What’s on in Saigon This Month.
NOVEMBER 8 & 9
What: Traditional Handicraft Bazaar
Where: Renaissance Riverside Hotel (8-15 Ton Duc Thang, D1); Free; 5pm-9pm on the 8th, 9am-4pm on the 9th
About: Ethnic minority groups including Lo Lo, Dao Tien, Dao Do, Nung, Mong Trang and Mong Hoa will present their handicrafts and traditional artwork for sale. The bazaar aims to raise funds for building a communal house for Mong Hoa ethnic women in Quang Lam Commune of Bao Lam District in Cao Bang Province to be used for earning their living from making brocade products.
The fair is organized by Cao Bang Community Development Centre (DECEN), a non-profit in Cao Bang, to help improve lives of ethnic minorities through better access to water and a platform to sell their products, which is funded by HELVETAS Swiss Inter-cooperation Vietnam and implemented by Cao Bang Community Development Center.
Contact: Call 3822 0033 for more info
NOVEMBER 9
What: Saigon Hash House Harriers Annual Red Dress Run
Where: Caravelle Hotel (19 Cong Truong Lam Son, D1); 2pm; VND220,000 for expats, VND150,000 for Vietnamese
About: Saigon Hash House Harriers will be holding its annual red dress run. Everyone attending is required to wear a red dress to participate in the run or walk. Proceeds will go to the charity Operation Smile.
Contact: Visit www.saigonhash.com for more info
NOVEMBER 11
What: The Grey Zone Screening
Where: The Observatory (corner of Le Lai & Ton That Tung, D1); 7:30pm; Free
About: The film, by A.Demenet, V. Doubrere and JY. Ricc, aims to show the human reality of informal sector workers behind the GDP growth figures and the expected uniform development process. By following five individuals in the country’s economic capital, Ho Chi Minh City, the film’s ambition is to tell a different story and to show an often-ignored reality.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatory-hcmc.com for more details
NOVEMBER 12
What: Loud Minority Presents Wild Beasts
Where: Cargo Bar (7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4); VND350,000 or VND250,000 for students
About: UK indie royalty Wild Beasts will make their Vietnam debut with support from Saigon’s own Space Panther. Since signing to legendary UK indie label Domino (Arctic Monkeys, Franz Ferdinand) in 2008, Wild Beasts have worked their way into the hearts and minds of an ever-expanding fan base with their heavenly falsetto songs and beguiling melodies.
Contact: Visit www.ticketbox.vn/event/wild-beasts-12199 for more details
NOVEMBER 12 & 15
What: Saigon International Guitar Festival 2014
Where: HCMC Conservatory of Music (112 Nguyen Du, D1); VND200,000 for one show, VND500,000 for all three
About: This first annual classical guitar festival in HCMC will showcase performances from some
of the greatest guitarists from Vietnam, the US, Italy, Malaysia, Iceland, and the Philippines. There will also be master classes, workshops and lecture recitals along with concerts by talented
young and emerging guitarists. There will be two shows on November 12 and one show on November 15.
Contact: Visit www.ticketbox.vn/event/guitar-festival-12197 for more details
NOVEMBER 14
What: Pulse | Heart Beat Meets Usual Suspects with Till Hennig
Where: The Cube Bar (31b Ly Tu Trong D1); VND50,000; 9pm till late
About: Augsburg based DJ Till Hennig can be characterized by deep progressive sounds, playful melodies and synth-driven deep/techno tracks that fit perfectly in the world of underground techno. He’s no stranger to the Bavarian scene and some of the best-known clubs like Harry Klein in Munich or the Schwarzes Schaf in Augsburg.
Contact: Visit www.heartbeatsaigon.com for more info
NOVEMBER 14
What: Flamenco Workshop
Where: DanCenter (53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, D2); 6:30pm-8:30pm; Early bird fee VND250,000 or VND350,000 at the door
About: Try this introduction to flamenco dance course and learn the basics on creating flamenco movement including upper body and posture, arms and floreo (finger/wrist movement), hips and introduction to basic flamenco footwork. Register before November 14.
