Category: Night & Day

https://youtu.be/R5gEjs5jfHw

SUN 3 | Think Sunday morning, think… World Champion boxing match? Sure, why not! Particularly given that this match is between eight-division world champion Manny Pacquiao and five-division world champion Floyd Mayweather Jr, this is one way to kick-start your brain and enliven the senses. Even if you aren’t super familiar with boxing, this will be a good intro to a sport which does, in fact, involve a lot more than just swinging punches at the other guy. For those who are fans already, you won’t need to be told that this is bound to be one momentous match in boxing history.

WHO: World champion boxers
WHAT: Mayweather vs. Pacquiao boxing match
WHERE: Score Bar, #5 St. 282
WHEN: 8am, May 3
WHY: A wholesome Sunday morning outing for the whole family

WED 06 | Why is that when we try to replicate that seemingly simple combo of gin, tonic water, ice and lime in our own humble kitchen, it’s never quite the same as it is at our favourite bars? You can blame it on black market gin or dodgy ice as much as you like – the truth is, you probably just aren’t all that good at it. Rectifying the problem is as simple as attending the Perfect Gin and Tonic Workshop hosted by London bar owner and gin aficionado Paul Matthew. Delving into the science behind the cocktail, guests will not only learn how temperature, strength and other seemingly minor details affect the overall flavour, they’ll also sample more than 10 gins with a range of tonics, play with different garnishes and bitters, and create their own personalised G&T concoction. At $30 per head, which includes four drinks and free canapés, this is without a doubt the best way to get simultaneously educated and tipsy.

WHO: G&T enthusiasts
WHAT: Gin & Tonic workshop
WHERE: The FCC, #363 Sisowath Quay
WHEN: 7:30pm, May 6
WHY: Great excuse to go drinking with an ostensibly cultured intention

WED 06 | Just in time for the heat wave, The History of Things to Come is back to provide us all with functional and – equally elusive – fashionable frocks to see us through to the slightly less sweltering season. For those unacquainted with the fair, this is a rare opportunity to nab quality vintage clothing, including imported ‘40s daywear, ‘50s and ‘60s cocktail dresses, ‘70s hippie getup, ‘80s dynasty evening wear and jumpsuits so cute you’ll want to buy one just to bounce around the house in. Despite the fact that all items are older than 20 years (finally, some genuine vintage!), they’ve all been handpicked for their impeccable condition, not to mention their timeless cut and light, airy material. So, if thick nylon day-glo gowns aren’t your style, we suggest you get along with empty bags in tow for your opportunity to pick up some threads to last you through more than just the sticky season. You have until 8pm Sunday 10 to stock up. But, of course, as with any specialised clothing fair, you’re going to want to get in early to nab the best of the bunch. On your marks, ladies…

WHO: Vintage fashionistas
WHAT: Imported vintage fashion clothing fair
WHERE: #21 St. 306, BKK1 (next to Coffee Bean & Tea Leaf)
WHEN: 8am, May 6-8pm, Sun 10
WHY: Survive the hot season with clothing that’s breezy, not sleazy

THU 23 | Even if you don’t admit it in public, there’s a So You Think You Can Dance fan in all of us, and there’s certainly no point pretending you didn’t at least let your finger linger on the remote control when finalist Zach Benson performed his explosive break dance routine on the popular reality series. This week, you can learn how to spin and pop just like the award-winning dancer (albeit a slightly more awkward, less co-ordinated version) when the star hosts three hip hop workshops. Thursday April 23 will include the first class for adults of all experience levels, while Saturday will include one hip hop and breakdance lesson for kids (1:45-2:45pm), followed by a Masterclass and SYTYCD experience 2:45-4pm, in which you’ll be walked through a simulated audition in the style of the show, presumably minus the callous dismissals and ensuing tears. $10 for kids, $12 for adults. Make sure you register first at dance@nulldanceworldcambodia.com.

WHO: Zach Benson
WHAT: Hip hop workshop series
WHERE: Dance World Cambodia, #114 St. 136
WHEN: 7pm, April 23
WHY: ‘Cos if you think you can dance, you’re about to find out for sure

THU 23 | What happens when a Show Box resident musician befriends a Swedish filmmaker on holiday in Thailand? Two independent Scandinavian art house movies featuring music by RJ. Duh. Show Box will screen both movies completely free of charge, accompanied by complementary wine to boot. Winter’s Spring (2014) is described as “an art film about integrity,” which investigates what can potentially happen when a crazy CEO spies on a journalist. The main feature film 78 (2011) is essentially a love story whose hopeless yet lovable protagonist and quirkily relatable plotline separates it from any other romantic indie film you’re likely to have seen. And don’t worry if for some reason you can’t speak Swedish, as Larsson was kind enough to include English subtitles on both films for all you plebs out there.

