Rockville 2069: A Rock Musical set to challenge the status quo

Rockville 2069 – Graphic Novel sneak peak.

Rockville 2069: A Rock Musical set to challenge the status quo.

Rockville 2069, the creative brainchild of composer Johnny Ray, is a rocking contemporary musical – set to create a major paradigm shift in this particular genre. The most simplistic description tagged to this musical is, “An explosive mix of rock music meets the future with a delicious techno edge.” The futuristic rock musical is a love story set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, steeped in philosophies characterised by the 60’s and 70’s rebellion phase.

Johnny Ray dreamed up the concept of communicating the story through a graphic novel, after noticing the gap in the market for a production – allowing for the combination of the current zeitgeist taste for sweeping sci-fi fantasies with a decidedly lyrical mode of execution, at a comic festival. His revelation led to the decision to further explore the sci-fi theme by means of a graphic novel – launching the new-fangled epic on both the music- and literary scenes.

Interest in the project spread like wildfire, and soon Ray had his pick off creatives wanting in on the revolutionary project. In the end, Espresso – the graphic team under direction of Brendan Mitchell – and story board artist, Leandro van der Westhuizen made the cut. In the rendering stage, illustrator Mary Jane Oliver climbed on board.

Technical production began three months ago. This has culminated in a 40-page graphic novel that provides an engaging visual journey – perfectly complimenting the soundtrack. While the graphic novel provides an enhanced experience, it is the musical itself creating the major stir amongst would be audiences.

The unique nature of the project provides an exciting showcase for the varied group of dynamic vocalists, including Joseph Clark, Andries Botha and Michael Naranjo.

Bit more on Clark, Botha and Naranjo.

Joseph Clark has an extensive ballet and musical theatre background. He is well known for his sought-after corporate entertainment in South Africa, Europe and USA. He recently returned from the Netherlands as lead vocalist in The Queen Experience – staged in Gelredome Soccer Stadium. The Queen Experience was showcased to over 30 000 people.

Andries Botha is a prolific home-grown talent known for his incredible vocal ability and range, including everything from heavy metal to classical compositions. Having recently made his mark on the audio-visual and arrangements scene, Botha is also recognised for his work on the ‘Boetie’ show with Werner Fensham, for his lead guitar spot in the band that featured on ‘Dis hoe dit is, met Steve’-on kykNET, as well as his acclaimed album ‘Blou Planeet’.

Michael Naranjo – Hailed as one of the best songwriters the South African industry, Michael found his calling as music producer while working at the David Gresham recording studio. With this type of talent bolstering the production, it is no wonder the announcement of the show is causing such a stir. Keep an eye out for upcoming showcases on more of the artists involved.

Concert for the CD Launch of Rockville 2069 takes place on Saturday the 18th of August at Kelvin Grove in Newlands, Cape Town.

Doors open at 20h00, show starts at 20h30.

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime show!

Tickets: R 120 – R 400 per person at Webtickets: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=379823991

Standard ticket price: R 120 – This would exclude the graphic novel and CD, but would include a ticket to the concert, welcome drinks and food (and after celebration of sushi and champagne).

The graphic novel and CD will be on sale afterwards.

Premium ticket price: R 285 Food and refreshments on arrival, and a special edition gift pack which includes the graphic novel and the CD. After party includes sushi and champagne.

Please note: If a couple only require one graphic novel and CD – it’s R 200 per person – which means R400 in total.

For more information, visit the following social media links:

Website: http://www.rockville2069.com/

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/rockville2069arockmusical

Twitter: twitter.com/Rockville2069

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qa7U3OmEQ7E

Tumblr: http://www.tumblr.com/blog/rockville2069

Rockville 2069 the musical – poster

Follow @SuneLotter

Follow @Rockville2069

Gerald Clark to undergo surgery on the eve of new album launch.

Gerald Clark, veteran of SA blues scene, just received word that he is to undergo surgery on his vocal chords. This news comes mid of Clark’s preparation to re-launch Blues and Lovesongs under a brand new moniker – Black Water.

The launch date was set for the 30^th of August at Mercury Blues Sessions.

The surgery required by Clark, will see doctors remove a growth that has been obstructing his vocal chords. This will effectively leave Clark with only two-thirds of his vocal ability.

Through a press release received from Clark’s PR, Ice Carstens, Fans are assured that the release of the album will go ahead as planned in August.

