Big Concerts confirmed today that one of pop music’s most influential boyband, Westlife will be coming to South Africa in 2023. The Wild Dreams Tour kicks off on the 1 November at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 3 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947 and KFM.

Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 12 May exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 10 May from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 12 May.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue and you will not be entitled to a refund.

Westlife, the most successful Irish boyband was formed in 1998 and consists of Nicky Byrne, Kian Egan, Shane Filan and Mark Feehily. The group rose to fame with their debut international self-titled studio album “Westlife” (1999).

Westlife have had 33 No.1 albums worldwide and received numerous accolades including one World Music Award, two Brit Awards, four MTV Awards, four Record of the Year Awards. To date, Westlife have sold over 55 million records worldwide and are the only band to have their first seven singles enter the UK chart at No.1. They also have the most singles of any artist to debut at No.1 in the UK. Overall, Westlife has had an incredible 14 No.1 singles, behind only Elvis Presley and The Beatles. As a live act, they have sold five million concert tickets worldwide and counting.

The global pop kings kicked off their Wild Dreams Tour in summer 2022 performing across the UK, including a sold-out headline show at London’s iconic Wembley Stadium which was shown live in cinemas across the UK and Europe where they performed their greatest hits “Swear It Again”, “Flying Without Wings”, “World Of Our Own”, “My Love”, “If I Let You Go”, “Uptown Girl”, “Hello My Love” as well as fresh pop anthems from their new album.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.

Westlife “The Wild Dreams Tour” 2023
Cape Town
1 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
3 November 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 12 May
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The US Press Association (USPA) now offers a monthly membership option for those who want to join the organization. With this new option, members will have full access to the USPA website and will be able to create their own member profile page.

While monthly members will not receive a physical member ID right away, they will still enjoy all the other benefits of USPA membership, including access to the USPA Freelance Journalist Database, assistance with publication, and career assistance. However, if having a physical member ID is important, members can explore other membership options, such as Associate, Emerging Professional, Professional, International, and Media Partner, which offer different levels of benefits and include a physical member ID.

To receive a physical member ID, monthly members must maintain their membership for three full consecutive months. After that time, the USPA will mail a member ID to them.

Joining the US Press Association provides journalists with extensive support, networking opportunities, and internationally recognized credentials. Members can gain access to and report on a variety of media-worthy events, from concerts and sporting events to political stories and crime scenes.

Don't miss out on the opportunity to join the USPA and further your career in journalism. Sign up for the monthly membership option today and start enjoying the benefits of membership right away.

Join Today For $15

The details for the quarter-finals of the Vodacom United Rugby Championship have been confirmed, featuring three teams from South Africa. The matches will take place on Friday, May 5 and Saturday, May 6.

The playoffs will begin in Belfast with Ulster hosting an Irish derby against Connacht on May 5 at 20h35 (SA time). The following day, DHL Stormers will take on the Vodacom Bulls at DHL Stadium in Cape Town at 15h30. Leinster will host the Cell C Sharks at the Aviva Stadium in Dublin at 18h00 (SA time), and Glasgow Warriors will face Munster at Scotstoun Stadium in Glasgow at 20h35 (SA time).

The games will be broadcast live in various markets, and the semi-finals will take place on the weekend of May 12/13. The semi-final winners will meet on Saturday, May 27 at the venue of the highest-ranked team to have qualified for the Vodacom United Rugby Championship Grand Final.

Vodacom URC quarter-finals:

Friday 5 May:

Quarter-Final 2: Ulster (2) v Connacht (7)
Venue: Kingspan Stadium, Belfast
SA Time: 20h35

Saturday, 6 May:

Quarter-Final 3: DHL Stormers (3) v Vodacom Bulls (6)
Venue: DHL Stadium, Cape Town
SA Time: 15h30 SA

Quarter-Final 1: Leinster (1) v Cell C Sharks (8)
Venue: Aviva Stadium, Dublin
SA Ttime: 18h00

Quarter-Final 4: Glasgow Warriors (4) v Munster (5)
Venue: Scotstoun Stadium, Glasgow
SA Time: 20h35

Semi-Final path

In the semi-finals, to be played the weekend of May 12/13, the winner of QF1 will play the winner of QF4 and the winner of QF2 will play the winner of QF3.

In a change to last season’s rules, the teams with the highest seeding in each semi-final will have home venue rights. Previously, the winners of QF1 and QF2 were guaranteed home draws no matter their ranking.

SF1: Leinster (1) / Cell C Sharks (8) v Glasgow Warriors (4) / Munster (5)
SF2: Ulster (2) / Connacht (7) v DHL Stormers (3) / Vodacom Bulls (6)



[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that due to exceptional demand, a third Pretoria date has been added to Bryan Adams “So Happy It Hurts” tour. Sunday 12 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria.

Tickets for the 12th November show will go on sale at 09h00 on Tuesday 25 April exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

Brought to you by 947, KFM, 702 and Cape Talk.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue, and you will not be entitled to a refund.

For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za.
Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years.
With 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts” (nominated for a Grammy) and “Pretty Woman – The Musical”. In addition to Classic pt. I and pt. II, which feature new recordings of his greatest hits, released digitally and in ATMOS with Platoon, are also available physically with BMG.
His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards.
Bryan Adams will be playing in the USA, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, South Africa, and more, all in 2023.
Bryan Adams 2023 “So Happy It Hurts” Tour
Cape Town
7 November 2023
8 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za)
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
10 November 2023
11 November 2023
12 November 2023 – NEW DATE
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za)
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

POTCHEFSTROOM: The Cricket South Africa (CSA) T20 Women's National Championship concluded with Garden-Route based Union Stars claiming the inaugural title on Sunday.

Union Stars finished the tournament as the only undefeated side in all five of the matches, with runners-up, Lindelani Cricket Club losing only one match to the winners.

As a CSA Blue Flag Club, Union Stars doubled their prize money whilst Lions Cricket’s Bianca Booyjens and Alysia Rudolph from Easterns walked away with cricketing equipment as top performers in the competition.

Individual Winners:
o Batter of the Tournament: Bianca Booyjens (Wanderers Cricket Club, Lions Cricket)
o Bowler of the Tournament: Alysia Rudolph (Avion Cricket Club, Easterns)
o Player of the Tournament: Alysia Rudolph (Avion Cricket Club, Easterns)

Building on the legacy of the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cups, Local Organising Committee Advisory Board (LOCAB) chairperson, Muditambi Ravele, commented at the conclusion of the inaugural event.

“After successfully hosting the two World Cups, it was of utmost importance that we create a lasting legacy for the women’s game in the country.

“To ensure a thriving pipeline that will support our national teams, CSA introduced two T20 competitions. The junior edition was held for the U19 sides after the conclusion of the U19 T20 World Cup in February this year.

“The two tournaments were also aimed at increasing our talent pool and participation in the women’s game, and to aid in the growth of women’s game,” said Ravele.

“Congratulations to Union Stars on their well-deserved victory, and our gratitude goes out to all participating teams that have been part of this tournament culminating at the championships,” Ravele concluded.

Media Manager
Kevin Rademeyer

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

Big Concerts confirmed today that Bryan Adams, one of the biggest selling music artists of all time is coming to South Africa in November 2023. The “So Happy It Hurts” tour kicks off in Cape Town on the 7 November 2023 at Grand Arena, GrandWest, and on 10 November at SunBet Arena, Time Square in Pretoria. Brought to you by 947, KFM, 702 and Cape Talk.

Bryan Adams has the reputation of being one of the most exciting live musicians in the world. His energetic vocals and stage presence have proven to entertain for over 40 years. With 17 studio albums, and four new studio albums in 2022 including, “So Happy It Hurts” (nominated for a Grammy) and “Pretty Woman – The Musical”. In addition to Classic pt. I and pt. II, which feature new recordings of his greatest hits, released digitally and in ATMOS with Platoon, are also available physically with BMG. His song writing has garnered him numerous awards and accolades including three Academy Award nominations, five Golden Globe nominations and a Grammy Award and 20 Juno Awards.
Bryan Adams will be playing in the USA, Japan, South Korea, Philippines, Singapore, Malaysia and Thailand, South Africa, and more, all in 2023.


Bryan Adams 2023 “So Happy It Hurts” Tour
Cape Town
7 November 2023
Grand Arena, GrandWest, Cape Town
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 21 April.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za

Pretoria
10 November 2023
SunBet Arena, Time Square, Pretoria
Tickets are only available exclusively from Ticketmaster (www.ticketmaster.co.za) from 9 am Friday 21 April.
For complete tour and ticket information visit www.bigconcerts.co.za


Tickets go on sale at 09h00 on Friday 21 April exclusively from www.ticketmaster.co.za.

The Discovery Bank pre-sale begins at 09h00 on Wednesday 19 April from www.ticketmaster.co.za and will run until 08h59 on Friday, 21 April.

