Events

Dakini, witness a visually stunning circus performance with breathtaking costumes and exceptional skills that magically bring to life traditional Nepali storytelling. Rs 500 for children, Rs 1000 for adults, 10 to 11 November, 3pm and 6pm, Bulls Club, Nakkhu, tickets available at The Summit Hotel, Moksh, Caf� Soma, Electric Pagoda, 9818165730, [email protected]

Planet Nepal 2012, a rich and varied program including performances, concerts, documentary screenings, exhibitions, workshops and panel discussions on the arts and the environment of Nepal. 9 to 11 October, 12 to 6pm, Nepal Tourism Board and Basantapur, www.planetnepal.org.np

Oh! Star Duniya, the Nepali edition of Nil Chaudhary's play about ordinary people's dream of becoming film stars. Rs 150, runs till 10 November, 5pm, Sarwanam Theatre, (01)4438947, sarwanam.org.np

Candle walk, join fellow revellers as they walk through the city of Patan welcoming the Newari New Year. 13 November, 1.45pm, Lalitpur, (01)5260381

Couch fest, watch short films selected from the likes of Sundance, CFC Worldwide Shorts, Seattle International Film Festival among others. 10 November, 6pm, Sattya Media Arts, Jawalakhel, www.couchfestfilms.com/films-2012-Kathmandu.html

Our Gurkhas, an exhibition of photographer Zakaria Zainal work who will also launch his book Our Gurkhas: Singapore through their Eyes. 10 to 11 October, 10am to 5pm, Yumaa Fine Art Gallery, Dharan, facebook.com/gurkhas.sg

Living pictures, watch Nepali and Finnish films every Wednesday evening. 31 October to 28 November, 9.30pm, Moksh Restaurant, Jhamsikhel

Human rights film week 2012, a screening of Nepali and international features and documentaries on humanitarian and gender issues. 17 to 24 November, www.hrffn.org for schedule and locations

The digital tribe, a group exhibition on the changing cultural, social, and individual values in the age of digital connectivity. 2 to 12 November, 5.30pm, Siddartha Art Gallery, (01)4218048

Tres Flamencas, internationally renowned dancer Clara Ramon introduces the Spanish Flamenco for the first time in Nepal. Rs 1200, 8 to 9 November, 6 to 8pm, Russian Cultural Centre, Kamal Pokhari, 9813930267

Music

Delights of solitude, world-renowned cellist and ethnomusicologist Franck Bernede will perform select compositions of JS Bach on the violoncello. Rs 750, 17 November, 6pm, Vajra Hotel, Swayambhu, limited seating, booking advised, (01)4271545

Atif Aslam live, let the Pakistani superstar warm you your hearts as the winter sets in. 13 November, Dasrath Rangasala

1974 AD reunite, the old horses of Nepali rock n' roll are joined by Phiroj Syangden after four years of separation. Rs 1,200, 9 November, 4.15pm, Patan Museum, call 9851075172, (01)4780534, (01)5528362 for tickets

Dining

Pumpernickel Bakery, get an early breakfast or brunch with interesting choices of bread, experiment with its goat cheese or yak cheese sandwiches, or have a sip of coffee in the classy indoor dining area. Thamel, 7.30am-7pm, (01)4259185

Cha Cha Caf�, this Japanese restaurant is popular for its spaghettis and burger steaks. Thamel

New Dish, grab filling meals like pork momos, spring rolls and chop seuys with excellent value for money. Khicchapokhari

Hadock, big compound with ample parking space, its western and Thakali dishes are done to perfection. Jhamsikhel, (01)5546431

Yin Yang Restaurant, east meets west as you choose from a variety of Thai and continental dishes. Add a little spice to your life with the pad thai or green curry. If you can't handle the heat, fall into the safety net of its western dishes. Thamel, 10am to 10pm, (01)4701510

Falcha, give yourself away to the twin pleasures of lemon jeera chicken and mutton handi kabab. Jhamsikhel, Lalitpur

Sal's Pizza, almost round, almost cheap, always delicious, the cheesiest pizzas in town. Lazimpat, behind Jazz Upstairs

Getaways

Haatiban Resort, tucked away near a jungle at the side of a hill with a 270 degree view of the Valley this is the ideal getaway for Kathmandu residents. Pharping, Kathmandu, (01)4371537/561

Mango Tree Lodge, indulge in culture walks, rafting in the Karnali, wildlife exploration, and jungle safaris at the Bardia National Park. Bhetani, Bardiya, info at [email protected]

Hotel Heritage, enjoy the exquisite architecture and traditional ambience, but make sure to book your rooms online with NepalSutra. Bhaktapur, (01)6611628, [email protected]

Jazzmandu, I'll be seeing you

So the tenth edition of Jazzmandu has come and gone. Well done to those who made it, and to those who didn't � you missed one hell of a party.

And what a party it was at the eight hour Jazz Bazar in Gokarna where all local and international artists jammed into the wee hours of Saturday. After a breezy opening to the day's program, Kutumba picked up the tempo and left the dancing crowd chanting for encores. In that light, Beat Kaestli walked in as something of an anticlimax. But Beat, who is cheerful talker off stage and a sublime performer on it, quickly coaxed the crowd with his smooth and subtly nuanced singing.

When Urjazz were performing, the lights went out inevitably, and immediately sniggers broke through the crowd - "Here's the 'mandu' part of Jazzmandu" � only for Mariano Abello to stem the tide with an impromptu solo on the saxophone.

Later on, Cadenza too had to face the dark. But the band didn't lose a beat either, with Navin Chhetri launching into a drum solo as if the load-shedding was scripted. Working up the crowd with some old numbers, Cadenza also played some newer tunes. Perhaps another album is in the can already. And who wouldn't love a 20 minute rendition of 5am in Ghana. More please.

But the night belonged to Thai ensemble Rootman. With a four-man horn section, a DJ, a keyboardist, and a rhythm section that was keen to impress, its pyrotechnics set the crowd on fire. The entire band served up quite a treat, but Jirathitikarn Hemsuwan on trombone earns this writer's praise for his cheeky brilliance.

When Tito Puente Jr and Marlow Rosado invited rest of the artists on stage for the last jam, there were four horn players, five percussionists, three keyboardists, two guitarists, and a dancing singer on stage, all of whom were smiling like children and gleefully taking turns on each instrument. So much for languages, their faces said everything.

Perhaps Frank Zappa said it best years ago, "Music is the best."