Contact: Visit www.dancentervn.com for more info
NOVEMBER 14, 15 & 16
What: The Lexie Mega Furniture Sale
Where: To be determined, 9am-5pm
About: The pop-up shop is holding their annual furniture and accessories sale in Thao Dien, D2. Full of high quality export pieces at local prices, all the furniture is manufactured in Vietnam but normally sold only in the US and Europe. The sale will include pieces from Julian Chichester, Restoration Hardware, Crate and Barrel, Henry Forwood Designs, John Reeves, SQUARE ROOTS designs, Pottery Barn and more. There will also be antiques found in Saigon for sale.
Contact: Email Lexie at lexiestoddart@hotmail.com for location
NOVEMBER 15
What: Screening of Why is Yellow the Middle of the Rainbow? by Kidlat Tahimik, and Far from Vietnam by Chris Marker; 3pm and 7pm, respectively
Where: Salon Van hoa Ca phe The Bay (1st Floor, Trung Nguyen Coffee, 19B Pham Ngoc Thach, D1)
About: The event will showcase two films by cinema greats of the Third Cinema Movement - a movement that began in Latin America in the 1960s/70s denouncing neocolonialism, the capitalist system and the Hollywood model of producing cinema for mere entertainment. Both Tahimik and Marker are considered pioneers of essay filmmaking - a film genre that takes the style of the documentary with oral commentary and composed with the signature style of the auteur. It often blends fiction and experimental narratives. Kidlat will be attending the screening and giving lectures on his work the following week.
Contact: Visit www.san-art.org for more info
NOVEMBER 15
What: Tom Trago
Where: The Observatory (corner of Le Lai & Ton That Tung, D1); VND100,000
About: The Dutchman is an internationally renowned DJ, producer, performer and label owner with three critically acclaimed albums to his name. By the time local label Rush Hour snapped up his debut single, Live With The BBQ in 2006, he’d already developed a trademark style that blended the best of three decades of dance music - disco, boogie, synth funk, Detroit techno and more - with insatiable house rhythms and an intrinsic grasp of what makes dance floors tick.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatory-hcmc.com for more details
NOVEMBER 16
What: Flamenco Workshop for Baby & Mom
Where: DanCenter (53 Nguyen Dang Giai, Thao Dien, D2); 2:30pm-4pm
About: The Me and Mum Flamenco workshop has been specifically designed for young kids (7- 12 years old). The class focuses on coordination and musicality, with an emphasis on body conditioning. Moms will also dance in the class and help the process of learning together with
their kids. Register before November 14.
Contact: Visit www.dancentervn.com for more info
NOVEMBER 20
What: Canvas and Wine - Abstract Picasso
Where: VinSpace Garage (95 Pasteur, D1); 6:30pm-9pm
About: A painting class for students of any level that combines wine with art. Instructor Bui Xuan Phai graduated from Ecole des Beaux Arts d’ Indochine in Hanoi and is considered one of Vietnam’s most significant and popular artist of urban space.
Contact: Visit www.vin-space.com for more info
NOVEMBER 21
What: Borrowed Identity
Where: The Observatory (corner of Le Lai & Ton That Tung, D1); VND100,000
About: Borrowed Identity is a 23-year-old DJ and producer born and based in south Germany. With roots in Romania, Borrowed Identity’s name says a lot about his life. His musical upbringing was a melange of ethnic music from friends, weird stuff from local libraries and whatever else he could find in record stores and on the internet, making anything from classical to ambient, house to techno, experimental to electro, and hip-hop to pop music.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatoryhcmc.com for more details
NOVEMBER 21
What: Dutch Open
Where: Song Be Golf Course (77 Binh Duong, Binh Duong)
About: Dutch Business Association Vietnam (DBAV) invites golf enthusiasts to sign up for its annual
Dutch Open. This year’s Dutch Open aims to help Vietnamese kids in need by contributing all proceeds of the event to Live and Give and Mai Nha Children Foundation. Registration begins at 10:30am followed by complimentary coffee and a BBQ lunch. In the evening, all participants are invited to join in the international buffet dinner with a prize ceremony, auctions and networking. The gunshot starts at noon.
There will also be a clinic available where participants can start learning about golfing or look to improve their current skills. Sponsorship opportunities are available.
Contact: Visit www.dbav.org.vn for more info
NOVEMBER 21
What: Lecture and Q&A with Kidlat Tahimik
Where: Hoa Sen University (Marie Curie Room (6F) 8 Nguyen Van Trang, D1); 6:30pm
About: Kidlat is a prominent name in the Filipino film industry and is associated with the Third Cinema Movement. He will speak about his films - his motivations, choice of style, his influences and method of practice. His anti-colonial gaze, evident in his commentary and choice of subject,
embraces a love of his culture and the importance of the locals who he believes must not be goaded into the global race for ‘uniformity’ of value. Translation will be provided.
