Fill up your calendar with these exciting events….
May 6
What: Business Luncheon
Where: Opera III & IV, Caravelle hotel, 19 - 23 Lam Son Square, D1; 12pm - 2pm
About: The British Business Group Vietnam (BBGV) is hosting a business luncheon about British entrepreneurs’ success in Vietnam with two speakers Joe Woolf, CEO of Atlas Vietnam and Stephen Kerslake, CEO of The Caterers Vietnam. Woolf and Kerslake will discuss entrepreneurial DNA, entrepreneurs’ qualifications, skills and experience, market, strategy, competition, resourcing and sustainability. Entrance fee is VND950,000 for members and co-host members and VND1,200,000 for non-members.
Contact: Email Tran at officemanager@bbgv.org
May 7
What: Arty Cooking
Where: VinSpace Art Studio, 6 Le Van Mien, D2
About: VinSpace Art Studio, in collaboration with Saigon Cooking Class by Hoa Tuc, is hosting a special Vietnamese cooking class combined with an Arty event. The cooking class will focus on four of the best Hoa Tuc signature Vietnamese dishes while the Arty event will show you how to make your own Arty travel recipe book.
Contact: Contact info@vin-space.com or i.briosca@saigoncookingclass.com for more info
May 7 & 21
What: Open Air Cinema
Where: Pendolasco, 87 Nguyen Hue, D1; 7:15pm
About: Cinema Paradiso features open air Italian movies, all subtitled in English. Cosi Ridevano will be shown on May 7 and Gli Sfiorati on May 21.
Contact: Email info@pendolasco.vn for more info
May 8
What: Landscape Painting
Where: VinSpace Garage, 95 Pasteur, D1; 6:30pm - 9pm
About: Using the images provided or images of your own you will develop your own landscape painting. An instructor will help you, sharing tips and techniques.
Contact: Email info@vin-space.com for more info
May 8-9
What: The Creation
Where: Opera House, 7 Cong Truong Lam Son, D1; 8pm
About: The Creation by Joseph Haydn is an oratorio that tells the story of God’s creation of the world in six days according to the Book of Genesis of the Old Testament. The work is structured in three parts and scored for soprano, tenor and bass soloists, chorus, and a symphonic orchestra. For the recitatives, a harpsichord will be used. Conductor Maestro Lars Notto Birkeland will be accompanying the singers during the performances.
Joseph Haydn was one of the most prominent faces of the Classical period. He is widely considered to be the ‘Father of the Symphony’ due to his great contributions to musical form.
Contact: Call Huong at 3823 7419 or visit www.ticketbox.vn for bookings
May 8-10
What: Digital Photo and Sign Show
Where: Tan Binh Exhibition & Convention Centre, Tan Binh
About: Digital photo, photo cameras and camcorders, lenses, photo finishing equipment, photo processing equipment, photographic films, signs, moving image displays, video-walls, electronic messaging and display, digital message boards, installation services, digital signage servers, and more will be showcased at the exhibition, open for trade visitors and the public.
Contact: Call Petty at (04) 3773 8658 or email info@ digitalphoto.com.vn
May 8-11
What: International Jewelry and Watch Vietnam
Where: Tan Binh Exhibition & Convention Centre, Tan Binh
About: A perfect-timed event for all industry players and public visitors to source a wide range of international-quality and great value gold ornaments, diamonds, gemstones, fine jewelry and watches during the wedding season in Vietnam.
Contact: Visit www.vietnamjewelryshow.com for details
May 9
What: Saigon Hash House Harriettes
Where: Caravelle hotel, 19-23 Lam Son Square, D1; 2pm
About: The Hash House Harriers is an informal gathering of once-a- week runners. The objective of a Hash run is to follow a trail, laid in shredded paper or flour, laid by ‘Hares’ prior to the start of the run. Unlike a normal cross-country run, the hares build in checks to slow down the FRB’s (front running bastards) so that the rest of the pack can catch up. These take the form of checks, back checks, false trails and so on, where the trail stops and the pack has to fan out to pick it up again. Since Harriettes refers to female participants of a hash, this hash chapter will be organized by women but men are welcome to participate.
Meet every Sunday at the Caravelle hotel. Bus leaves promptly at 2pm, returning usually around 7-8pm. Hash fees cost VND220,000 for expats and VND150,000 for locals.
