of Din l-Art Ħelwa ‘s traditional Autumn Function, the event takes place on December 3 at 8pm at the Tapestry Chamber, Grandmasters’ Palace Valletta and will be followed by a reception.
Tickets are available by contacting Din l-Art Ħelwa at 133, Melita Street, Valletta, calling on 2122 5952 or sending an e-mail to info@dinlarthelwa.org.
4. Dip into a teenager’s life
On the following weekend, the Aurora Opera House presents a theatre production created especially for youths, Il-Ħajja Xejn Cool ta’ Teenager Jismu Julian – a co-production between Studio 18 and the Aurora Youth Movement – is taking place on Saturday at 8pm at the Aurora Opera House, Victoria.The script (in Maltese) is penned by Simone Spiteri, while direction is under Jean-Marc Cafa.
Tickets are available by calling on 7904 5779 or by sending an e-mail to teatruaurora@leone.org.mt.
www.teatruaurora.com
3. View works by Matt Micallef
Artist Matt Micallef is showcasing a collection of works spanning from 2011 -2015. The works consist of a mixture of styles and themes and are part of an ongoing exploration of expression and interest in various topics. Typical local scenery, classic cars, pop art as well as abstract works will be the main themes for the show. All works are hand-painted in vibrant acrylics and conveyed by the traditional brush and/or palette knife to create impasto textures.
www.mattmicallef.com
2. Get some Hard Rock in
Hard Rock Cafe Malta is celebrating its 15th anniversary with live music every night until Saturday, with performances by Falcon’s Flying Circus and Ġanni Zammit. The events culminate on Saturday with Hard Rock Cafe Afterdark Live which will bring the audience the greatest rock songs from the 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, in support of ALS Malta. Hard Rock Cafe will not forget its little rockers as Sunday sees a number of music events being organised for the little ones.
1. Have a laugh
Caught in the Net, Ray Cooney’s sequel to Run for your Wife, has been adapted for the Maltese stage by Joe Brincat and will be staged at the Manoel Theatre by Talenti Theatrical Co., on Friday, Saturday and next Sunday at 8pm.
The story revolves around Joe Borg, a taxi driver. For the last 18 years he has been married to Mary and has a secret lover. One lives in Madliena and the other lives in Għargħur. He is, however, in danger of being found out when his teenage son from his secret lover, communicates with his teenage daughter over the internet. The classic farce brings together subterfuge, crazy tricks and slapstick all rolled out at breakneck speed.
Mario Micallef takes the leading role supported by Ron Briffa, Marvic Cordina, Rita Camilleri, Sarah Camilleri, Sean Briffa and Michael Tabone. Direction is by Peter Busuttil.
www.teatrumanoel.com.mt