Contact: Visit www.san-art.org for more info
NOVEMBER 21
What: Saigon Charity Bazaar
Where: The Deck (38 Nguyen U Di, Thao Dien, D2); 10am-4pm
About: A biannual charity bazaar, benefitting the VinaCapital Foundation program Heart Beat Vietnam, which funds crucial heart surgeries for children from disadvantaged backgrounds. 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 50 vendors who will be present.
Contact: Email domlampel@hotmail.com for more info
NOVEMBER 22
What: Charity Gala of the CMI and the Heart Institute
Where: Park Hyatt Saigon; 6:30pm; VND2.9 million
About: Founded by Professor Alain Carpentier, the Heart Institute was the first hospital in Vietnam to specialize in heart surgery. To help children who cannot pay the surgery fees, he created CMI (International Medical Center), which is an outpatient clinic that donates its benefice to operate on underprivileged children. This annual gala hopes to raise funds to save more children.
The evening will consist of a welcome Champagne drink, a four-course French dinner, a live auction and performances. Dress theme is Monte Carlo.
Contact: Visit www.cmi-vietnam.com for more info
NOVEMBER 22
What: Small Things - Christmas Music & Art Exhibition
Where: VinGallery (6 Le Van Mien, Thao Dien, D2); Concert starts at 6pm
About: The show features a contemporary mix of art dedicated to their small dimensions. Small work can take many forms, sometimes as a natural part of an artist’s practice, sometimes the key to generating ideas. The opening of the art exhibition will be complimented by a musical collaboration with the Christina Noble children’s choir and the Saint Music Academy as well as a performance by Hong Anh’s students. The event is a run up to Christmas.
Contact: Visit www.vingallery.com for more info
NOVEMBER 22
What: Charity Bazaar
Where: SSIS (78 Nguyen Duc Canh, D7); 9am-2pm; VND50,000, kids under three are free
About: Organized by the Saigon South International School PTA, the bazaar will have activities
for kids, over 50 vendors selling jewelry, toys, food, homeware and more along with prizes. All
proceeds will go to charity.
Contact: Visit www.ssis.edu.vn for more info
NOVEMBER 22
What: Prisma Night Run
Where: Truong Van Bang, D2; VND550,000
About: Vietnam’s first ever 5km night time fun run where participants are integral to the show, featuring immersive blasts of light and sound that transport runners into an electric wonderland and a concert (US rapper Lil Jon will be headlining) afterwards at the finish line. Participants of all levels can join.
Contact: Visit www.prismarun.com for more details
NOVEMBER 22
What: Based on Kyoto
Where: The Observatory (corner of Le Lai & Ton That Tung, D1); VND100,000
About: Based on Kyoto (BOK) is a Japanese dance music unit consisting of DAICHI, a DJ and producer, and MARRON, a guitarist for DUBDUB ON-SENG, Dubmarronics and Datenryu. BOK was formed in 2006 to search and create a groove that incorporates a very unique Japanese dynamic with a variety of other musical genres such as house, electro, ambient, dub, soul, jazz and rock. They’ve so far released four 12 inches and LPs.
Contact: Visit www.theobservatoryhcmc.com for more details
TILL NOVEMBER 22
What: 78 rhythms
Where: Galerie Quynh (65 De Tham, D1); 10am-6pm, Tuesday to Saturday
About: A solo exhibition by Hanoi-based artist Nguyen Huy An. Known for his quiet performances of transforming the most mundane and familiar of materials into simple and poetic artworks, An is among the most innovative artists of his generation. While focusing on new and recent work, the artist’s first exhibition at the gallery will also include his acclaimed work The Roads (2007), presented in Ho Chi Minh City for the first time.
