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BY BILLY SUTER
A COMMENDABLE initiative by dedicated Durban theatre and music fan, Roland Stansell, to keep both his interests alive, seems to be settling in nicely at Durban’s Windsor Tennis Club, opposite Glenwood High School.
It’s Tennis and Tunes, or T & T for short, which involves Roland, the entertainment director and manager of Durban’s Rhumbelow Theatre, arranging informal music gatherings and tennis matches at the club every Monday.
Friendly tennis (for those who wish to play – I prefer to sip a G&T, thank you very much) is from 4pm to 6pm, and racquets are available at the venue. After the friendly Monday games, the music, by a different guest music act every week, flows from 6pm to 9pm in the club.
It costs R50 a head on arrival – the money split between club funds and the entertainers – and it is all quite informal. Very low-fuss, with no stage or fancy lighting. The club bar is open and boerewors rolls and toasted sarnies are on sale.
In spite of the heavy humidity, I had a pleasant evening out when I attended with family and friends last week to enjoy exuberant Durban vocal trio, The Brunettes, comprising Marion Loudon, Tammy Saville and Chloe Clark.
Roland has already lined up acts until the end of March, so try to pop along and lend support and have fun. And take some pals along!
A wide variety of musical talent has been assembled and Roland hopes visitors will not only support their favourites but also give unfamiliar sounds and performers a chance: “If you don’t try it, you’ll never know if you like it,” seems to be his motto.
The drawcard on Monday, January 9, is Gavin Ferguson, a singer-guitarist whose second single, Never Know, is playlisted on East Coast Radio and Durban Youth Radio.
“I am a singer, songwriter and guitarist with a loop pedal and effects, as well as a producer with a home studio,” he says, adding that he also performs covers of popular songs at corporate functions, weddings and private parties. On a side note, he is also an actor.
“I have opened for and shared stages with artists like Khan from The Parlotones, Shortstraw, Locnville, Jeremy Loops, Matyhew Mole, John Ellis from Tree 63, Majozi, December Streets and Crash Car Burn.
“I have also played at festivals like Splashy Fen, Smoking Dragon, Lube and Tube,Biosphere, White Mountain, Peacanwood Octoberfest and the likes.”
Ferguson has also entertained locally at The Oyster Box, Zimbali, Elangeni, Maharani, Tall Ships and the Blue Waters Hotel.
“My playlist is quite diverse and appeals to a wide audience. I perform songs by, among others, Frank Sinatra, Bobby Darin, The Drifters, Elvis Presley, Ed Sheeran, George Ezra, Bruno Mars, The Weekend, Calvin Harris, Shaun Mendez, Black Street and R-Kelly”.
Visit YouTube for a taste of things to come from Gavin: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pswx2llAdlo
The following are acts have been booked for the next few Mondays at the venue
January 16: Rene Tshiakanyi
January 23: Miriam Erasmus
January 30: Nux Schwartz and Jason Andrew
NOTE: For more details about Tennis & Tunes or shows at the Rhumbelow Theatre contact Roland Stansell at 082 499 8636 or e-mail roland@stansell.za.net
.....SoSuterBill..... 