Clark is expected to be back in action by the end of October, and he plans to reschedule his Black Water tour for November/December.

More about the man…

Clark started his career as the frontman of blues outfit, Delta Blue. The band toured extensively – nationally and internationally – between 1999 and 2005.

In 2005, Clark kicked off his solo career in a big way with the release of his critically acclaimed Afrikaans album Sweepslag. The album received a SAMA Award nomination, three Tempo – and two Vonk nominations. The intervening years, saw Clark collaborate with the likes of Stephan Dixon, Albert Frost, Luna Paige – as well as industry heavyweights Van Coke Kartel, Dan Patlanksy and Bok van Blerk.

Clark recently returned from the US, where he blew the minds of audiences in Nashville, Memphis and Jackson. An album is in the works, and recording will commence as soon as Clark has fully recovered from surgery. The songs featured on the new album will fall under the blanket term – Country Soul, a term Clark has coined to describe the new direction his songwriting is exploring. These new tracks are set to haunting melodies that serve to support the varied nuances of Clark’s distinctive voice – a mature and contemporary take on his established style.

The Album is set for release in March 2013.

Best wishes go out to Clark in this coming few weeks.

We wish him a speedy recovery, and anxiously anticipate the big things we know are coming his way!   

 

Follow @SuneLotter

Follow @thegeraldclark

Die Heuwels Fantasties raise funds for People living with Cancer

Die Heuwels Fantasties; Manfred Werner

Afrikaans Electro Pop group, Die Heuwels Fantasties, are opening up some fantastic hearts to help raise funds for the charity organization, People Living with cancer.

The band will be hosting two concerts at the Willowbridge Barnyard Theatre in Bellville on the 14th and 15th of August – the funds raised aiding the above mentioned charity organization.

“We’re very excited to do something like this again at the Barnyard. Last year was a major success. It felt slightly like a street braai with all our school friends and their parents attending. Much more is expected this time around, with it being for a good cause”, says Hunter Kennedy.

Label and band…

Supra Familias, the record label owned by Heuwel’s Pierre Greeff and Hunter Kennedy, have a long standing relationship with the organization, People Living with Cancer.  Supras’ first release as a record label wasthe Son in Blom compilation album in 2008. The aim of this compilation was to generate funds for charity.

Both label and band have been involved with various charities throughout their career.  In 2010 they released the Vredefest Elektro compilation album which raised money for the Vrede Foundation. The Vrede Foundation caters for young children living with cancer.

More Info on the shows.

The show on the 14^th of August will be an acoustic performance, where the band will be entertaining the crowd with some chilled out acoustic renditions of old favorites. The show promises to be a relaxed affair – aimed specially at calm at heart.                                                                                                                                               Tickets for the show are R100.

The show on the 15^th of August will be a proper party performance for the spirited and young at heart.                                                                                                                                          Doors open at 18:30, and the show kicks off at 20:00.                                                                Tickets for the show are R120.

Bookings can be made at:  http://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/show.aspx?srid=1040 / (021) 914 8898

It’s good to see a hugely successful – multi award winning –  band such as Die Heuwels, keep their hearts on the ground, by supporting worthy causes such as People Living with Cancer.

If you are in the region of the Willowbridge Barnyard Theatre in Bellville on the 14th and 15th of August, make you sure you pull in!                                                                                        It’s good music for a great cause!

Oros in ‘n snow globe – ‘n glimlag in die koue

Oros in n Lang Glas ; Danya Botha

 

Tot die groot teleurstelling van menigte Oros fans in Bloemfontein, kon die manne Saterdag nie die Vryfees stage aan die brand sing nie. Moedernatuur het haar vieslike sin van humor ten toon gestel en ‘n stoute sneeu stokkie daarvoor gesteek.

Maar voor ek die sneeu avontuur in kleure en geure aan julle oopvlek… eers die backdrop.

Oros in ‘n Lang Glas is nou al vir die afgelope 26 dae op ‘n nation wide toer.

First-up was n lekker vibed show in die pragtige almost Middle-earth like dorpie van Clarens. Na n goeie ontvangs in Clarens, was dit tyd om die rooi grond van die states vir tyd en wyl te verruil vir die lekker provinsie van bulle, Gautreins, hipsters en coffee shops. Die Vrystaters het gegaan vir gees en die Gautengers se voete laat jubel en juig.

