ART SCHOOL

60 MINS

FRI 1800

SAT 1400

R 95

Take a journey with us, as Durbanites Lloyd De Gier, Dominique Marot and Marion Loudon pay tribute to some of the music industry’s greatest legends of Rock, Country and Pop with a celebration of classics from Guns and Roses to Katy Perry, Crowded House to the Script and Sheryl Crowe.

Without an electric guitar in sight, the trio has decided to perform some of their favourite classic tunes, breaking them down with just 2 acoustic guitars and voices, singing and playing songs you had forgotten you knew. Get ready as this dynamic team of singers and musicians deliver superb renditions of classic tunes, taking a fresh look at bands from to Fleetwood Mac to KT Tundstall, 4 Non Blonds to Pat Benetar and Adele.

This trio was last seen together at Christmas time in the party show Holiday Fever at the Stirling Theatre. The charismatic Lloyd De Gier, who has just finished a long run of the show ‘Legends’ at the Pumpkin Theatre in Ballito will be showing just what he can do alongside singer guitarist Dominique Marot who recently became a brand new dad. The boys will be joined by vocalist Marion Loudon, most recently seen on the Heritage Theatre stage in Ballies & Babes.

It’s a programme of well-known hits, so sit back and expect to hear refreshing takes from all your favourite bands with 3 versatile musicians with plenty of laughs and leg pulling, bouncing off each other’s talents and energies for a wonderful musical buffet.

ART SCHOOL

60 MINS

FRI 2000

SAT 2000

R 100

STARRING TONYA KOENDERMAN

Tonya Koenderman is back in town with her new one-man show, Born To Diva, a follow-up to her previous show, Divas to a T. it promises to be even bigger, better, and bolder than the first one.

But what is a diva? It is certainly a term that has been bandied around a little too liberally lately. Tonya Koenderman sums them up to a "T"! "They are slightly eccentric, slightly over the top, and ever so slightly melodramatic."

Tonya is one of the few performers who is able to recapture the power and sheer drama of the great belters. And this is no more evident than in her latest offering, Born To Diva, and with her long time friend, Lisa Bobbert on board as director, it is pleasing on both the eye and ear.

The show promises to be a musical feast with serial thrillers and gorgeous, slightly revealing costumes. All your old favourites are featured: Shirley Bassey, Bette Midler, Liza Minnelli, Miriam Makeba and Tina Turner ...as well as some of the up and coming divas -  Claire Johnston (of Mango Groove fame) and Nora Jones.

In true diva style, Tonya adds her own saucy touch to classics like "Diamonds are forever", "Jikele Maweni", "Pata Pata", "Special Star", "Simply the Best", "Nutbush City Limits", "Proud Mary", "All That Jazz” and "New York New York".

Critics have described the show as “Sizzling!” and “Captivating”.

CHAPEL

70 MINS

FRI   1745

R 60 (R 30 STUDENTS)

A boys’ choir, a young female choir and a young male choir in a concert that promises to linger in your memory for long afterwards. Treat yourself to a concert of 3 exceptional choirs, 3 completely different sounds and consequently 3 different, but rewarding experiences. The energetic boys’ choir from St. Peter’s in Johannesburg is back by popular demand with a new and exciting repertoire involving a colourful application of percussion instruments. From Cape Town, for the first time in KZN, is the chamber choir of the Herschel Girls’ School under the direction of celebrated conductor, Margie Barlow, and lastly, the Hilton College Choir will sing new and exciting repertoire as well as the newly established vocal sensation, Bravado, who is as home in modern choral music as in vocal jazz! Not to be missed!

CHAPEL

60 MINS

SUN 1000

R 85

South Africa’s world-famous boys’ choir, fresh from an extensive tour of the USA, will entertain you by displaying their unique diversity in music,  in a wide variety of styles. They will sing music that ranges from Bach and Mozart, to excerpts from operas, passionate gospel arrangements, exciting renditions of pop songs, and their exceptional repertoire of South African folklore.

CHAPEL

60 MINS

SUN 1800

FREE

The University Madrigal Singers present Choral Evensong in the Chapel.  The setting of the canticles will be by the 17th century English composer, Thomas Tomkins. As usual there will be well-known hymns for the congregation to join in with. (Refer Winston Churchill .......!) There is no charge but a retiring collection will be taken.

DINING ROOM

60 MINS

SUN 1500

R 80

This programme note is a translation.

Tango and Argentine Folklore by Argentinian dancer, Ariel Roldan.

