On April 30, 2023, Rhumbelow Theatre will
host Danny De Wet’s Book Launch Concert of The KZN Unplugged/Storytellers
Danny de Wet played for two iconic South African 80’s bands: éVOID & Petit Cheval - he followed that as a venue owner and marketeer at major record companies (signing Prime Circle and promoting The Parlotones), whilst being an original member of Wonderboom … driving the group for their first 13 years.
A drummer/drama, who also plays guitar and sings, de Wet has now added ‘author’ to his arsenal (releasing the 650-page definitive, printed account of the history of SA Rock) and he is excited to launch his book at Rhumbelow Theatre in Durban on April 30, 2023.
A host of special guests will celebrate the occasion with Danny … who is ‘stoked’ (to use a Durban word) to have on board, long-time friend David Marks; the legendary songwriter of the beloved 60’s tune Master Jack, a huge international hit for the band 4 Jacks & a Jill and the force behind 3rd Ear Music.
The ongoing Danny’s Never Ending Acoustic/Storyteller Book Launch shows are based on an acoustic three-piece act, featuring two phenomenal young musicians in guitar wiz Damian Kruger and Julian Guillot, who’s euphonious vocal prowess belies his tender age.
Renditions of classic South African and worldwide hits (The Rolling Stones, REM, The Cure, Bob Dylan etc), which are pertinent to the stories and anecdotes in the script, are perfectly juxta-positioned against de Wet’s captivating tales of glorious excess and his quirky original songs like Hairy Armpits Will Never Change The World, a song written for Therese Owen, the well-known and respected KZN music journalist.
In Durban for the first time, de Wet’s trio has been blowing audiences away throughout South Africa. They have performed all over Gauteng and travelled far and wide … appearing in locations like the Magoebaskloof and then all the way from the Magaliesburg down to Hout Bay - the trio also went down a storm at the Splashy Fen Festival last year.
Other special guests are drawn from the cream of Durban’s stellar musical collective.
Ross Tapson first met de Wet in the 90’s when his band Mantis performed at Wings Beat Bar (de Wet’s club) and a decade before that, Graham Ellis toured the country as part of the rhythm section in Petit Cheval - Graham on bass and de Wet on drums.
While describing the forthcoming experience as a ‘bucket list’ tick, de Wet said: “I am really looking forward to playing with Graham’s brother Richard Ellis for the first time. Richard is a singer/guitarist/percussionist whom I have admired for years … I have always been knocked out by his enormous talent, whether it was fronting The Usuals or alongside my son’s godfather, Nibs Van Der Spuy, at the Crosby, Stills and Nash concert.”
Some of de Wet’s close friends from Johannesburg will be there, too! COPA graduate and multi-instrumentalist Quinton Lotter (the musical director in de Wet’s other endeavours) has recently relocated to Durban, as has raconteur Alan Kotze (The Parlotones business manager and one of de Wet’s best friends) who is sure to dish some hilarious dirt on de Wet.
Rupert Hines will dust off his bass and join the proceedings – he may even tell you that he likes pina-colada… oops that’s Rupert Holmes (he won’t be in attendance because… erm… de Wet has never ever met him).
Come and enjoy kick-ass acoustic tunes, brilliant stories and bad jokes!
The book launch concert takes place at 14h00 on April 30, 2023.
(Venue opens 90 minutes before show for
snacks/drinks)
Tickets R190. Booking is essential on email: roland@stansell.co.za or through Computicket.
Picnic baskets may be brought to the venue, or food can be purchased onsite – burgers, wors rolls, chicken pops and chips, cheesy Russians, snack baskets etc. A full bar is available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises).
Limited secure parking available.
For more information contact Roland Stansell on 082 499 8636 or visit http://events.durbantheatre.com/
Rhumbelow Theatre is situated at 42 Cunningham Road off Bartle Road in Umbilo, Durban.
Posts