Na ‘n week se rond dans in JoToria, het die manne gemission na Nelspruit vir Innibos – ook bekend as Nel-Sparta.  Daar het die manne lekker amok gemaak. Die twee shows was uiters suksesvol en die toename in acitivity op hulle social profiles het dit bevestig.

Na Innibos was dit weer terug na ‘n week se big city life gigging met shows in onder andere Jozi, Bronkhorstspruit en Benoni.                                                                                                                                                   Die show in Benoni, waar hulle die stage met die trash-folkers Shortstraw gedeel het, het onder die naam – Dans Dance Englikaans – plaasgevind. Die Afrikaanse/Engelse fusion was ‘n fenominale sukses, en het  bewys dat goeie musiek geen taal ken nie.

Na ‘n vinninge stopover in Clarens vir ‘n gig by die gewilde Mosaic, was dit next stop… Cape Town.

In die Kaap het hulle in Zula Bar die stage met die brother sister combo, Janie and the Beard en Two Minute Puzzle gedeel. Die brass bell show kon nie lekker realiseer nie… blykbaar die omgewing… of was dit nou die gemeenskap… dalk die polisie… ek kan nie onthou nie, maar iemand het blykbaar gaan kla en weens boetes en issues kon die klok nie lui nie.

Hulle Kaapse toer is afgesluit in Hermanus se Gheko Bar. Die gees het oorgekook. Die diverse crowd van jonges en oues… en sommer net vreemdes het diep lekker saam gekuier. Daar was selfs ‘n blind-verliefde jong getroude knaap wat R500 aangebied het vir die speel van sy vroulief se gunsteling tune, Kryptonite. Times are tough en seriously… touring ain’t easy… so 12h die nag is die transaksie gesluit en Kryptonite is gecover.

So, met groot moeite en reuse sakke onder die oë het die manne 4h die oggend van 14 Julie opgestaan om die pad terug Bloemfontein toe aan te durf. Die toer sou op ‘n skouspelagtige wyse saam met swaargewigte, Bittereinder, Shadowclub en Van Coke Kartel op die Vryfees-verhoog afgesluit word. Die middag 10h stop die manne in Beaufort Wes – for all intents and purposes now referred to as Narnia. Die baie aktiwiteit binne die dorp moes seker ‘n aanduiding gewees het van dinge wat kom, maar die kombinasie van moegheid en opgewondenheid het die intelegensie vlakke maar laag gehad.

Honger en opgewonde oor die show – en die Wimpy burgers, strompel die klomp die Engen binne. Binne die Wimpy het daar ‘n stukkie papier op ‘n bordjie gehang wat die manne se gees  – momentarily – heeltemal verpletter het. “N1 between Beaufort Wes and Three sisters closed.” Twee wou huil… twee wou lag. “Regtig… seriously, dis die Karoo. Dis seker net ‘n bietjie ys op die pad… dit sal binnekort oopgaan, kom ons chill net vir 5… hê ‘n burgertjie en val dan in die pad.” Een uur later was die pad steeds gesluit. Toe begin die planne die een na die ander val. Daar is roetes onderhandel… probeer… en uitgedink. Maar nee, elke moontlike opsie was iewers onder sneeu. Die ambulans wat iewers op een van hierdie sinister roetes verdwyn het, was die laaste aanduiding dat daar nêrens uit Beaufort Wes gery sou kon word nie. Toe ken iemand, iemand met ‘n moontlik vliegtuig, maar na verdere navrae, kon niemand R17 000 opdok vir die nood trip nie. Teen drie uur die middag, was dit tyd vir frontman, Shandor Potgieter om die Vryfees mense in kennis te stel, ”Ons sit vas in Narnia… ons gaan nie Vryfees maak nie.”
Vir hartseer wees was daar nie veel tyd nie. Die manne sit nou vas… dis nou so… ”So  boys, waar slaap ons?” Onmiddellik is daar rondgeskakel, maar aangesien die hele Suid-Afrika in Beaufort Wes gestrand gesit het was daar geen slaapplek in enige gastehuis of hotel nie. ‘n Vriendin van ‘n Vriendin het gelukkig tot die redding van die groep gekom en met haar ouers gereël dat die traveling party daar aan huis kon gaan. Die groep was verbaas oor die warm gasvryheid waarmee hulle deur die le Roux’s ontvang is. “Jy weet, dis nie baie mense wat sommer ‘n klomp vreemde kinders sal inneem nie… wat nog te sê van ‘n groep musikante,” het Shandor gemeen.