The show integrates Argentina music and dance, using simple elements: a musician, a singer – dancer and his partner. Only these three elements are necessary to mirror the tradition of the Argentine. The performance begins with the native folklore of the country and ends with the Tango – the pinnacle of Argentinian dance.

The Argentina guitar shows the Argentine camera music, starting with the classic and interpreting different compositors. The show is divided into two parts:  Argentine Folklore, wearing the traditional clothing and showing the magic colour of the dance; Argentina Tango, showing the different Argentine dances (Traditional Tango, Estage Tango and New Tango). The intention is to illustrate the developmental process of this dance.

The people can see the connection of the dancers through their eyes and the emotion of the choreography. “To the end with the sigh of the people and the pleasure to represent my country.”

CHAPEL

60 MINS

SAT 1600

R 95

There is something ethereal about DieselVanilla. Maybe it’s the spellbinding sweetness of Rouchelle Hubsch’s soulful voice, or the haunting melodies created by Darren Peens. Whatever it is, this contemporary-folk duo knows how to sweep music lovers off their feet, to inspire standing ovations, and to move an audience to tears. Just days before they jet off to New York to record their debut album, DieselVanilla is back at the festival with their latest offering, Fruit of the North Tree…

ART SCHOOL

60 MINS

SAT 1800

SUN 1430

R 95

"As I have been putting thought into this project, I have been listening through old recordings, and it has been amazing to see how what I sang about in my early years, the things I yearned for even asked for is now what makes up my life. 

It is almost as if I stand full circle and I am back where I started, full of hope and prospect, believing that anything is once again possible. 

Now the question that I am asking is…if this road has led me here, and if it is a result of questions asked, statements I have made, and journeys that I have allowed myself to be a part of, what will I now write and sing about, and what about the songs I have lying my draw what significance do they hold?"

The show will feature original material by Rob Warren and will also feature the bass styling of the senior brother Garth Warren.

ART SCHOOL

60 MINS

SAT 1200

SUN 1130

R 95

Two of Durban’s most popular singers, Marion Loudon and Anthony Stonier, have been threatening to do a show together for nearly ten years! Finally they have managed, at the insistence of Sue Clarence, to get their act together and appear together on stage at last!

In this light-hearted, frothy musical revue, they reveal the off-stage realities in putting a show together. The humour, the heartache and the hangovers come together in harmony as the horrible realisation dawns that the show must go on! The songs included in this revue remain a tightly guarded secret, as Marion and Anthony have not yet reached any agreement on this subject yet!

CHAPEL

80 MINS

SAT 2000

R 100

Lovers of fine acoustic guitar are in for a huge treat when Guy Buttery and Nibs van der Spuy take to the stage! These internationally renowned legends will be showcasing their brand new duo show after a five year break due to their rigorous individual touring schedules. Anyone who’s ever witnessed a ‘Guy and Nibs’ performance will remember a tight synergy of fluid and interwoven musical tapestry. The virtuosos collaborated on a series of shows in the early and mid 2000’s before their respective careers took off, both locally and internationally.

Guy has recently been featured in the world’s biggest selling guitar magazine ‘Guitar Player’, which saw him performing at leading guitar festivals throughout Europe, Australia and the US. He has also just picked up 3 national awards including the esteemed SAMA Award for ‘Best Instrumental Album for 2010’. In the same vein, Nibs has become a highly acclaimed guitarist, singer/songwriter, being featured in leading publications from France’s ‘Liberation’ to the UK’s ‘Guardian’. He performs regularly abroad, with his biggest interest being in France.

In the midst of all these incredible achievements, the odd guest appearance on one another’s shows proved that there was still plenty of magic in the air. A big seed was planted in June 2010 when both Guy and Nibs were invited to play at the ‘Rio Loco Festival’ in Toulouse, France. It was the first time in years where their performing paths crossed for more than a moment and thus the intention for a new combined act re-emerged.

The audience can expect some new compositions with old favourites and a few surprises at this performance. Both Nibs and Guy feel very excited to be performing at this year’s festival. In 2010 Nibs won a Silver Ovation Award, and Guy a Golden Award.