Contact: Email hashgeek@saigonhash.com for more info
May 9
What: CanCham CSR Golf Open
Where: Twin Doves Golf Club, 68 Tran Ngoc Len, Binh Duong
About: This event will see more than 100 participants including CEOs, senior executives, business leaders and decision makers. Cost per golfer is VND2,600,000 for CanCham and co-host members and VND2,800,000 for non-members, inclusive 18 holes of play (with caddy), an assortment of goodies, a mid-way BBQ with beverages and plenty of prizes to be won. Shotgun start at 11:30am followed by a gala dinner buffet. Proceeds will go towards CanCham’s CSR program.
Contact: Call 3824 3754 or email em@canchamvietnam.org for more info
May 10
What: Rock Concert
Where: Hoa Lu Stadium, 2 Dinh Tien Hoang, D1; 6:30pm
About: The Rock Concert is another version of RockStorm, held nationwide during the last few months of the year. Japanese audio veteran and sound engineer Masaaki Azuma will be back, following his involvement with RockStorm 2013. The concert will feature famous bands such as The Wall, Hai Bot of Quai Vat Ti Hon (Tiny Monsters), Microwave, Ngu Cung (Pentatonic), Oringchains, Black Infinity and PAK band. Ticket price is VND120,000 and VND95,000 when booked in advanced.
Contact: Call 093 458 2326 for more info
May 16-18
What: Black Comedy
Where: Cargo Bar, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4
About: Saigon Sound System and Dragonfly Theatre present the award-winning play, Blue/Orange written by Joe Penhall and directed by Ryan Burkwood on May 16 at 7pm, May 17 at 2pm and 6:30pm, and May 18 at 7pm. The black comedy is an evocative tale of race, mental illness and the impact of the controversial issue of care in the community. Reserved seating tickets are VND300,000 if booked before midnight on May 12 from www.ticketbox.vn. Tickets can also be purchased for VND350,000 at the door.
Contact: Email dragonflyvietnam@gmail.com or call 090 888 0091 for details
May 17
What: Charity Auction and Gala Dinner
Where: Park Hyatt Saigon, 2 Lam Son Square, D1; 6:30pm - 11:30pm
About: Proceeds of the auction will go towards operation Smile which was founded on the strong belief that every child born with a facial deformity has the right to smile. Through a global network of medical volunteers, it has provided free reconstructive surgery and medical care for children living in pain and isolation - hoping for a better future. Admission to this event is VND3 million per person.
Contact: Visit www.operationsmile.org.vn for details
May 17
What: The Cairos Land in Saigon
Where: Cargo Bar, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4; 8pm
About: Loud Minority presents Aussie outfit, The Cairos, to HCMC. After building up an army of loyal fans in their native Queensland, The Cairos managed to cause a significant buzz on a national level to attract major label interest. Over the last few years, The Cairos have honed their skills and worked hard at their craft, while sharing stages with the likes of Julian Casablancas, The Temper Trap, The Middle East, You Am I and other indie rock elite. All attendees will be entered into a draw on the night for 10 lucky winners to receive free entry to all Loud Minority events in 2014. Tickets cost VND150,000 (advance) and VnD200,000 (door). Free entry for students with valid iD.
Contact: Visit www.ticketbox.vn to purchase tickets
May 22
What: Creative Figure Painting
Where: VinSpace Art Studio, 6 Le Van mien, D2; 6:30pm - 9pm
About: In this session, you will paint the figure from a creative point of view, combining abstract and traditional approaches. no previous experience needed.
Contact: Visit www.vin-space.com for details
May 22
What: Guitar Recital
Where: IDECAF, 28 Le Thanh Ton, D1; 8pm
About: The French Institute in Vietnam and IDECAF present a guitar recital with Gabriel Bianco, who has established himself as one of the most active guitarists of his generation. His constantly-updated repertoire comprises both original works and transcriptions covering all periods of classical music. An eight-time First Prize winner at the most prestigious international competitions (notably at Vienna, 2006, GFA in San Francisco 2008, Madrid 2011), Gabriel Bianco gives recitals all over the world (Tchaïkovsky Hall in Moscow, Central Conservatory of Beijing, at Bucharest with the Romanian National Orchestra, among others). Admission is VND100,000, VND50,000 for students.