Die hele Suid – Afrika sit vas in Beaufort Wes ; Danya Botha

Die aand het Oros in die rigting van die Beaufort Wes nightlife gewals. Die een plek was onbetaalbaar, die ander plek – vreesaanjaend. Die deure van die Spur, die Dros en Saddles was nie meer oop nie… en na ‘n uur was daar geen eet- of drinkplek gevind nie. Uiteindelik, eindig die manne op in ‘n klein knus pizza-plekkie met ‘n alkohol liksens. Dit was genoeg. Die feit dat swembadpompe en waterfilters on the side verkoop word het die groep nie regtig gepla nie. Drie ure in die eet-skapade in, was die pizzas steeds nie op die tafel nie… maar die wyn, en die gluhwein het geloop soos ‘n trok op die N1…okay…nee wag, not applicable.                                                                                                                             Die groep was egter rustig… dis Narnia, ons konsep van tyd en hulle s’n… not the same. Die aand het verby gewarrel… die Pizzas het gepitch… ‘n potjie wine-coinage het sporadies uitgebars – ‘n wyn glas is natuurlik gebruik – en die eienaar het luidkeel gejubel toe die groep besluit… slaaptyd.

Sondag, 15 Julie, was die manne vroeg op en opgewonde om huiswaarts te keer. Dit was ‘n lang toer en dit was nou tyd vir hulle eie beddens om hulle welkom terug te heet. Maar nee, moedernatuur het haar siek sin vir humor ontbloot en ander planne met die groep gehad. Teen 10h was dit duidelik dat die pad nie vinnig oop sou gaan nie… so vir tyd en wyl was Beaufort Wes hul tuiste. Die besluit is gemaak om die beste van die stranded saak te maak. Die groep het die pad gevat opsoek na sneeu. ‘n Paar lekker videos van treffers is tussen klipperasies geshoot… die spierwit berge die perferkte backdrop. Na ‘n sneeubal geveg – waarin almal besef het – sneeu is koud en nat, is daar besluit om maar weer na die snowed in headquarters – Engen, Wimpy – te gaan. Daar aangekom was niks nuut en is daar nog ‘n paar Rand in Wimpy spandeer. So tussen die burgers en die chips, het die manne gelet dat die geestestoestand maar somber was. Die manne het die acoustic gegryp en die skare karre ingewals. ‘n Hele paar stoute treffers is tot groot vermaak van die gestrande motoriste gegooi… en vir tyd en wyl was daar ‘n glimlag in die koue lig.

Oros in n Lang Glas vermaak bietjie die gestrande massas ; Danya Botha

Danie Otto probeer n geldjie insamel…maar al die geld le reeds in Engen Wimpy se kluis.; Danya Botha

Al het Oros in ‘n Lang Glas die koue skouer vir Vryfees gekry en al was hulle hartgebroke daaroor – het hulle die beste van ‘n ongemaklike saak gemaak! “Dude, seriously… dit lyk soos freakin Narnia… daar is sneeu in die Karoo… en soos actual sneeu. Wanneer gaan enige van ons weer die kans kry om so iets te sien,” het Shandor gesê.

Hieronder is ‘n lekker onderhoud wat ek sommer te die midde een van hulle acoustic shows op die Highway gedoen het.

TAXI VIOLENCE : Deer in the Headlights Tour

Deborah Rossouw

Time to get those headlights fixed, because the boys from Taxi Violence are hitting the road with their Deer in the Headlights Tour.

Check out the tour dates below, and make sure you get a healthy dose of Taxi Violence live, when they rock up at a venue near you.

JULY

18th Mercury Live (Unplugged) Cape Town

19th Tanz Cafe, Johannesburg

20th Arcade Empire, Pretoria

21st Stones, Boksburg

28th The Assembly, Cape Town – with Van Coke Kartel

AUGUST

3rd Klein Libertas, Stellenbosch

8th  Wavehouse, Durban

9th Oppikoppi, Northam

 

To do a bit of catching up on all the Taxi Violence…put down your newspaper and take up you e-reader.

