The line up for Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts 2014/15 is an exciting one. Why not end 2014 with Hot Water this Sunday?
Hot Water and the launch of SONGOMA on Sunday 28 December.
HOT WATER creator, Donovan Copley, was searching for a single word that would define both his life purpose and his musical brand. One day he gave a lift to an African mama and asked if she could guess what he did for a living. “Hmmm,” she said, “you are wearing some beads that look like those of a sangoma,” or traditional African healer. “I’m actually a songwriter,” Donovan said, “so I guess you could call me a…’songoma’.” The word popped out of his mouth like a gift and they both laughed. Prepare to witness the launch of SONGOMA…
TICKETS: prices range between R100 and R160 for adults.
Book online or Box office and telephone ticket sales (021 761 2866). For further information and ticket prices: call 021 799 8783 or online
31 December NYE
Mango Groove & Arno Carstens
Mango Groove and lead singer Claire Johnston have a career that spanned a turbulent time in South Africa’s history. Their first single went multi platinum in 1989 and they have since become a household name in this country. Their eclectic music can be described as South African pop.
SA rock legend Arno Carstens, lead singer of Springbok Nude Girls and solo artist has had over 20 top ten singles, won 5 SAMA Awards and shared the stage with legends of the music world including U2, The Rolling Stones and REM.
4 January
Prime Circle
Since their debut in 2003, Prime Circle has been the most celebrated rock act in South African history. The band has toured extensively, performing at several major international festivals over the course of their 11-year career, and have been honoured with numerous South African music awards. After 13 years of making waves as South Africa’s most successful rock act, the five-piece is back with Let the Night In, a new studio album infused with fresh creative energy and a new edge to the distinctive Prime Circle sound. It is already being described as “their most stylistically diverse record yet”. They have just returned from an extensive European tour.
11 January
The Parlotones
Over the past 11 years The Parlotones have become South Africa’s most accomplished rock band of all time. The band career highlights include 2 platinum and 3 double platinum albums, performing at the FIFA World Cup kick off concert, Live Earth, Olympics as well as performances in over 150 cities around the world. The time has come for The Parlotones to fly the SA flag on a global scale like never before. They relocated to Los Angeles in January 2013.
18 January
Matthew Mole and Tailor
Matthew Mole’s debut album “The Home We Built’ entered the top of the itunes chart on its release, making Mole the country’s first artist ever to achieve this. He played every instrument besides the strings, including ukulele, banjo, organ, piano, guitars, drums and umpteen percussive instruments. Matthew Mole says “Every song is about real experiences I’ve had, but also the way Ive reacted to them, because of the way I was raised.”
Pinning Tailor down to a single style is impossible. Musically, the singer flits from modern folk to blues-rock to pure pop and spooky soul. Songs can be rich and cinematic or simple and sparse. Her music has been described as dark-pop, however the release of her second album is aptly called “Light” which in itself is a sort of rebirth for Tailor.
25 January
Jimmy Nevis
Born and raised in Cape Town, South Africa, Jimmy Nevis is a young alternative pop singer/ songwriter and producer. His sound comprises of quirky lyrics, acoustic tones and catchy melodies. He has had extensive radio play with 3 charted hit singles. Jimmy Nevis released his debut album titled “Subliminal” of which the success has brought the signing of an exclusive deal with top American record label Ultra Records for distribution in the United States of America. One of the Top 5 Nominees for the Kia Record of the Year category at the SAMAs 2014, Nevis is currently working on his 2nd Album entitled “The Masses”
1 February
The Cape Philharmonic Orchestra
For 100 years, the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra has been the foremost orchestra in Africa from the inaugural concert of the Cape Town Municipal Orchestra in February, 1914. Then, as now, it was an orchestra that reached many communities. The most active orchestra in the country, the CPO is extremely versatile, performing symphony concerts at the highest level with internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists and exceptional South African artists. The CPO also plays pops, rock and family concerts, and supports opera, ballet and musicals, giving a staggering 140 performances per year. This concert will be conducted by Martin Panteleev and feature Maria Tien-Du Toit. The programme will include works by Mozart, Wagner, Ravel and Tchaikovsky.
8 February
Freshlyground
Freshlyground have managed to navigate a successful 10 years in the South African music industry and have graced stages all over the world. Their ascension was rapid – they became a household name in South Africa in 2004 with the release of the smash-hit album Nomvula, and every album released since has generated at least one radio hit: Doo Be Doo, I’d Like, Pot Belly, Fire is Low & 2010’s world-wide hit with Shakira, Waka Waka. In October 2012 Freshlyground released their 5th studio album: Take Me ToThe Dance.
15 February
Passenger
Make Valentine’s Day extend to the 15 February and book to see Passenger, the UK sensation. This special concert features one- man band Mike Rosenberg whose melancholy folk song “Let Her Go” sold 1 million copies in October 2013. A Journey that began in 2003, Passenger has established itself firmly and Rosenberg’s gravely singer-songwriter voice delivers a lyrical upbeat style while singing about social issues that resonate with his audience. (please note these concert tickets are R365 with no discounts).