Contact: Call 3823 9968 for details
May 24
What: International German School (IGS) Open House
Where: International German School, 12 Vo Truong Toan, An Phu; 9am - 1pm (Note: Time is revised from the print copy)
About: Learn more about IGS’s curriculum, school team and teachers, and tour its facilities. Lots of fun awaits kids. The day provides an opportunity for Vietnamese parents to understand how IGS offers their children a chance to learn in a German curriculum, gaining an opportunity to go to Germany to study.
IGS, as a school of cultural exchange for Vietnamese and German students, offers all German speaking people in HCMC, or families interested in German education, the opportunity of a skill-based education.
Contact: Call 3744 6344 or email info@igs-hcmc.de for details
May 24
What: Saigon Charity Bazaar
Where: The Deck, 38 Nguyen U Di, D2; 10am - 4pm
About: Step up to The Deck for their bi-annual charity bazaar benefiting the VinaCapital Foundation program Heart Beat Vietnam, which funds crucial heart surgery for children from disadvantaged backgrounds and The Deck Charity. What started in 2006 on the shoulders of two Dutch ladies and 10 vendors has become a community event in the years since, with crafters and charities such as Vietnam Quilts, Mekong Creations, Grace Cookies, and Operation Smile among the 45 vendors who will be present. Small entrepreneurs with local and unusual products are encouraged to participate.
Contact: Email domlampel@hotmail.com or call 3744 6632
May 28
What: AmCham Palooza Party
Where: Novotel Saigon Centre, 167 Hai Ba Trung, D3; 6pm - 8:30pm
About: A platform to develop new friendships, networking opportunities and information exchange. People from all age groups welcome. Free admission for members and VND100,000 for non- members.
Contact: Email contact@amchamvietnam.com for details
May 31
What: Bourbon Street Jazz Festival
Where: Cargo Bar, 7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4; 4pm - till late
About: A music and food festival with a focus on Bourbon Street, New Orleans style Cajun food, coolers, music and dance. The artists will include international musicians such as Eugene “Hideaway” Bridges, Japanese jazz singer Shun Sakai, Taste Like Chicken, The Blues Brothers, Hot Tzigani Project and The Wanderlusters. The ticket price is VND500,000 and includes VND200,000 for the purchase of food and beverages. Free entry for children under 12 years.
Profits from the event will go to underprivileged kids and help provide continued social and economic development in Dong Ha Town, Quang Tri Province, by supporting the employment of workers, some with disabilities, at the Kids First enterprise factory where wheelchairs are manufactured.
Contact: Visit www.bourbonstreetjazzfestival.com for details
May 31
What: Wedding Show
Where: New World Hotel, 76 Le Lai Street, D1; 9am
About: From 9am to 9pm, a wedding exhibition called Aisle of Style will take place with free entry. Those who book and pay for your wedding at new World Saigon Hotel before June 7 will receive a 20 percent discount or by June 30 a 15 percent discount.
You can also enjoy brunch at Parkview Restaurant while viewing a fashion show from local wedding gown and accessories designers from 11am to 3pm. The fashion show and brunch is priced at VND550,000 per person.
From 6:30 pm to 9pm, see the latest wedding gown collections in a designer fashion show. Plus, preview the hotel’s new signature wedding dishes in a dinner prepared by its executive chef. Priced at VND500,000 per ticket served with champagne and free flow of house wine. Tickets are required. When you purchase a ticket for the show and dinner and book your wedding at new World Saigon Hotel, you will have the chance to win your entire wedding free of charge.
Contact: Email wedding.saigon@newworldhotels.com for more info
June 7
What: Saigon Summer Ball
Where: InterContinental Asiana Saigon, 39 Le Duan, D1; 7pm till late
About: Saigon Summer Ball features a Moet Chandon Champagne reception, an exquisite dinner, auction items and dancing to live music and DJs. Bringing together many of the key people from the international and Vietnamese social and business worlds, the event is primarily designed to be a night of great celebration and style with the added benefit of raising much needed funds for development work. Tickets cost VND3,300,000.
Contact: Email saigonsummerball@saigonchildren.com for more info