As the woollie scarves and hats are unpacked from our cupboards, so Makaranga Garden Lodge is gearing up for another weekend of the popular Music and Art in the Hills experience.
This annual event is now eagerly anticipated by the community of Kloof and the Upper Highway area, although music and art lovers arrive from all corners of Natal to enjoy this cultural weekend.
To stand a chance to win a picnic hamper for two, plus tickets to the event, click here
Inspired and organised by the Rotary Club of Kloof, the thinking now is to expand the scope of the event and open up to a full weekend of art, music and entertainment. This is partly inspired by the extreme make-over at the Makaranga Lodge. Owners Chick and Danna Flack have taken this venue to a whole new level, including an Italian Bistro sitting alongside a delectably fresh and bright deli. Their vision is to embrace contemporary style while encouraging the community to interact with and really experience the gardens.
This year, Rotary presents a full weekend of entertainment to be enjoyed by the whole family. Saturday 28 July opens with Art in the Hills, a magnificent exhibition of artworks for sale from over 30 talented artists around the country. The exhibition opens at 10am and runs through the day.
Early evening breaks to a carnival atmosphere as the gardens fill with food stalls and crafters, and the sun slowly sinks to the sounds of Platform Jazz Band. It’s Mardi Gras! Picnic blankets are welcome and food will be available from various stalls along the way.
Sunday opens with the art exhibition at 10am and then we move onto Music in the Hills later in the afternoon. 300 school children will be taking to the stage to sing together led by the world renowned conductor Richard Cock. Schools will also perform individually, accompanied by the KZN Youth Orchestra. In addition, we will be treated to the talents of a number of soloists who have performed around the country.
Included in the list of schools is Kearsney College Choir, which will soon be travelling to the USA as the sole SA representatives at the 7th World Choir Olympic Games in Cincinnati, Ohio.
Limited table seating will be available on the deck of the Lodge for those that would enjoy a light supper, while picnic hampers may be pre-ordered from Makaranga ahead of the day.
This is certainly a weekend to diarise, so dust off your winter woollies and come and share in some wholesome fun at Makaranga Garden Lodge.
For more information on the music, call Selwyn Comrie on 082 659 4659
For more information on the art, call Sue Whitmore on 084 552 5926
Visit www.makaranga.com