Jack Daniels Sound City

With just over 2 weeks to go to Africa's most prestigious horse racing event, the Vodacom Durban July, Jack Daniels has announced that they're coming back bigger and better with their Jack Daniel's Sound City Marquee. In association Vuzu Amp, YFM & Gagasi FM, the Jack Daniel's Sound City is set to be the most spectacular party and lifestyle experience at the countries great horse racing event. 

The 2nd of July see's Durban's Greyville transform into the nations party capital with a day full of racing and a night full of partying. Whether you're there for the races, the fashion or just there to have a good time, the Vodacom Durban July is the premier event to be at and Jack Daniel's Sound City is the place to be seen. With a host of some of the hottest local artist set to perform, a large dance floor, VIP and VVIP lounges, why would you want to go anywhere else?

Jack Daniel's has a reputation of being the best marquee to be at and this years is no different. Organizers have pulled out all the stops to ensuring that Sound City will be the hottest marquee at the July, it aims to deliver fans a unique experience that combines luxurious hospitality, high fashion and a social atmosphere together with an untouchable stage and sound experience. All in a city of marquees built on premium raised hospitality decks, which exists for just 1 day of the year!

The party starts from midday and continues into the evening some of Mzanzi's finest entertaining the crowds, some of which include Black Coffee, Mi Casa, Mafikizolo, K.O, Nasty C, Kid X, Aewon Wolf, Speedsta and many more. Jack Daniel's also is known for giving up and coming artist a chance to play, this year see's DJ Wobbly, Nelz and Breeze take to the Sound City stage for their shot in the spot light. 

Tickets for Jack Daniel's Sound City starts from R490 for General, R1700 for VIP and R2750 for VVIP and available at Computicket now. For a detail break down on what each ticket includes, please see below. 

General (Silver) – R490pp	VIP (Gold) – R1 700pp	VVIP (Platinum) – R2 750pp
Cocktail lounge 50 metres of bar Café restaurant Plasma screens with live racing feed Betting facilities	Exclusive decked VIP Lounge 40 metres of bar Included in the ticket price is a complimentary bar service* (11am – 5pm) Light lunch Buffet dinner Private toilet facilities Trackside viewing deck Plasma screens with live racing feed Private betting facilities *Complimentary bar service includes free local spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks, Premium stock on sale.	Exclusive VVIP Lounge Premium décor Included in the ticket price is a complimentary bar service* (11am-10pm) Light lunch Buffet dinner Trackside viewing deck Plasma screens with live racing feed Private luxury toilets Private betting facilities Fully staffed facility, including dedicated waitresses, bar staff, hostesses, security and senior management.   *Complimentary bar service includes free local spirits, wines, beers and soft drinks, Premium stock on sale.

For more information, or to pre-book a Private Table of 10 or 20, which includes Bottle service, please contact Spha on 079 034 1445 or e-mail hospitality@rusco.co.za

The Jack Daniel's Sound City Marquee experience will be open from 11am-10pm. Please note that the entrance ticket to the Greyville racecourse must be bought separately to the Sound City tickets. For more, visit www.jdsoundcity.co.za 

Bucket Scene: Lucky Shaker

We're kicking off a brand new segment on the Bucket today, "Bucket Scene" is basically reviews on the coolest, freshest places in Durban. The idea was given to me by a late friend and I've finally decided to go ahead with it. What you can look forward to is me bringing you the low down on places to visit in Durban, seeing that the Summer holidays are upon us and with that brings many a visitor to the East Coast, I might as well get the word out on unique establishments that are in and around the city for them to try instead of visiting the same old places they always do.

Lucky Shaker

Today we're showcasing something new and unique to Durban, as you don't often find places like this in a hurry, its the Lucky Shaker. Situated in Shop 9A, Mayfair on the lake across the road from Chris Saunders Park in Umhlanga, it's a one of a kind cocktail bar/ lounge. At first I thought the location was strange seeing that it was situated away from the hustle and bustle of the rest of Umhlanga but after sitting down with owner Michael Stephenson and listening to what he envisioned for the place, it made a lot of sense. He wants his clientele to come in and basically lose sense of reality while they mesmerise you with their outstanding cocktails and food, which also is why he doesn't have any TV's in the place.

The Bar, with a wide selection of the finest spirits

The set up is great with a sit down area as well as a bar where you can sit and watch Mike and his staff spell bind you in their mixing techniques, which on its own is great entertainment! After taking our spots at the bar we were told of the special s, all of which are written on a chalkboard on the wall and issued with our complimentary high fives as that formed part of the specials.  Apart from cocktails,  they serve a variety of craft beer as well as craft on tap, to which my accompanying mates were very happy with as they love the craft.

Port & Stout 

The place came highly recommended by a friend of mine and with that he told me I had to try the "Port and Stout" cocktail.  He swears it's the best cocktail he's ever had and with him being an expert on the subject, I had to try it. As Mike began whizzing it up, it was interesting to note that instead of using stout out of the can,  they actually make a reduction of it using Guinness. That added with some port and other liqueurs, shaken up with some ice strained into a martini glass made quite an experience to watch.  Now I'm not the biggest beer fan around but I do enjoy a milk stout or Guinness every now and then so I was looking forward to tasting this.  Light, with a lot of flavours but at the same time quite strong, so it's not something you would down but rather enjoy sipping. One thing that stood out the most for me was that they used only the freshest ingredients for their menu, from fruits that go into their juices to the veggies and meat that went into their food, speaking of which...

Chicken, Bacon, Avo, Feta Burger with Fries

The food menu isn't that big with them sticking to just two types of mains if you may call them that,  being burgers and tacos and some bar snacks are bites but as with most of the things in this bar, it's not your typical burger or taco. All burgers are gourmet and made on premises with them using 3 different cuts of beef to get the ideal mince mix, if you don't eat beef you can always substitute it for a chicken fillet. I have asked Mike to experiment with a lamb burger which he said he wouldn't mind trying and I wouldn't mind testing!  The one I went for was the burger special of the week being a bacon avocado and feta burger. It's the best 3 topics you can get on a burger but if one of them is off it can make or break it. All 3 were superb, creamy feta, crispy bacon and the freshest avo I've ever had in the burger, the chicken fillet didn't even have to be there I would still have enjoyed it! Served on a toasted bun with a choice of salad or fries on the side with a home made tomato sauce it hit the spot.

Taco board

For dessert I was tempted to try one of the creamy blended liqueur milkshakes,  one could opt for the Dom Pedro or Marshmallow Fizz but I sampled some of the Grasshopper which is a blend of chocolate and peppermint liqueur with milk and vanilla ice cream. The smell alone will get your senses racing. 

Grasshopper

There's honestly nothing that's on the menu that I wouldn't mind trying so if you're down in Umhlanga and looking to shake things up a bit, why not give these guys a try. You won't regret it!

Website: www.luckyshaker.com
Instagram: luckyshaker / luckshakermenu
Facebook: Lucky Shaker
Address: Shop 9A, Mayfair on the lake
               5 Park Lane, Parkside
               Umhlanga Newtown Centre
               Parking available on the road or in the building.