Hello dolls. In case anyone is wondering, if I have moved into the Athenaeum. Let me explain ... By now you already know you will find your favourite gossip gal wherever the fun is. And recently the Athenaeum has been hip and happening, hence Skinnerbek is always checking in there.
Last Saturday, I was at the Manifest Creative Conference, which was surprisingly well-attended considering the weather wasn’t exactly at its best. The conference put together PE’s creative minds under one roof for a workshop and networking almost all day. Of course, when we call on creatives we can expect to see the likes of Walk In Closet designer Evans Zemba, who had a stall with his designs there. If the event wasn’t on such a bad date for Skinnerbek’s bank account, I would have definitely copped myself one of his items 
Polishing up on one’s gossiping skills was not covered in on the workshop’s programme, so your girl spent more time window-shopping at the stalls outside than inside listening to the speakers. Speakers included our favourite DJ MissJay and the girl with the voice of an angel, Clique Claq’s Thoko, who delivered quite constructive talks on arts. All the while my inner feminist was internally cheering “Yaasss girrrls, teach these kids, show ‘em how it’s done!”
I also spotted Bay bloggers Amanda Klaas (some know her as Yellow Orchid Child) and Abegail Witbooi styled up in long yellow and red coats respectively.
When the rest of the guests finally joined me outside during one of the intervals, their attention was caught by afro soul singer Berita, who was busy doing a sound check at the Little Theatre with our LoveChild, preparing for their show on Saturday night.
Yes, Skinners, along with some of those who spotted the two songbirds rehearsing, were back at the Athenaeum on Saturday night for the Berita Live and Unplugged concert.
The concert also featured Bay talent including Thoko, Barlo, LoveChild and Zolisa Marawu as MC. Zolisa does this MC business so well I am already planning to book him for my wedding ... after I find me a groom.Other familiar faces spotted were arts activist Dawn Madolo, who was with her family, Mhlobo Wenene FM DJs Mafa Bavuma and Gwiba Nkonki.Your Skinners learned that Mafa has a new book out. I saw him hand a copy to Berita while she was mingling and taking photos with fans.It seems our DJ is becoming a jack of all trades. Next time!