The countdown has begun as final preparations are in gear for this year’s Durban International Blues Festival which takes place at its new home- The Plant, situated at Durban’s popular creative hub, The Station Drive Precinct. (bottom of Goble Road and just off Umgeni Road-Durban).
Three nights of blues is scheduled from Friday 9th to Sunday 11th September and each evening commences at 19h30.
There is a great line up of artists, many back by popular demand. The event also provides a platform for new comers and those artists who have “adapted their art” over time and who will surprise blues fans with what they offer.
FRIDAY 9th Sep is HOME BREWED BLUES night and sees Duncan Parks take to the stage with his acoustic set at 19.00. Duncan is an experienced artist but fairly new to the blues circuit so it is a great opportunity to come down for something fresh. 20h00 sees the all-time local blues band, East Coast Blues Band on stage and Johannesburg’s Raoul will perform at 21h00. Red Hand Blues Band follows at 22h00 closing the first evening’s show. Both Raoul and Red Hand Blues Band are firm favourites with Durban blues fans and are back by popular demand.
As is Jimmy D Lane! (USA/Canada.) Jimmy blew the proverbial socks off everyone on his last visit some years back. SATURDAY NIGHT, 10th Sep at 21h30 brings us ELECTRIC BLUES WITH JIMMY D LANE where this consummate blues performer takes to the stage. His backing band, of course and once again, Durban’s The Reals) this international guest artist is preceded by two other local blues legends: Starting at 19h30 Bobby and the Dynamites get the groove going after which master guitarist Seb Goldswain, also from Durban, gets it going with the Seb Goldswain Blues Trio at 20h30.
On Sunday 11th September, the final night of the festival, the Sinners take to the stage first at 19h30.
At 20h30 THE MUDDY WATERS BLUES SUMMIT must not be missed and those who are blues die-hards, know that this final evening is a foot stomping and totally energetic occasion which beats even the highest pulse of the two evenings before.
2/the festival…
“The festival is a tight line up,” according to Will Wallace, Program Director. “We have performed at the previous waterfront venue for 11 years and this year is a new set up for us and where organizers have decided to give quality rather than quantity as we feel our way forward in the new venue.”
The added advantage is the entire vibe of the festival precinct because although the event takes place officially at The Plant. “The other traders and outlets of Station Drive Precinct are also eagerly getting involved,” say two of its tenants, Anna Savage, the host and owner of The Plant and Paul Basson who has developed two retail outlets there –The Station and The Warehouse.
“We want people to explore the retail shops and also have a bite to eat at the two food outlets we have,” says Basson and so invite a great walkabout experience in the most festive manner.
“ This gives festival goers plenty of time to go down a little earlier and enjoy a meal at one of these eateries and then amble across to the show venue itself, bearing in mind there will also be food and drink vendors as well as cash bar facilities available where convenient foods such as themed Cajun foods from Renegade Kitchen will whet the appetite, Indian delights at the well-known Roti and Chai stand, Falafels and much more-not forgetting the organic coconut waters which Mantra serve -adding an organic twist to your take away culinary experience !
“ First Thursdays “ are a monthly event at the Precinct; the plan is to go big on the Thursday 8th September before the festival Paul Basson says on behalf of the other tenants and every outlet will be doing something special to embrace the theme of the blues festival. Expect buskers and individual blues artists in their venues and eateries. Shop during the extended shopping hours and generally- come get a feel of what’s to come the following weekend.
And don’t forget the nightly after parties and promotions in the restaurant and bar venues after the festival every night!
There is also a UBER taxi service for your convenience and booking your transport to and from the Precinct nightly could not be easier: Arrive in style with Uber, Everyone’s Private Driver.
We have partnered with Uber to get all guests to and from the event safely and in style!
All new users can sign up here with the promotional code: BLUESFEST, in order to receive a free first ride up to R150. To request your ride, simply download the free application for iPhone, Android, Blackberry 7, Windows Phone, or visit the mobile site: m.uber.com. U
Uber is an on-demand service that seamlessly connects you with a private driver at the tap of a button. For questions, please contact Uber at support@uber.com
Tickets are R150 per person per show or R330 for a season ticket which covers all three nights and are soon available at Computicket Outlets.
Go to our website www.durbanbluesfestival.co.za for more info or Visit our Facebook page: FRIENDS OF THE DURBAN INTERNATIONAL BLUES FESTIVAL