NEWS

KIWI DANCE

The Africa Dance Teachers Academy will hold the first Kiwi Shining Stars Open National Ballroom and Latin Ame-rican dance championships on July 12 at Technikon Natal Sports Centre at 11h00.

The sponsors are Kiwi Shoe Polish with music provided by Fedansa Music System. Dancers will take part from all over South Africa. For information ring Patrick `Big-Boy' Zungu on 23-1236.

NO MONEY!

At present, Durban Arts is waiting for its budget allocation from the Durban Metro Council so funds are too tight to allow the weekly City Hall Steps concert to continue in July. However, this could change - watch the daily press or phone Patrick `Bigboy' Zungu on 23-1236 for up-to-date information.

M-NET SERIES

One of M-Net's most popular series, Dark Skies - a fact/sci-fi fiction programme, returns on July 13 at 18h00. Other series planned for July are Degrees of Error (July 22 at 19h00), a BBC mini-series thriller; The Pretender (June 15 at 17h00), a suspense drama revolving around a computer child prodigy in the early 60s, and The Inva-ders, an updated 60s cult series (July 15 at 19h00, part two July 16).

In Seduced by Madness, Ann-Margaret stars as a disturbed woman (July 29 at 19h00, part two July 30).

The multi-Emmy award-winning series, Third Rock From The Sun, returns to M-Net on July 29 at 18h30. Created by Bonnie and Terry Turner, this comedy series starring John Lithgow is set in the fictional city of Rutherford in Ohio.

ARTFEST

The Artfest Awareness Programme taking place throughout the Durban Metro Region from July 13 to July 31 aims to establish Artfest as the premier event on the local arts and cultural calendar.

Artfest

will provide an umbrella banner for established and aspirant artists to showcase the rapidly developing arts and cultural scene in KZN.

Through its links with the Grahamstown Arts Festival, Artfest hopes to encourage artists from other regions to include Durban in July as part of their annual schedule.

EVENTS

Events occurring during the Artfest period include Ocean Action, the Durban International Film Festival and the Visual Voice Film Museum's comparative film and video workshops.

Artfest

is currently organised by the Stakeholders Council of Tourism which hosts the launch at a function in the Playhouse foyer at 17h00 on July 13.

Anyone interested in having their event included in the Artfest Infomap should contact Tourism Durban on 304-4934 or fax 304-6196.

ISME CONGRESS

The International Society for Music Education (ISME) serves as the voice of the music educators of the world.

It represents all levels and fields of spe-cialisation within music education with the aim of advancing it worldwide.

The Society believes that the richness and diversity of the musics of the world is a cause for celebration as well as an opportunity for intercultural learning for the improvement of international under-standing, co-operation and peace.

The XXII ISME World Congress will be held in Pretoria in July. Participation through ISME membership is said to be a great way to travel to other parts of the world, meet other music educators, learn about the music of the various world's cultures and make and renew friendships.

For more information, write to the administrator, ISME International Office, Music Education Information and Research Centre, University of Reading, Bulmersche Court, Reading, LRG6 1HY, United Kingdom. Tel: 0944 734 31-8846 or fax: 0944 734 35-2080

SHARON AT CASSO'S

Popular musician and songwriter, Sharon Katz will perform at Casso's restaurant in Florida Road on Friday and Saturday nights during July. No cover charge (diners only). To book phone 303-2172.