Contact: Visit www.galeriequynh.com for more info
NOVEMBER 24 - 26
What: Romeo, You Idiot
Where: International School Ho Chi Minh (28 Vo Truong Toan, D2);7pm-9pm; VND50,000
About: Secondary School students attending International School Ho Chi Minh City (ISHCMC) are set to host the premiere of their upcoming drama performance, Romeo, You Idiot. A Tim Kochenderfer adaptation of Romeo and Juliet is set in Verona where Romeo meets Juliet and, faced with obstacles designed to quell their love, they scheme to be together forever. However, they hadn’t anticipated vampires and cacti to be such an issue. Filled with humorous popular cultural references, fans of The Godfather will appreciate the mafia allusions. The performance is directed by drama teachers, Amy Penn and Glen Fleury, and co-directed by student Jee Ye Hong with a further 13 student cast members and 53 students working backstage.
Contact: For further details, call 3898 9100
NOVEMBER 26
What: Saigon International Music Week
Where: Cargo Bar (7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4); Shows start at 7:30pm, Prices vary depending on the show
About: Saigon-based promoters Loud Minority & Saigon Sound System are teaming up to launch the event, which will kick-off on November 26 with UK indie rockers, The Vaccines. Following The Vaccines’ opening show will be a Vietnamese showcase with Black Infinity and White Noiz, as well as shows from The Lemonheads (US) and Jagwar Ma (AUS). Shows confirmed at time of print are: The Vaccines (November 26), Black Infinity/White Noiz (November 29), The Lemonheads (December 2) and Jagwar Ma (December 4)
Contact: Visit Facebook: ‘Saigon International Music Week’ for more details
NOVEMBER 28 - 30
What: Three-Day Charity Cycle Adventure
Where: Hue, Danang and Hoi An
About: Organized by the Saigon Children’s Charity, the event is to raise money to build and equip
kindergarten classrooms, support 30 young people through their full four-year university degree,
and send 500 children to school for a whole year.
Contact: Email team leader Tom Duncan at duncantomd@hotmail.com
NOVEMBER 29
What: 21st International Charity Bazaar
Where: White Palace Convention Center (194 Hoang Van Thu, Phu Nhuan); 9:30am-2pm; VND100,000 for adults, free for children under 10 accompanied by an adult
About: Organized by the Consular Club, the bazaar continues the tradition of selling goods and foods from all over the world for a worthy cause. Proceeds from the event support scholarships, medical care, improved rainwater purification, flood relief and more. Visitors can also purchase tickets for the popular Grand Raffle; past prizes have included airline tickets, resort stays, spa packages, etc. Santa Claus will be there to have his photo taken with children, bringing the festive atmosphere of Christmas to the event. All Consular Club members volunteer their time to work towards improving the quality of life of the disadvantaged in Vietnam.
Contact: Visit www.consularclub.com for more info
NOVEMBER 29
What: Little Flowers
Where: Sofitel Saigon Plaza
About: A solo exhibition of mixed media paintings on do paper by Hanoi-based artist Nguyen The
Hung. In Little Flowers, there is a greater focus on life on earth, on humanity and its potential, rather than a spiritual approach. Backgrounds are decorated with what the artist refers to as ‘little flowers, and flying spots of colors’ that are like “seeds falling to the ground, awaiting or seeking wet soil to germinate in.’ In an orderly chaos, these seeds fall endlessly from the sky, suggesting a hopeful regeneration of the cycles of life.
Contact: Visit www.cthomasgallery.com for more details
DECEMBER 3
What: Jingle Bells, Jingle Bells!
Where: AIS (Thao Dien Campus, Lotus Road, An Phu Superior Compound, 36 Thao Dien, D2); 5pm-7pm; Free entry
About: The Australian International School invites you to a traditional Christmas celebration with
mince pies, mulled wine, Christmas carols and a chance to meet Santa and see the Christmas lights
being switched on. Better still, as guests bask in the flavors and sounds of Christmas, they will
be helping some of the poor and disadvantaged children in rural parts of Vietnam to have access
to the basics such as food, water, transportation, schooling and health care.
Contact: Visit www.aisvietnam.com/jinglebells for more info
JANUARY 9 - 11
What: Standpoint Theories - Vietnam Edition
Where: Cargo Bar (7 Nguyen Tat Thanh, D4)
About: A collaborative project focused on building a graphic novel of six Vietnamese legendary myths (Au Co, Son Tinh, Ong Dong, Chu Dong Tu, Princess Lieu Hanh and Ba Chua Xu) by using the means of dance, Vietnamese text, live visual art, 3D mapping and live electronic music fused with
traditional Vietnamese music.
Contact: Visit gemdartiste32.wix.com/ standpointtheoriesvn for more info