The MK piece is one I was so very fortunate to have done with them.

http://mk.dstv.com/2012/07/11/taxi-violence-talks-diy-record-deals-and-an-old-new-direction/

http://lwmag.co.za/music/q-a-with-taxi-violence/

Taxi Violence are socially connectable, so be sure to check out there Facebook and Twitter profiles to stay up to date with all the necessary…and unnecessary info and goings on.

Twitter: @Taxi_Violence_

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/taxiviolence

 

See you at Koppi Taxi Violence!

 

Concert for the CD launch of Rockville 2069: A Rock Musical.

Poster for Rockville 2069

Rockville 2069, the creative brainchild of composer Johnny Ray, is a rocking contemporary musical – set to create a major paradigm shift in this particular genre.

With the script and lyrics written by Johnny Ray and Bruno Paiola, this fully orchestrated production sees over 60 artists and musicians from different cultural and musical backgrounds collaborating – brining a new and discordant voice to the musical rock scene. The end-result is a journey infused with a variety of emotions – a true lyrical roller coaster.

The music was written by Johnny Ray and arranged by Ray and Kyle Peterson. It was masterfully adapted and scored by Darryl Andrews.                                                                 The album was produced by TLC productions, tracked and mixed at the Nut House Recording Studio under the musical direction of Andrew Ford and mastered by Tim Lengfeld of TL Mastering.                                                                                                                The CD distribution has been contracted to EMI, and the release is due in early September. There are a total of 22 tracks on the album.

A fully orchestrated rock musical – this album is a huge production by any standards.    The following musicians and artists contributed:

Strings:

Patrick Goodwin (Lead), Titzia Blake, Lucia Scott, Dorette Roos, Paula Fourie, Petra Hofmeyer and Kristian Chernev

Woodwinds:

Marc de Kock and Basil Raad

Trumpets:

Dave Thompson and Michael Blake

Percussion:

Frank Mallows, Andrew Ford and Bronwen Clacherty

Drums:

Kevin Gibson Bass: Prof Mike Campbell and Shaun Johannes

Acoustic Guitar:

Tony Cox

Electric Guitar:

Juan Oosthuizen (Floors)

Keyboards:

Andrew Ford, Kyle Peterson and Ricardo McCarthy

Harmonica:

Dave Ferguson

Main Vocalists:

Michael Naranjo, Joseph Clark, Lucy Tops, Bronwyn Reddy, Monique Hellenburg, Andries Botha and Cedric Van Denschrik

Featured and Backing Vocalists:

Beverly Scott-Brown, Bronwyn Reddy, Lucy Tops, Leanni Ekermans, Dane Parman, Madeleen Falck, Sandile Gontsana, Cliff Benton, Riyaan Cornelius, Zakes Wulana, Monique Hellenberg and TJ Simon Techno Mix and Production: Sergio Batista and Neil Potgieter

More about the musical…

The most simplistic description tagged to this musical is, “An explosive mix of rock music meets the future with a delicious techno edge.”                                                                                                                                                     The futuristic rock musical is at heart – a love story. Its set against the backdrop of a post-apocalyptic world, steeped in philosophies characterised by the 60’s and 70’s rebellion phase.

The story tells of an Earth destroyed by man’s negligence and climate change. A small group of archipelago islands known as Rockville has survived. With it, a group of peace-loving rockers, sound technicians and musicians – who at the time celebrated 100 years of the Woodstock Festival of 1969. As the only known survivors, they create a protective force field that shelters them from the frozen wasteland and toxic fog that is earth. The shield is regenerated with resonating sound waves. In order to do this, the musicians play every day at dusk and dawn.

True to human nature, the harmonious calm does not last long, as a group of ragged outsiders try to take control of this utopia. Ultimately a tale of betrayal, treachery and greed unfolds. Epically, the day is saved by a “battle of the bands” fuelled by loyalty and love.

The concert for the CD Launch of Rockville 2069 takes place on Saturday the 18th of August at Kelvin Grove in Newlands, Cape Town.

Doors open at 20h00 and the show starts at 20h30.

Do not miss this once-in-a-lifetime show!

Tickets: R 285 per person at Webtickets: http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=379823991

Ticket includes: Food and refreshments on arrival, as well as a special edition gift pack which includes the Graphic Novel and the CD.

After party includes sushi and champagne.

