You’ve probably seen him behind the bar in all those Savannah ads; the nonchalant barmen with deep-set eyes. Barry Hilton is one of South Africa’s top comedians and he’ll be performing at The Lyric Theatre in Johannesburg on 1 May.

According to Barry Hilton‘s official website, the well-known stand-up comedian has reached international fame having performed all over the world. Nicknamed “The Cousin”, Hilton is seen as a role model in his industry. His original brand of humour has cemented him as one of the country’s most favoured funny men. His shows are always sold out: he’s a household name in South Africa.

Local band Wonderboom will be playing at The Assembly in Cape Town on Saturday 16 April. This long-time band has been around for a decade and a half and is still “rocking the crowds and the South African charts” as Assembly puts it.

Hailed as one of SA’s longest surviving rock bands, Wonderboom has done it all (well, almost). The band hails from Johannesburg and consists of Cito on vocals and guitar, Martin Schofield on vocals and guitar, Wade Williams on bass and new drummer Garth McLeod.

Pretoria doesn’t have too many live music venues so it can be difficult to find a good place to enjoy some local bands. Cue Tings and Times; a laid-back establishment with good vibes and a chilled ambience.

The official website comments that Ting and Times is inspired by a bohemian way of life. The calming reggae rhythms that always play cater to both young and old. Here is a place where it’s all about having a relaxed time.

It first opened in October 1995, just after South Africa went through a major political and governmental change. The establishment was, and still is, a place where everybody can go and feel welcome regardless of age, colour or cultural preference. In 2005 it was shutdown and had to find a new location. Thankfully a new venue became available just a stone’s throw away and Tings and Times has been going strong ever since.

The month of April is jam-packed with live music, theatre and family entertainment options. As the days become shorter and the weather gets colder locals and visitors are taking advantage of the last few warm days of summer by going out and enjoying themselves before they have to hole up for the winter.

Cape Town:

• Cavendish Square in Claremont is hosting a book sale from Thursday 14 until Sunday 17 April in support of literacy and the AIDS NGO, Wola Nani. Proceeds from the books sold will go to the organisation to fund its work. On Saturday 16 April at 12:30pm children can enjoy a book reading by celebrity Charmaine Noy, a presenter on Kfm.

Camps Bay in Cape Town is always a-buzz with exclusive events, cocktail parties and all-round partying. There are a number of top-class, chic establishments along the main road overlooking the ocean where young fashionables tend to spend a good portion of their time. The stretch of road right along the beachfront is where Cape Town’s trendy love to be seen so you won’t find shabby looking people here. If you want to fit in dress up and sip on one of the colourful summer cocktails.

St Yves is one such club, situated along Camps Bay’s “Golden Mile”. The décor is beach-chic and gives visitors the feeling of being on a million-dollar yacht. Of course the breathtaking view helps to create that sense of summer fun and flightiness as you sit “on deck” and soak up the sun’s rays.