Important Note: Fans are strongly advised against purchasing tickets from Viagogo. These tickets are unlawfully resold by deceitful sellers for multiple times the face value and are not legitimate tickets. Should you purchase these tickets you will be denied entry into the venue, and you will not be entitled to a refund

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

The Counting Crows returned to our shores for the first time since 2008. The poignant delivery and mesmerizing vocals of Adam Duritz filled the SunBet Arena with a gentle yet powerful energy that left the 6000 crowd feeling enchanted.

Their songs shift something deep in your core. The night was the musical equivalent of chicken soup for the crowds 90s-music-loving soul, as Duritz’s soothing and at times haunting voice weaved through the old, the new, the nostalgic, the heartbreaking, the heart soaring and the best of the band’s catalogue.

Pretoria was the first of Counting Crows two South African concerts on their Butter Miracle tour. It was a tour that should have happened years ago, however was postponed due to Covid. The tour started in the USA and made its way through Asia and Europe before one last stop in Africa.

The country is in the midst of load shedding and Adam stated that two amps blew up during the sound check, however that didn't stop an amazing performance. From the first note to the last Duritz, guitarists Dan Vickrey, David Immerglück and David Bryson, keyboard player Charlie Gillingham, drummer Jim Bogios and bassist Millard Powers mesmerised the crowd.

Counting Crows are renowned for their energetic and passionate live shows and they offered nothing but their best as they performed for fans, most of whom have undoubtedly been fans since purchasing August and Everything After.

From Round Here, Duritz led the way through St Robinson, the crowd pleasing Mr Jones and a harrowingly beautiful rendition of Colourblind. It was non-stop - Durtiz and co focused more on moving seamlessly through the setlist than jabbering to the crowd between songs and we were spoilt with hits spanning all of their albums.

Adam stated that his girlfriend requested Butterfly in Reverse, to be put back onto the setlist even though she was on another continent, so he obliged. The chart topping cover of Joni Mitchell’s Big Yellow Taxii, Recovering the Satellites and a host of other top hits were performed before the new stuff - all four tracks from their 2021 EP Butter Miracle, Suite One. The Tall Grass, Elevator Books, Angel of 14th Street, Bobby and the Rat-Kings.

The piano came out and Adam performed the song everyone was waiting for, A Long December .Its poignant lyrics resonate deeply with many in the crowd. It’s a melancholic yet uplifting song about looking back on your life - but also looking forward. It’s about hanging in there. It’s about acknowledging the hardship but having faith that things will improve. “It’s been a long December, and there’s reason to believe, maybe this year will be better than the last,” sang Duritz. “I can’t remember all the times I tried to tell myself to hold on to these moments as they pass.”

The last song of the main list was Rain King, before an encore that had the crowd on its feet. It was a beautiful trifecta of Counting Crows genius - Omaha, Hanginaround and Holiday in Spain. To say the fans were enchanted last night, particularly by Duritz, is a dramatic understatement. From start to finish the show was absorbing, charming and delightful - quite frankly one of the most memorable concerts that have taken place at the Sunbet Arena.

The Counting Crows arrived on our shores compliments of Big Concerts.

Kevin Rademeyer
Media Manager
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]
[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

JOHANNESBURG: A career-best 83 off 44 balls by Reeza Hendricks was not enough as the Proteas fell to a seven-run defeat to West Indies in the decisive third KFC T20 International (T20I) at the DP World Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Tuesday.

The right-hander thumped two sixes and 11 fours in his innings, before becoming one of Alzarri Joseph’s five victims when he fell in the penultimate over as the run-rate began to soar in South Africa’s pursuit of 221.

In the end they finished with 213 for six – short of what would have been another epic chase as they slipped to a 2-1 series defeat.

Just two days earlier, the hosts were involved in a world record chase when they hunted down 259 at Centurion. This time, though, it was not to be despite the heroics of Hendricks, who was aided for a large part of the chase by Rilee Rossouw (42 off 21 balls).

At the start, the Proteas tried to follow the trend of the series where the chasing side had won each of the previous two games, with captain Aiden Markram winning the toss and bowling in a match that saw Adrian Holdstock and Shaun George both make their 50th appearances as standing umpires.

Openers Kyle Mayers (17) and Brandon King (36) provided them with a strong start by putting on 39 in the first 3.2 overs, before Kagiso Rabada (2/50) cleaned up the former and Johnson Charles (0), centurion hero from SuperSport Park, in successive deliveries.

King then helped Nicholas Pooran (41 off 19 balls) add 55 for the next wicket to put West Indies in a strong position of 94 for two in the ninth over.