Please note: If a couple only requires one graphic novel and CD the price comes to R200 per person, which means R400 in total.

Social media links:

Website: www.rockville2069.com/

Facebook: www.facebook.com/rockville2069arockmusical

Twitter: twitter.com/Rockville2069

Youtube: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=qa7U3OmEQ7E

Jack Parow gets ready to say…Nostrovia

Jack Parow about to say…Nostrovia

South – Africa’s prime brand of Kiefness is getting ready to take on Mother Russia.

Jack Parow will be the headlining act at the official opening party of the Puma Social Club in Gorky Park, Moscow, on the 19^th of July 2012.

Regarding this an excited Parow said, “Yes, blêrrie amped to be going to Russia!  I’ve never been there and I’m ready for some extreme vodka drinking!  Nostrovia!!”

Jack Parow , Manfred Werner

Eugenia Guslyarova, PUMA Russia’s Country Marketing Manager had this to say:  “The PUMA Social Club at Gorky Park is a unique space in terms of architecture and content. Be it sport that you’re into or art and design, it combines both into one fun space. We have a lounge, gallery, skate-pool, mini-velodrome and a parkour-zone co-created with people who love the sport and style to become the alternative meeting place of Moscow’s after hour athletes. We’re excited to have South African Rapper Jack Parow as our headlining act at the opening of the PUMA Social Club in Moscow for the first time ever and expect Jack to bring the real Zef here. Rally to Gorky Park!”

 

http://www.pumagorkypark.com/

 

Jack Parow’s acclaimed sophomore album, Eksie Ou, delivered the hits Hosh Tokolosh and Hard Partytjie Hou (featuring Francois van Coke).  Hosh Tokolosh was the first Afrikaans song to reach number 1 on 5FM’s Top 40. Hard Partytjie hou is currently on high circulation on music channel MK, whilst tearing up Radio charts across the country.

 

View the music video for Hard Partytjie Hou here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZEwRxInP0Is

 

Parow is socially connectable, so be sure to follow his world dominating antics on Facebook and twitter.

http://www.facebook.com/#!/pages/Jack-Parow/64726534124

@JackParow

Die Tuindwergies…1000 shots Guiness World Record Attempt – Firkin Centurion

Christelle Duvenhage

Die Tuindwergies took part in an official Guinness World Record attempt on the 6^th of July 2012. The idea behind the attempt was for as many people as possible to drink a shot of …at the exact same moment.

Hannes du Plessis, Die Tuindwergies` manager confirmed that the Guinness attempt was well worth the shot. The appointed auditor concluded that the amount of shots to be downed at the same time by an undisclosed sized audience, was 1013. They will now compile all required documentation and send it off to Guinness for adjudication. This will take about 3weeks. They will then be notified if it is an official record. Due to prior sponsorship and choice, Jagermeister was the band`s choice of drink. The twitter hashtag – #JagerDwerg – managed to trend in Pretoria on the evening. I think it safe to say, the evening was a major success!

On the night, DieTuindwergies also introduced their new album “Terwyl dieDonker Wolke Dans” to fans in Pretoria

Terwyl die Donker Wolke Dans, is now available in all good music stores – nationwide.

To catch a taste of the new Dwerg-Vibe, make a break for any one of their upcoming shows:

12 July 2012 – Aan de Braak Stellenbosch.

13 July 2012 – Billabong PRO, Jeffreysbay.

14 July 2012 – ATKV Walvis Saal, Hartenbos, Entrance R60, begin 20h00,

Contact Hannes

25 July 2012 – Aandklas Stellenbosch.

28 July 2012 – Assembly, CapeTown.

1 August 2012 – Memphis Rock Potchefstroom, Entrance R30, begin 20h00, Contact Kyle at Memphis Rock.

2 August 2012 – Arcade Empire – NEW Venue PTA.

 

Die Tuindwergies is socially connectable, so follow them on Facebook and Twitter

http://www.facebook.com/#!/dietuindwerge

@DieTuindwergies

Ard Matthews’s solo “FirstOfferings” to hit stores in July.

Ard Matthews

The 30thof July 2012 will see Ard Matthews release his debut solo album, FirstOfferings.

Ard Matthews is one of SA’s most respected singer/songwriters. His music is real and his presence on any given stage, surreal.

