Dylan Tabisher (double bass) and Nathaniel Gates (trombone) and Joshua America (guitar) in In a class of their own (photo: provided)
The Hermanus FynArts Festival, held from 6 to 16 June, a fusion of arts festival and winter school, once again presents a full programme of music, theatre, ballet, workshops, culinary demonstrations, food, wine, exhibitions and the Strauss & Co series of presentations and discussions. This year, “heritage” weaves together a number of events.
From jazz and Ghoema rhythms to stand-up comedy and storytelling, celebrate the richness and complexity of South African history, art, cultural identity and transformation.
Wine, times and other tastings is a captivating journey into the story of modern South Africa at the Hermanus Golf Club. Award-winning writer Christopher Hope and Jean-Pierre Rossouw, food and wine author, critic, and commentator bring history and culture to life across five compelling acts, blending words, music, food and wine into an immersive sensory experience. Accompanied by stirring melodies violin, played by Wynand Davel (violin) and CJ Bergh (guitar), this performance transforms storytelling into a vibrant, rhythmic exploration of culture, memory and our all-too-human condition. Each of the five acts will be followed by a tasting of wine and a small plate.
A celebration of South Africa’s recent past, this show promises to engage and delight.
Kaapse kabaret, a show that evokes memories of the iconic Cape Town venues such as the Luxurama and Three Arts Theatre in Wynberg and the People’s Space Theatre in the city centre, will take place in the Dutch Reformed Church in Hermanus. Showcasing Cape Jazz and a fabulous line-up of percussionist Tabisher, who earned his MMus cum laude at Stellenbosch University and winner of the SAKV Muziq competition and SAMRO Overseas Scholarship; Ramon Alexander, pianist, bandleader, composer and head of Stellenbosch University’s jazz division; Leslie Kleinsmith, celebrated cabaret and jazz singer from Cape Town’s District Six who blends R&B, swing and big band; and Annemie Nel, who co-founded the Lady Day Big Band.
A unique combination of musicians draws inspiration from the heritage of local pop and jazz icons such as Miriam Makeba, Mango Groove and Abdullah Ibrahim and many more in We hear music. This concert at the Dutch Reformed Church in Hermanus presents a tapestry of diverse artistry featuring Ramon Alexander backed by his Trio and the Maties Jazz Society which he co-founded, , as well as the mesmerising talents of Capetonian jazz singers, Penelope Radsma and Leslie Kleinsmith. And to add an authentic South African flavour, the band includes Jack Lerole Jnr, penny whistler of Mango Groove fame who preserves Kwela music’s legacy through performing and teaching; Pedro Espi-Sanchis, (aka the Music Man), a global festival performer and educator, who combines African and folk styles showcasing a broad musical heritage; and the young singing sensation, Nic Miso.
Round of applause reloaded celebrates South Africa’s resilience during this masterpiece of entertainment that highlights what went right and takes a unique look at our strengths and weaknesses - as well as our madness - in a show presented at the Municipal Auditorium. Marianne Thamm, a veteran investigative journalist, author, wit, and currently an associate editor and journalist with Daily Maverick, receives critical acclaim wherever this has been presented.
Tickets are available on Webtickets, hermanusfynarts.co.za or by e-mail on admin@hermanusfynarts.co.za.