When Anrich Nortje (2/36) struck to remove King, the home side began to claw their way back as Lungi Ngidi (2/45) and Markram (1/21) took key wickets to leave the score on 161 for eight in the 16th over.
But then came trouble for the Proteas in the form of Romario Shepherd, who bludgeoned an unbeaten 44 off 22 balls, and together with Josephs (14*), put on an unbroken 61 for the ninth wicket to see their side to 220 for eight.

The chase began well for South Africa thanks to Hendricks and fellow opener Quinton de Kock (21). The pair put on 32 in just over four overs, before the latter held out to deep point off Josephs, the fast bowler bagging his first scalp on his way to figures of five for 40.

Next in was Rossouw, who combined for a match-high 80 alongside Hendricks for the second wicket to ensure the home side kept with the pace.

Even after Rossouw fell, the Proteas were in the mix as long as David Miller (11) was still in the middle. However, once he fell, the scoreboard pressure began to build and Hendricks was left with little choice but to throw his bat.

And he went for one shot too many at the start of the 19th over in which Player of the Match Josephs struck thrice to press home the West Indian advantage.

In the end, it was left to Markram to try and get the 26 needed from the final over – too tall an ask in the end leaving the series for West Indies to clinch.

Proteas T20I squad against West Indies
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).

South Africa KFC T20 International Series against West Indies

Saturday, 25 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by 3 wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March
South Africa beat West Indies by 5 wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by 7 runs – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]

CENTURION: Sisanda Magala claimed a career-best three-for but it was not enough to prevent the Proteas from slipping to a narrow three-wicket defeat to West Indies in the opening KFC T20 International (T20I) at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Saturday.

The match was a T11 rather than a regular T20 after time was lost at the start due to persistent rain on the Highveld, but once play did begin the hosts were edged out by their visitors, despite the heroics of right-arm seamer Magala.

The 32-year-old not only shone with the ball by claiming three for 21, he also bashed an unbeaten 18 off five balls helping South Africa posted 131 for eight, but his efforts were not enough after the away side scampered past that target with three balls to spare.

David Miller top-scored for the Proteas with a rollicking 48 off only 22 balls in a match that marked the permanent T20 captaincy debut of Aiden Markram, who lost his first toss and was asked to bat first following a lengthy delay due to the weather at the start.

But once play started at 16h00, two hours later than scheduled, the home team fell into early trouble by losing Quinton de Kock (0) and Rilee Rossouw (10) inside the first 10 deliveries. Batting at number three, Markram made 14 before becoming the third wicket to fall in the fourth over leaving his side on 40 for three.

Miller was in next and stopped the slide at one end, although wickets continued to tumble around him with Reeza Hendricks (21 off 12 balls) following and Heinrich Klaasen (1) and Wayne Parnell (4) not too far behind, South Africa reaching 79 for six in the ninth over.

That signalled the arrival of Magala, who carted two sixes and a four on his way to helping Miller put on 47 in just 13 balls. The latter was dismissed with two balls to go following an innings that saw him strike four fours and three sixes, which helped set the visitors 132.

The Proteas claimed four wickets during the first 5.4 overs, but West Indies scored at an alarming rate during this period. Kyle Mayers fell for six to the unusually expensive Bjorn Fortuin (1/42), but Brandon King (23 off 8 balls), Nicholas Pooran (16 off 7 balls) and Johnson Charles (28 off 14 balls) were flying in that period.

Once they fell, their side was on 76 for four. Rovman Powell then kept his cool with an unbeaten 43 off 18 balls, and despite a late double strike by Magala, the islanders kept their cool to complete the job and move 1-0 ahead in the three-match series.
Match two takes place at the same venue on Sunday.

Proteas T20I squad against West Indies
Aiden Markram (captain, Momentum Multiply Titans), Quinton de Kock (Momentum Multiply Titans), Bjorn Fortuin (DP World Lions), Reeza Hendricks (DP World Lions), Marco Jansen (Dafabet Warriors), Heinrich Klaasen (Momentum Multiply Titans), Sisanda Magala (DP World Lions), David Miller (Hollywoodbets Dolphins), Lungi Ngidi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Anrich Nortje (Dafabet Warriors), Wayne Parnell (Six Gun Grill Western Province), Kagiso Rabada (DP World Lions), Rilee Rossouw (ITEC Knights), Tabraiz Shamsi (Momentum Multiply Titans), Tristan Stubbs (Dafabet Warriors).

South Africa KFC T20 International Series against West Indies

Saturday, 25 March
South Africa lost to West Indies by three wickets – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Sunday, 26 March
South Africa vs West Indies – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Tuesday, 28 March
South Africa vs West Indies – DP World Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

[Submitted by Kevin Rademeyer]