Ard made name for himself as the frontman of the revolutionary South-African band, Just Jinger. With his deep hitting lyrics and melodic arrangements, he paved the way to the success of their debut album, All Comes Around. This album went on to become one of the biggest selling albums in its genre in SA – of all time . In a year’s time All comes Around reached double platinum status. The following year the band’s second album, Something for now, achieved the same status.

In 2012, Ard made the decision to venture onto a solo path. Ard’s extensive writing process literally took him all over the world – from sailing around the Mafia islands, to an extended trip to India. The album sees Ard draw off a diverse blend of themes and thoughts.

With a healthy dose of life experience and a brand new zest to his tracks, this new album is set to take Ard Matthews on quite the solo adventure.

“This album has been a diary of my life in a way. It is a musical depiction of where I’ve been over the last couple of years and I’m really excited to share it with everybody. I hope that the public are ready to listen to raw, unpretentious, brutally honest music, because that is what this is about ,” Ard says.

According to Ard the general theme is love .He simply puts it, “While trends and fashions come andgo, love always prevails.”

FirstOfferings is an independent release and will be distributed by MESH(Music & Entertainment Solutions Hub.) All tracks were written, produced, recorded and performed by Ard Matthews. Guest artists such as Tumi (and the Volume), John Ellis, Paul Hepker, Theo Crous, rugby great Alistair Hargreaves and big wave surfers Ryan Butcher and Greg Bertish are credited where they appear. The album was mixed in Los Angeles by Bryan Cook (Train, Five for Fighting) and mastered by Hans DeKline.

The live band representing this album is called The Ard Matthews Affair and features Ard on vocals and bass guitar accompanied by an all-star line-up consisting of John Ellis (Tree 63) on guitar and Josh Klynsmith (Gangs of Ballet)on drums.

For those fans amongst us, who cannot handle the anticipation anymore, FirstOfferings can be  streamed and is available for download in any format from Ard’s web store:www.ardmatthews.com/store

To catch Mr Matthews live, get yourself to one of his following live shows:

13th July – 5FM / Billabong Pro Music Festival -Jeffrey’s Bay – http://www.5fm.co.za/events/the-5fm-music-festival-the-billabong-pro

22nd July – Moyo – Kirstenbosch Gardens – Cape Town -(Acoustic/Solo) -http://www.moyo.co.za/contact-us.aspx

6th August – Gateway Barnyard Theatre – Durban -http://www.barnyardtheatre.co.za/findus.aspx?vid=4

29th September – Symphonic Rocks – Cape Town – http://symphonicrocks.co.za/

6th October – Symphonic Rocks – Johannesburg – http://symphonicrocks.co.za/

Ard is also socially connectable, and you can follow him on Facebook and twitter:

Twitter:@ardmatthews  Hashtag: #FirstOfferings.

Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ardmatthews

Dans Dance Englikaans

Dans, Dance Englikaans – Poster, Easthouse Designs

The 6^th of July will see all the cool kids running to Benoni.

Two of South – Africa’s great original bands, Oros in n Lang Glas and Shortstraw, will be bringing an unique experience the way of Cool Runnings, Benoni.

Whether you Dance, or Dans – it does not matter – good music and lekker vibes knows no language.

Something short and sweet about the two bands.

Oros in n Lang Glas, is the on fire Arikaans folk rock group from Bloemfontein.           These last couple of months have seen the band win over the hearts of many a sceptical fan. The hardworking band, whose debut self-titled EP is probably already blasting on you ipod, is keeping very busy. With a newly released music video, the recording of  their first full length album and a nationwide tour – they are staying relevant and in the faces of fans and critics alike. The amazing response they received at the recent Innibos fees, a clear sign thereof.

Shortstraw, the Thrash Folk band from Johannesburg, have seen a phenomenal serge of success these past months. With their singles raiding the airwaves of various Radio stations – their videos dominating the MK charts – they are proving to be quite the folksy force. With a rigorous touring schedule, Shortstraw have succeeded in conquering the stages of many an iconic venue across SA. Like Oros, these okes put on a phenomenal life performance, ensuring that the energy they project grabs a hold of every single individual in the crowd.

So make sure you join the diversely lekker party on the 6^th of July in Cool Running Benoni.

Entrance is free, and the show kicks off at 21:30.

Come and Dans Dance in Englikaans with Oros in n Lang Glas, and Shortstraw!!