SYD KITCHEN & BARRY VAN ZYL

Two of SA's internationally renowned musicians to appear at Salt Rock on April 4.

Musical maverick, poet and lyricist Syd Kitchen joins up with Barry van Zyl (drummer for Johnny Clegg) at the Vagabond Café in Salt Rock on April 4 for a "one of a kind "concert. This is a newly forged collaboration and they relish the chance to perform together and share their unique style of music with Durbanites.

Since the 70’s, Syd Kitchen has remained an innovative, active, uncompromising part of the South African (non-mainstream) musical landscape. Establishing himself initially with the Kitchen Brothers, his musical growth has traversed many different paths. From an early 80’s jazz/rock phase with bands Equinox and Harry Was A Snake, to a successful solo period, to his formation of Syd Kitchen & The Utensils in ’85, to his ground-breaking work with guitar wizards Steve Newman and Tony Cox in the Flying Sombreros, to Amakool, to his current collaboration in the Aquarian Quartet with Newman, Cox and Greg Georgiades and Bafo Bafo with Madala Kunene … his territory knows no bounds.

A highly acclaimed teacher, thinker, guitarist, lyricist and published poet, Syd has released several albums to date; all born of an eclectic spirit unfazed by market-place considerations or the wishes of others. His album Africa’s not for sissies; voted into 4th place on the SA ROCKDIGEST Top 30 SA albums for 2001; is at once an aural celebration of living in Africa, while his 2004 release, Quintessentially; received rave reviews from the critics; celebrating the depth of his talents. His latest release Across (2007) looks set to do similarly well. Visit www.sydkitchen.com and www.myspace/sydkitchensa for more information.

Barry Van Zyl was offered the drum chair in Johnny Clegg's group during the late 90’s while touring Europe with artists such as Oliver Mtukudzi and the Soweto String Quartet. He has been a member of Johnny's band since 1999, touring extensively in Europe, North America, Australasia and the UK. In addition to performing, he has been holding workshops overseas as well as in South Africa. Highlights of his career have included opening the Montreal Jazz Festival to an outdoor audience of 150,000 people and appearing in guest performances by Peter Gabriel, Brian May, Jimmy Buffet, Ladysmith Black Mambazo and Robert Plant. He had double billing in the USA with Lenny Kravitz, Taj Mahal and The Neville Brothers and headlined the 46664 Mandela concert series. He has made numerous North American and European TV show appearances and provided the percussion soundtrack for the Oscar winning motion picture Tstotsi.

He will take part in the 2009 Johnny Clegg tour which will include the UK, France , Switzerland, Morocco, Germany, Czech Republic, Algeria, Australia and North America. More information at www.barryvanzyl.com

Syd Kitchen and Barry van Zyl will appear at Vagabond Café, Claremont Farm, on the Sheffield Beach Road in Salt Rock on April 4 at 19h30. Tickets: R80 pp. In addition, a set menu dinner at R60 (with vegetarian option) is available which will be served from 18h00. There is room to stand as well as sit. Booking is recommended on 032 525 4968

NB: Cash only