(Above: David Fisher & Tony Fisher)
(Pic supplied)
Pieter Scholtz and friends invite patrons to come to Mondays @ St Clements on August 7, 2023, and enjoy a great evening of stories, music and creative inspiration. You know what reputedly happens when you kiss the Blarney Stone? It is said to give a person the gift of eloquence and persuasiveness.
We all know Tony Fisher as an original member of the Blarney Brothers. These days “reinvented” as Blarney & Son: the Tony Fisher and David Fisher combination. So, what’s the story? Where did it all begin? That’s what Tony Fisher, with David Fisher, will tell us in words (stories) and music in The Making of Blarney & Son. The instruments he’ll bring, besides his vocal chords, being penny whistle, bass guitar, mandolin and violin.
Tony Fisher, who many will know as one of the Blarney Brothers, was born in Belfast. He has been making music since he was 12 years old, playing in a band since he was 16.
So how did Tony Fisher get to Durban?
He and a group of Irish blokes initially
had a largish band in Ireland. In the early 70s they were playing a gig in the
north of England when a stranger approached them. “Would you guys like to come
and play in Durban?”
“Durban? Where’s that?” — Tony and his
fellow musos asked. “South Africa,” the man - who turned out to be Alan
Gooderson - said.
They said “Sure!” Arrived here in 1972 and
played at the Lonsdale for a year. Then went and played in Joburg. And
Pretoria. “We were making R600 a month each. We wanted to make R1,000 a month
each.”
Their logic, to do this, was to split into two smaller bands. One launched as Blarney Brothers. (The other as Ballyhoo.) So let the story begin! And continue… Because during Covid, the entertainment business came to a standstill. Tony’s two fellow Blarneys decided to retire. “I said to my son, how about us getting together?” Which the pair did, with a lot of practicing, playing and setting up, during lockdown. “And there we are!” Tony says... On a (new) super-successful career trajectory.
Trivia: Did you know: Winston Churchill is among the notable figures who’ve kissed the Blarney Stone, doing so in 1912 when he was First Lord of the Admiralty.
When the donations box is passed around, we encourage you to be generous. A minimum of R50 per person.
The venue plans to be outdoors. Last month the night was positively balmy (for nearly the middle of winter). If it rains, we will need to set up indoors. If it’s chilly, remember to dress accordingly.
Bookings limited to diners in support of St Clements restaurant and staff. They stay open specially for us.
Be there in time to order before the performance, scheduled to start at 18h00. (There will be a brief interval.)
Please cancel if you book, then can’t make it as we often close booking due to space constraints.
St Clements is situated at 191 Musgrave Road. Mondays @ Six run between 18h00 and 19h00. Table bookings are essential on 031 202 2511. There is no cover charge but there is a donations box to support presenters.
If you wish to dine after the presentation, place your order before 18h00.
For more information contact Wanda Hennig on 072-664-3170.
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