Three of South Africa’s best-loved artists come together this Easter for a rare, outdoor music event to pay tribute to the exquisite sound of swing at Sun City. The open air, family-styled event, Swing City Under the Stars, promises something special for guests who are invited to languish under the night sky in a relaxed setting while savouring a spectacular fusion of swing performed by Graeme Watkins of the Graeme Watkins Project; Loyiso Bala, and Lloyd Cele.
For this special event, talented swing trio will be backed by Neil Engel, Justin Holcroft and Justin Sassman – three of South Africa’s most esteemed and virtuosic brass players to add a little more big band to the rat pack.
“We are thrilled to confirm Swing City Under the Stars for the Easter weekend. It presents an awesome opportunity to friends and families to enjoy superlative entertainment by some of South Africa’s most talented singers, in the spirit of togetherness, under the spectacular North-West night skies. So, bring the whole family and celebrate Easter with us under the stars with Swing City,” says Sun City’s Entertainment Manager, Cecile Brody.
According to Brody, the concept of Swing City was borne from the three singers’ love of swing music. A harmless side comment from one musician to another ended up in a serious discussion about producing a three piece singing group, backed by a horn section to pay tribute to jazz, swing and the blues, but adding a modern day twist to the genre.
The three singers, already friends, jokingly commented what fun it would be to start a swing band. It would be years later, that they took the idea seriously, got into a rehearsal space with their friends from Figure of 8 Productions and Swing City was born.
All three of the singers have a longstanding love of swing. Graeme Watkins’ background in music and theatre started as a swing singer long before his success on Idols or in his indie rock band The Graeme Watkins Project, and Loyiso Bala has a classically trained background which saw him become part of the TZKee crew and the Bala Brothers in classical song. Idols performer and friend, Lloyd Cele joins the line-up onthis occasion to bring some smooth dance moves and animated performance
Swing City Under the Stars takes place on Saturday, 4 April 2015 (Easter Saturday) at the Sun City Amphitheatre and Observatory Deck situated in the Valley of Waves. Gates will open at 19h00 and the concert begins at 20h00.
Tickets are available at Computicket at R100 per adult and R50 per child between 12 and 18 years old. Children under 12 enter for free. The ticket price includes a welcome drink on arrival. A cash bar will be available.
Trio of SA artists pay tribute to swing at open air Easter Show at Sun City
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