Durban is typically laid-back this week, with folk music from home and abroad the focus this week.
? On a garden stage surrounded by fairy lights and stars, sublime live- music venue Bluestockings presents inimitable Minnesota-born folk-country songstress Jaspar Lepak for an evening of sonic serenity. Special guest Rachel van Scoy, who sings harmonies on Lepak’s most recent albums, is in town for the evening and Lepak adds even more depth and texture to her lilting sound with Kale Lepak on accordion, Bryan Eaton on banjo and legendary bluesman Richard Haslop on Dobro and mandolin. Lepak’s soul-stirring songs have been gaining her a considerable following and the last time she played here the venue was sold out.
Bluestockings, Dan Pienaar Road, Kloof. Friday June 17 at 7pm. Tickets are R60 (R110 including home-made vegetarian meal). Tel: 083 659 3628.
? Internationally renowned guitarist, singer and songwriter Nibs van der Spuy has been touring the world with his insightful acoustic guitar mastery and poignant lyrics for years. During this time he has released a series of critically acclaimed albums and his latest, A House Across the River, received a full-page review in leading French paper Libération. After a six-month absence, Van der Spuy returns to his home province for a wide-ranging series of shows with various high-profile guests.
Tour dates as follows: Collisheen Estate (with percussionist Gareth Gale) on Friday June 17 and Saturday June 18 at 7pm. Tickets are R60. Tel: 032 947 0198 / 071 670 8930 / 082 686 8004. Visit: www.collisheen.co.za. Hydrangea House, 38 Sutton Road, Hilton, Sunday June 19, noon. Tickets are R75. Tel: 033 3431455 / 082 464 8412. Alliance Française (with Guy Buttery), 22 Sutton Crescent, Durban, Friday June 24 at 7.30pm. Tickets are R100. Tel: 031 312 9582.
? The popular Old Mutual Music at the Lake Concert series offers entertainment for the family on Father’s Day with a concert by the KwaZulu-Natal Philharmonic Orchestra. The day of outdoor fun and fine music represents a wonderful opportunity for family and friends to relax and enjoy a picnic at the lake. The laid-back occasion also offers plenty of delightful distractions for children in the Kids Zone.
Durban Botanic Gardens, Sunday June 19, gates open at 12.30pm and the concert starts at 2.30pm. Tickets are R70 in advance and R80 on the day. Tel: 031 309 1170 / 031 202 5819.