22nd February
Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival
The seventh instalment of the Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival features an incredible line-up of South African folk and acoustic artists. The evening is set to be an experience of the finest musical storytelling from the personal journeys of Ross Learmonth [Prime Circle], Ard Matthews [Just Jinjer], Andre’ De Villiers, Jesse Clegg, Guy Buttery, Hassan’adas, Gavin Minter, Paige Mac, Nick Tuner, Hatcheman and Jennifer Eaves [Please note that this event starts at 17h00]
1 March
Goldfish
Goldfish bring a spectacular and eclectic genre-defying mix of live instruments, deliciously groovy house beats, trip-hop infused vocals and a searing live performance to the sometimes robotic and formulaic world of electronic music. It is their powerful merger of soulful, live instruments combining with the raw tribal energy of technical perfection that has catapulted this uber-talented duo from impromptu jams at a tiny beach club in Cape Town, to headlining appearances in Amsterdam’s Olympic Stadium. They have just returned from another residency in Ibiza as well as many sold-out European and American dates.
8 March
Mi Casa
Mi Casa’s three members, Dr Duda (producer and club DJ), J-Something (vocalist and guitarist) and Mo-T (trumpeter) blend their musical talent to create a soulful sound. Warm house beats peppered with jazz trumpet and a fresh twist of soul, the Mi Casa sound recipe is rich and authentic. Since the band was founded in 2010, they have already won numerous accolades and awards. Mi Casa have done extensive international tours and in 2013 they released their second award winning album “Su Casa” to critical acclaim.
15 March
Al Bairre and Shortstraw
Al Bairre is a Cape Town based, 4-piece Symphonic Indie pop band, who combine cello, violin, guitars, keys, ukelele and drums. Al Bairre launched in 2012 and drawing influence from bands such as Arcade Fire, Fleetwood Mac and Vampire Weekend, their goal was to take an indie band and turn it into an “ice cream of orchestral sounds”
Winner of MK Award for Best Indie in 2013 – Shortstraw are undoubtedly making waves on the national indie music scene in a big way. With their simple melodies and catchy rhythms and often unexpectedly brilliant lyrics, the band has taken pleasure in rocking the most prominent live music venues and clubs in the country and is well known for getting the crowd dancing!
22 March
Beatenberg and Gangs of Ballet
Beatenberg is a fresh new face in pop music from South Africa who exploded onto the music scene in 2014, Beatenberg is showing that it is possible to make music on one’s own terms, whilst simultaneously achieving great success. They are creating and defining a “new South African sound” that pays homage to our country’s musical heritage whilst also breaking new ground with their unmistakably global pop sensibility. The band consists of Matthew Field on guitar, Ross Dorkin, on bass, and Robin Brink on drums.
Five times SAMA nominated, MTV MAMA Award winning band, comprises of four musicians and friends, who have combined their various individual tastes and styles to create a sound that is captivatingly fresh. Gangs of Ballet boast a winning combination of vibrant energy and a host of musically intriguing melodies, that cannot be pinned down to any specific genre but rather experiments with an eclectic mix of alternative, melodic, anthemic, electronic and dance
29 March
Johnny Clegg
Johnny Clegg is a dancer, anthropologist, singer, songwriter, academic, activist and French knight. Whilst all of these tags are fitting, none of them can accurately describe the energetic, passionate human being who has become one of South Africa’s greatest musical exports. He has campaigned against the injustice of apartheid South Africa and been instrumental in putting the new South Africa on the map as a cultural ambassador. Johnny Clegg is an icon of South African music.
5 April
Jeremy Loops
Jeremy’s music is steeped in folk, with traces of hip hop, Balkan, jazz, rock, and house influences sprinkled liberally. Winner of the 2013 MK Male Solo Artist of the Year award, his career has been built on a strong live act, supported by rapper Motheo Moleko and multi-instrumentalist James Faull. Their strong live performance has been validated by winning the award for Best Live Act at the 2014 MK Awards. His debut album “Trading Change” went to number 1 on the iTunes charts and was also the most streamed album on Deezer SA and Simfy Africa. He has spent most of 2014 touring internationally.
WHAT & WHEN: The Summer Sunset Concerts take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town on Sundays: Gates open 16h00. Concerts start 17h30 and end at 19h00 except where otherwise stated.
TICKETS: prices range between R100 and R160 for adults. The special Youth Ticket (6-21 yrs) will also be retained (ranging from R75 to R140). Please note Passenger on February 15 is one price only – no discounts: R365
Book online or Box office and telephone ticket sales (021 761 2866) start from the Tuesday preceding each concert if there are still tickets available. For further information and ticket prices: call 021 799 8783 or online
INFO: Follow the music: twitter: @KirstenboschNBG #KBRocks
Facebook: Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts
