/ 1 March 2012

Durban music picks: March 2 2012

Carrying the torch for South African soul stylists Miriam Makeba and Busi Mhlongo is KwaZulu-Natal singing sensation Melody, who is the star of this weekend’s Sundowner Session presented by the Playhouse Company.

The singer will take advantage of the venue’s excellent acoustics and laid-back ambience. Admission is free and the bar is open.

Playhouse Grand Foyer, Friday March 2 at 6pm. Tel: 031 369 9596/9540 Website: playhousecompany.com.

? During auditions for the new talent stage at the 2010 World Cup, Neil Comfort, owner of live music venue the Rainbow Restaurant, was blown away by ­Nigerian guitarist Solomon Willy. Willy ­subsequently performed several solo slots at the restaurant and recently performed with a five-piece band at Sibusiso Mndaweni’s Jam Session. This weekend, the seven-piece ­Solomon Willy Band takes centre stage at the Oude Meester Jazz Session, an event not to be missed by anyone even vaguely enthusiastic about the rich musical traditions of the continent.

Rainbow Restaurant, 22 Stanfield Avenue, Pinetown, Sunday March 4 at 2pm. Tickets are R20 presale and R30 at the door. Expect a big party with lots of goodies from Oude Meester to be won. Tel: 031 702 9161/083 463 8044. Website: therainbow.co.za.

? Steve Newman and Greg Georgiades are two virtuoso acoustic guitarists whose respective solo repertoires are legendary. So when they combine forces it is something with which to be reckoned. Newman and Georgiades are renowned for transporting audiences along melodic trails of rhythmic delight.

Bluestockings, Kloof, on March 2 at 7.30pm. Entrance R80 with advance booking essential. Tel: 083 659 3628.