THE BIRTH OF THE BLUES

Discover what influenced the rock musicians of the 60’s and 70’s at the Catalina.

Devised and directed by Themi Venturas and with the assistance of Charon Williams- Ross, The Birth of the Blues is staged to run concurrently and as part of the Durban International Blues Festival week which ends on October 4, this show has a life of its own and will run until October 25.

Discover the origins of the ‘blues’ and their influence on world music. Discover why the rock musicians of the 60’s and 70’3 where so influenced by Leadbelly, Blind Lemon Jefferson, Robert Johnson, Ma Rainey and the many others. Discover how Louis Armstrong found his groove, and how the ‘torchsong’ singers like Billie Holiday and soul singers like Ray Charles were influenced and inspired by the Blues. Under the musical direction of Melvin Peters the show features an all star band with Rob Warren on guitar and vocals, Bruce Baker on drums, Brian Thusi on trumpet, Jerry Kunene on sax accompanying the velvet-voiced Tammy Saville who will share with Thulile Zama and Bandile Hlophe who recently wowed everyone with his performance of the slave, Jim, in Big River.

Tickets R74 available at the Catalina Theatre on 031 305 7612 or online booking through Strictlytickets on www.strictlytickets.com