WHO: Par Larsson (feat. songs by RJ)
WHAT: Independent film screening
WHERE: Show Box, #11 St. 330
WHEN: 7pm, April 23
WHY: Swedish cinema is crazy and awesome at the best of times. This is the best of times.

THU 23 | Those who’ve seen her perform can testify that Amanda Bloom is one of the city’s most talented singer-songwriters and pianists. Whether or not you’ve witnessed her onstage, it’s worth checking out her next performance at Doors, where she’ll be showcasing her enviable skills on grand piano with new originals from her recently completed Atlas album, which features songs inspired by her travels across Cambodia and beyond. Accompanying Amanda on cello will be Tara Mar, with Michele Bowen on bassoon. Think a little ahead of time to save yourself some riel and book via www.cambodiaeventnetwork.com for free entry.

WHO: Amanda Bloom
WHAT: Live piano & jazz
WHERE: Doors restaurant, #18 St. 84 & 47
WHEN: 8:30pm, April 23
WHY: Treat your ears to new material from one of Phnom Penh’s most talented musicians

FRI 24 | Some stories are called classics for a reason. Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet is one of those tales that only improves with age, and possibly also a ridiculously good-looking cast. They may not be DiCaprio and Danes, but the Phnom Penh Players crew sure give them a run for their money in equal parts charm and talent. And hey, why bother crafting a makeshift setting when the city already has an authentic backdrop in the form of the gorgeous Mansion Heritage Bar? If you haven’t revisited this production (or any theatre, for that matter) for a while, this one shouldn’t be missed. Attend its premiere night on Friday, or else catch it on Saturday 25th or May 1st or 2nd. Tickets are $10 and strictly limited, so grab them fast from FCC, The Willow Boutique Hotel, Laneway Boutique Guesthouse and Café Yejj.

WHO: Phnom Penh Players
WHAT: Theatre performance
WHERE: The Mansion Heritage Bar, cnr. St. 3 & St. 178
WHEN: 7pm, April 24
WHY: Quality theatre in a gorgeous setting is kind of like the flying spaghetti monster of PP entertainment. Catch it while you can.

FRI 24 | With the recent closure of some of the city’s most iconic live music venues, it’s time to start broadening your scope if you’re serious about supporting local musicians (and we know you are, you excellent folk). You may be more familiar with The Alley Bar as a chilled out cocktail lounge, but on most weekends, the cosy venue turns into a music-pumping party. This weekend showcases local outfit Papa Dub mixing their Khmer reggae, live percussion and video projections into one heady fusion of soulful sounds and sights so chilled you’ll be melting your way into the weekend.

WHO: Papa Dub
WHAT: Khmer reggae
WHERE: The Alley Bar, #82 St. 244
WHEN: 8pm, April 24
WHY: A perfect way to wind down the first
/hardest week after holidays

SAT 25 | Following the Cambodian Urban Art Festival opening on Thursday April 23 at the Institut Francais, Saturday’s festival proceedings will involve a citywide tuk tuk tour of the walls painted by organisers Chifumi and Theo, plus prolific local and international street artists Peap Tarr, Lisa Mam, Tones, Davido, Koy, Venk and Eltono. For the last few weeks, these artists have been painstakingly crafting colourful murals in the city, which we seriously hope will remain as a symbol and inspiration for a growing urban arts scene in the Penh. Failing that, they’ll at least provide a sweet afternoon which will finish with a free cocktail at Le Moon. Just make sure you bring your ID or passport along for the ride in order to gain access to view the mural at the French Embassy, ‘cos no one wants to be the kid left sweating in the tuk tuk.

WHO: Urban art enthusiasts
WHAT: Street art tuk tuk tour
WHERE: Institut Francais, #218 St. 184
WHEN: 2pm, April 25
WHY: It’s hella easier than checking them all out on foot

SAT 25 | Only the folks at KAMA could get away with having two soft openings for their music bar in the making. If you missed the first one, this is a good excuse to get on down to Kampot and join the KAMA team for their second not-quite-but-almost-open opening party, featuring tasty treats, delicious drinks and live musical entertainment by the Bokor Mountain Magic Band. Preceding this will be black and white film projections by Moonlight Cambodia, including classics such as Minnie the Moocher and Betty Boop & Cab Calloway. If this is just the soft stuff, can you imagine what their hard opening will be like?

WHO: KAMA, Bokor Mountain Magic Band & Moonlight Cambodia
WHAT: Slightly-less-soft opening
WHERE: Sun Ra Space Bar, Kampot
WHEN: 7pm, April 25
WHY: You know that excuse you were looking for to escape to Kampot.