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Monday, April 20, 2015

RHUMBELOW MUSIC FEAST

(Rockabilly: Francois Hardy, Andy Turrell, Jill Murraybrown & Marion Loudon)
With eight music concerts over two weekends between Rhumbelow Theatre: Durban and Pietermaritzburg, the Rhumbelow Music Feast promises to be a not-to-be missed series of performances with top Durban musicians.

Rhumbelow Music Feast runs from April 24 to May 3 with the first weekend taking place at Rhumbelow Durban and the second weekend’s programme running at the Alan Wilson Shellhole in Pietermaritzburg. The programme is as follows:

DURBAN

April 24 at 20h00: More than Nothing--A Latino Journey

April 25 at13h30 & 20h00: The Story of Rockabilly (13h30) and And Still we “Rise” (20h00)

April 26 at13h30 & 18h30: Lyra Lounge: Aural Alchemy (13h30) and Rowan Stuart - Acoustic & Electric (18h30)

April 27 at13h30 & 18h30: All That Jazz - We Love to Play – Beatroute (13h30) and Celebrating Our Jazz Heritage (18h30)

PIETERMARITZBURG

May 1 at 14h00 & 20h00: Behind The Noise (14h00) and All That Jazz - We Love to Play- Beatroute (20h00)

May 2 at 14h00 & 20h00: And Still we “Rise” (14h00) and Celebrating Our Jazz Heritage (20h00)

May 3 at 14h00 & 18h30: The Story of Rockabilly (14h00) and Rowan Stuart - Acoustic & Electric (18h30)

More than Nothing--A Latino Journey: Johann van der Merwe (percussion), Johnny Casquinha (guitar/lead vocals), John Skuy (bass guitar/vocals), Nicole Couto-Leite (piano/vocals), Tony Fisher (mandolin/vocals), Richard Ellis (drum effects/vocals), and Graham Ellis (lead guitar/guitar effects). The magic of this show transports the audience to places where wine is consumed under grape vines while domino and card games are played... the old men of the Buena Vista Social Club reign supreme! It’s soulful, sexy and sassy, giving people the opportunity to leave their inhibitions at the door, grab a partner or just sit happily tapping their toes.

The Story of Rockabilly : formed in 2014 by ace guitarist Andy Turrell, it includes the dynamic Marion Loudon on vocals, the talented Jill Murraybrown on bass guitar as well as trying her hand on the upright bass, and the legendary Francois Hardy on drums and vocals. Rockabilly music is timeless and has recently seen a massive worldwide revival by a new generation of young musicians who love the rough edged country rock sounds of the 50’s. With Rockabilly’s definitive strong rhythms, vocal twangs and common use of the tape echo, it was popularised by artists like Elvis Presley, Johnny Cash, Buddy Holly, Wanda Jackson, the Everly Brothers, Johnny Horton, Roy Orbison, Eddie Cochran, Bill Haley, Carl Perkins and Jerry Lee Lewis.

And Still we “Rise”: Colin Peddie – DJ, drum pads, keyboard & vocals, Kerry Wood – lead singer, Simon Hampton – guitars. Rise has been performing for seven years and has entertained at the Durban Botanic Gardens, Mr Price Pro, World cup Rugby launch, Smoking Dragon Festival, Mkuze Cricket tournament, Durban July and many clubs and events around SA. Rise continues to write new original songs and recently shot their first professional music video for the song Pop Tart that can be viewed on Utube or their website www.riseband.co.za

Lyra Lounge: ‘Aural Alchemy’: An afternoon in the company of two consummate performers, Lyra Lounge’s ‘Aural Alchemy’ is a journey through jazz and musicals that mesmerises. Lyra Lounge, vocal and piano duo, started out with a set of great songs from great songwriters. Adding equal parts love and passion, Chris Vale and Neil Krog have forged a palpable chemistry that borders on alchemy. Both being classically trained, they bring clarity and generosity to jazz standards and musical theatre pieces which have been performed by such greats as Ella Fitzgerald, Louis Armstrong, Fred Astaire and Billie Holliday. Add to this a heady dose of Sondheim, a splash of Porter and a scintilla of Gershwin, the resultant cocktail (garnished with some Groban) is a recipe for an unforgettable experience.

All That Jazz - We Love to Play: Beat-route : Daniel Sheldon on trumpet/flugel horn/percussion; Gerald Sloan on guitar and vocals; Logan Byrne on upright bass; Devon Hore on drums and percussion and featuring special guests Zoe Masuku on vocals / Tom Hare on saxes (all of ‘em), trumpet/flugle horn and percussion. Beat-Route is one of KZNs busiest and most firmly established professional swing jazz acts. Their distinctive acoustic sound creates the perfect ambiance for any sophisticated up-market event and their repertoire, which explores the Great Old American Songbook of timeless Jazz standards with some modern excursions and some great originals, will keep your foot tapping and your ear tuned in.

Rowan Stuart - Acoustic & Electric: Rowan Stuart & Andy Turrell: Durban's acclaimed Alternative Pop artist Rowan Stuart will make his debut performances on the stages of the Rhumbelow Theatres (Durban and Pietermaritzburg), with two performances in April and May. Alternating between the acoustic and electric guitar, and joined by long-time friend Andy Turrell on bass guitar, Rowan paints a sonic landscape of Alternative Pop music, incorporating elements of folk, pop, blues and world music into a sound that is both deep and authentic.

Celebrating Our Jazz Heritage: Melvin Peters Trio with Melvin Peters on piano, Ildo Nandja on bass and Bruce Baker on drums. In keeping with the commemoration of Freedom Day, it is appropriate to focus on music that emerged from the struggle for liberation in South Africa. However, there is a parallel between the oppression experienced in the US as well as in South Africa, at different times in our respective histories. There is an interesting protest music genre that has emerged out of both situations, most of which was encapsulated under the banner of blues, jazz and beyond. The Melvin Peters Trio will pay homage to various musicians who have composed music based on their experiences during these oppressive times, most notably Duke Ellington and Oscar Petersen.

Behind The Noise: Join Durbanites Barry Thomson, Jason Andrew and Marion Loudon as they get back to the root of what makes a great song and give the melody and lyrics space to shine. Performing some classic tunes, this team has enjoyed finding the essence of some truly classic songs with vocals and just acoustic instruments, singing and playing songs you had forgotten you knew.

Tickets R120 (R100 pensioners) Bookings for three or more shows R100 per show. Venues open 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner. Bring food picnic baskets. Braais will be available at the Durban venue only) should you wish to cook some meat. There is a cash bar (no alcohol may not be brought on to the premises) and there is limited secure parking.

Booking is essential through Computicket or phone or email Roland on 082 499 8636 or email : roland@stansell.za.net or visit www.events.durbantheatre.com