national Arts Festival Banner

Thursday, March 31, 2016

TRIBUTE TO DIRE STRAITS



(Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Shaun Dragt, Mali Sewell & Jason Andrew)

Back by popular demand at Rhumbelow Theatre is Tribute to Dire Straits. Paying tribute to the music of Mark Knopfler and his band Dire Straits will be The Reals featuring Barry Thomson, Dawn Selby, Mali Sewell and Jason Andrew with guest guitarist Shaun Dragt.

Dire Straits was a British rock band formed in 1977 by Mark Knopfler (lead vocals and lead guitar) and his younger brother David Knopfler. Their sound was influenced by a variety of musical styles including jazz, folk and blues, and contrasted with the prominence of punk rock during their early years. Their more conventional sound appealed to modern audiences weary of the overproduced stadium rock of the 1970s.

Dire Straits' fifth album Brothers in Arms, released in May 1985 was their highest selling studio album with sales of over 30 million. It was listed in the Guinness Book of World Records as the first compact disc to sell a million copies, helping to popularise the CD format. It was one of the first albums recorded on digital equipment and the title track is reported to be the world's first CD single. In August 1986, the song which launched MTV Europe was another Knopfler hit Money for Nothing and featured Sting in a cameo vocal role.

To date, Dire Straits have sold in excess of 120 million albums and this show features a selection of their hit songs including Brothers in Arms, Walk of Life, So Far Away, Sultans of Swing, Romeo and Juliet, Tunnel of Love, Private Investigations and Money for Nothing.

Shows take place from April 8 to 10 and again from April 15 to 17. Friday and Saturday performances at 20h00 with Sunday shows starting at 14h00. There will be an extra performance on April 17 at 18h30. The venue opens 90 minutes before show for picnic dinner.

Tickets R140 (R120 pensioners and tables of eight or more).

Take along food picnic baskets. Braais will be available. There is limited secure parking and booking is essential. A cash bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Rhumbelow Durban is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo.

Booking is through Computicket or contact Roland on 082 499 8636, email roland@stansell.za.net or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com