Jaspar Lepak has to be seen to be believed — she possesses a rare, haunting power that yaws between aching vulnerability and gritty intensity.
? Good news for fans of quality original music is that the Barnyard Theatre bestows its mighty sound system on an excellent singer-songwriter for one night.
American folk-country minstrel Jaspar Lepak has to be seen to be believed — she possesses a rare, haunting power that yaws between aching vulnerability and gritty intensity. Lepak channels indie-country icons Lucinda Williams, Loretta Lynn, Chan Marshall, Joni Mitchell and June Carter Cash while creating a sound that is at once classic and contemporary — and utterly, uniquely her own. This is the artist’s final show in her temporary hometown of Durban before returning to snowy Minnesota in the United States.
Barnyard Theatre, Monday September 19 at 7pm. Tickets are R100. Tel: 031 566 3045. Website: www.barnyardtheatres.co.za.
? DieselVanilla is the intriguing moniker of an acclaimed contemporary folk duo from Cape Town performing in one of Durban’s most intimate, acoustically excellent venues. Comprising Rouchelle Hubsch on lead vocals and Darren Peens on guitar and backing vocals, DieselVanilla’s sound is beautifully stripped, simple and majestic. Their harmonies make it clear that the two share a profound musical intuition, which transcends any kind of technical ability. This is their second show in Durban and their last in South Africa before they jet off to New York to record their debut album.
Bluestockings, Kloof, Friday September 16 at 7.30pm. Tickets are R70 and booking is essential. Tel: 083 659 3628.
? The Rainbow Restaurant, one of South Africa’s most iconic and long-standing jazz venues (it celebrates its 30th birthday this year), hosts two quality concerts that live up to all the establishment’s hallmarks: affordable entrance, libation and food, and fantastic music. The first international Playing for Change Day is a global day of action on which musicians of all varieties perform on stages, street corners and in cafés and city squares worldwide to raise money for improving the lives of underprivileged youngsters through music tuition.
Durban band Sinamuva, under the leadership of Bhekani Memela, is involved in the work of the Playing for Change Foundation and contributed to the global recording of John Lennon’s Stand by Me, the video of which has had more than 35-million views on YouTube. Performing alongside Sinamuva on September 17 are Young Mambazo, Phakam’ Afrika, Messengers of God, Intombi Yotalagu and Ubuhle Bezintandane. Doors open at 11am and entrance is R10. On September 18 the highly acclaimed Andile Yenana Quartet, featuring one of the greatest jazz pianists of his generation, is in action, supported by Durban ensemble Unlocked Keys. Doors open at noon and entrance is R50.
Rainbow Restaurant, 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. Tel: 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044. Email: [email protected]. Website: www.therainbow.co.za.