TOPSY TURVY

60 MINS

SAT 1600

R 60

Pinpointing exactly where HOLLY is coming from musically is not easy but a hot pot of Afro Influenced Indie Pop is a good starting point. Holly makes song writing look like a luck! She is becoming known for performing warm-hearted, funktastic sets that turn the spotlight on the set of self-penned songs that saw her become the youngest signing ever to Joburg-based Sony ATV Music Publishing. 2010 was a remarkable year for South Africa – and it’s also the year that Durban-based performer, Holly, made a significant mark on the home-grown music scene. Holly’s live performance and smooth deliveries are reeling the listeners in. Naturally, Holly’s youth – she’s just 15-years-old – has earned her substantial attention. But the sustained and growing interest in this artist would quickly have petered out had it not been for the real musical gifts that she displays in both her song writing and busy schedule of live performances. 2011 has seen this artist go from strength to strength with her song Goodbye making No 10 on the Red Cap Radio South African Hit List. She is currently play listed on radio stations across the country.

Her sound is deliciously fresh and distinctively her own. Teenage music stars all too-frequently come and go on the wings of the whims of whatever producer or label or Svengali took on the project of introducing a young talent to the world. Thankfully, when it comes to Holly, the outcome is far more predictable: the Durban native is, after all, the real music deal – and her debut album is proof that she’s no novelty but instead a songwriter and performer of substance.

For her first appearance at the festival, Holly will perform an upbeat acoustic set. She will be joined by two of her band members, Harris Manique also on acoustic guitar and Jazz Hlubi on bass.

TOPSY TURVY

SAT 2000

120 MINS

R 80

The show was co-directed by Mary-Ann Hartley and Christopher Duigan with musical arrangements by Robin Brown and Christopher Duigan, and choreography by Leslee Robinson.

TOPSY TURVY

72 MINS

SUN 1600

R 60

In the end, everything is okay. If it's not okay, it's not the end. That's the essential message in the RCB's show, a colourful musical journey performed by a band which is fast garnering a reputation as one of the most exciting in South Africa. The five-piece band has specially adapted their show for the festival, showcasing vibrant and upbeat original music, relevant to all age groups and cultures as it crosses the boundaries of rock, jazz, blue and maskande from its acoustic foundation. The band consists of frontman Ryan (vocals and guitar), Rudi Engelbrecht (drums and vocals), Jon Calder (piano), Roberto Hemmero (bass) and Tamlyn Calder (vocals, harmonica and percussion).

TOPSY TURVY

60 MINS

SAT 1800

R 50

"As she started to play, I instantly pictured her on a dark stage lit by a single spotlight in an auditorium filled with thousands of fans." [Fiona Gordon, Cue, July 2010]. Critically-acclaimed pianist and vocal artist, Shannon Hope, returns to the festival with her intriguingly powerful piano-based heart songs. Following her Standard Bank Ovation Award winning performances at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown in July, the Kawai-endorsed artist is currently showcasing tracks from her much-anticipated forthcoming album in various shows around the country. "Shannon Hope's understated, quirky style complements her energetic playing and rich, powerful voice. Hope's songs are intensely personal, with brave and honest lyrics. Instantly likeable, Hope captivates the audience with her accessible melodies and beguiling stage presence." [Rowan Roux, Cue, July 2011].

ART SCHOOL

60 MINS

SAT 1600

SUN 1230

R 95

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if everything always went according to plan? Nicely under control? Why does everyone else’s life  seem so absolutely fabulous?

Life, love, work, money, kids -What drives you  to your own private cocktail of dementia? What pushes your buttons and peaks your passion?

Karen Campbell-Gillies and Anthony Stonier are together again in a brand new musical revue that unravels the delights and downfalls of the Demon Drink and generally coming unstuck!

This is a delicious collection of moonstruck music  and kooky capers that makes for a very happy hour to get you back on your rocker!

TOPSY TURVY

60 MINS

FRI 1900

R 80

Wanderer is an intimate revue featuring the songs of Aden and Wren Hinds. The

brothers are singer/songwriters who unite to form an incomparable duo. They make

music that is thoughtful, melodic and vibrant. Although inspired and influenced by the

artists of the musical renaissance of the 1960’s and 70’s, the brothers have evolved a style uniquely and undeniably their own. Their songs are acoustically driven and their song writing is insightful, lyrical and melodic, perfectly complimented by voices of great originality and beauty that blend in remarkable harmony. Imbued with such talent, both as vocalists and as songwriters, The Hinds Brothers are destined to leave their indelible mark on the musical landscape. Live performances by these young musicians are an intimate, dynamic and unforgettable experience.

“What a package! Soothes and caresses the soul... instantly engaging with breathtaking harmonies. Pure velvet, effortless and a delight to the senses.”

Gloria Rhodes - Whats On SA

"My favourite acoustic duo" - Syd Kitchen

"Hinds Brothers are up there with the best songwriters in the world" - David Marks