Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts Set to Thrill This Season

Freshlyground

What can be better than easing out of the weekend and into a new week than with music that satisfies the most diverse of tastes? Where the venue is so spectacularly beautiful that Sunday takes on a whole new ambience? Where friends and family gather their picnic baskets and blankets to enjoy the floral heritage and the mountain as the music rolls over them?

The Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts offer all this and more and fromSunday 23 November through to Sunday 5 April, 2015 with a magnificent line –up offering something for every taste. The tradition of top local and international artists appearing on this stage continues in this botanical garden that highlights the Western Cape's rich floral heritage and at the same time showcases world-class entertainment in an environment second to none.

The 2014/2015 season of Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts boasts one of the best line-ups ever and celebrates 23 years of outstanding concerts. Such is the prestige of appearing on this stage that many of the artists cite this as the highlight of their careers. Newcomers include The Soil, Barbara Hendricks and the SA National Youth Orchestra and a special concert featuring the internationally acclaimed UK performer, Passenger, on February 15.

Back by popular demand are: Oliver Mtukudzi, Prime Circle, Johnny Clegg, Mi Casa, The Parlotones, Matthew Mole, Jimmy Nevis, Freshlyground, Goldfish, Mi Casa, and Jeremy Loops.

Beatenberg and Gangs of Ballet share the stage as do Al Bairre and Shortstraw. Making a welcome return are Just Jinjer andthe energising Hot Water - all bound to please.

After a few years absence the 7 December concert sees ever popular band Just Jinjer return to the stage to wow the audience. One of the biggest rock band exports in South African history, they have sold more than a quarter of a million albums to date.

A sell out success last year, Zimbabwean sensation Oliver Mtukudzi is back on 14 December to perform his special elements of different music traditions. A seasoned artist,'Tuku', as he is known by his fans, is set to thrill.

Redefining his life purpose and his brand as 'Songoma' Hot Water creator, Donovan Copley will delight audiences with the energy and brilliance of his unmistakably South African music on December 28. The best opportunity to relax after Christmas festivities and wind down.

What better way to bring the New Year in than with Mango Groove and Arno Carstens!

These South African favourites bring their own special recipe for a New Year's Eve concert on December 31 bringing in 2015 with a bang! With South African pop at its best, this feel good concert will have people on their feet and screaming for more.

It's 2015 and Prime Circle opens the year on January 4. After 13 years of making waves as South Africa's most successful rock act, the five-piece is back with 'Let the Night In', a new studio album infused with fresh creative energy and a new edge to the distinctive Prime Circle sound.

Kirstenbosch welcomes back The Parlotoneson 11 January. Over the past 11 years The Parlotones have become South Africa's most accomplished rock band of all time. Here from their base in Los Angeles this concert will definitely be a sell -out.

18 Jan Tailor and Matthew Mole offer their unique styles to the audience and are popular performers at the garden. Jimmy Nevis is set for another successful performance on January 25. This young alternative pop singer/ songwriter and producer with his quirky lyrics, acoustic tones and catchy melodies has captured fans internationally.

Moving into February and music fans can enjoy the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra on February 1. Celebrating 100 years they are the most active orchestra in the country. Extremely versatile, performing symphony concerts at the highest level with internationally acclaimed conductors and soloists and exceptional South African artists, the CPO fills the garden every year.

Make a date for February 8 as Freshlyground packs the concert venue! A household name both here and internationally the audience will be singing along with their hit songs.

Make Valentine's Day extend to the 15 February and book to see Passenger, the UK sensation. This special concert features one- man band Mike Rosenberg whose melancholy folk song "Let Her Go" sold 1 million copies in October 2013. A Journey that began in 2003, Passenger has established itself firmly and Rosenberg's gravely singer-songwriter voice delivers a lyrical upbeat style while singing about social issues that resonate with his audience. (please note these concert tickets are R365 with no discounts).

Heading through the month, the 7th instalment of the Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival takes the stage on February 22 with an incredible line-up of South African folk and acoustic artists including Ross Learmonth, Ard Matthews, Jesse Clegg and Guy Buttery; this concert starts at 17h00.

March 1 and kick off the month with Goldfish who have just returned from another residency in Ibiza as well as many sold-out European and American dates. Mi Casa on March 8 will be a highlight of the month and their second award winning album “Su Casa” has received much critical acclaim.

Indie rules on March 15 when Shortstraw make waves on the stage and get the audience rocking! Indie pop band Al Bairre join them and, as a newcomer to the garden, their combination of cello, violin, guitars, keys, ukelele and drums will add to the rhythm of the afternoon.

Heading into the end of the month on the 22 March enjoy Beatenberg with their homage to our country's musical heritage, followed by Gangs of Ballet, a five times SAMA nominated, MTV MAMA Award winning band with captivatingly fresh melodies. A combination of styles that audiences will love.

End the month on a high note with iconic Johnny Clegg on March29. No stranger to Kirstenbosch his music packs them in every year and he is celebrated as the energetic, passionate human being who has become one of South Africa's greatest musical exports.

Hot Water

The season closes with ever popular Jeremy Loops on April 5 - the perfect way to enjoy an Easter Sunday on the lawns. This enormously popular performer has spent most of 2014 touring and his debut album “Trading Change” went to number 1 on the iTunes charts.

Ensure you don't miss a Sunday concert by booking early throughwww.webtickets.co.za

Visit the Kirstenbosch Summer Concert Facebook and Twitter pages regularly to keep up to date with who is performing when, exciting competitions and all the latest news.

Details:

The season runs from 23 November 2014 to 5 April 2015. The Summer Sunset Concerts take place at Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden. Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town on Sundays:
Gates open 16h00
Concerts start 17h30 and end at 19h00
Ticket prices range between R100 and R160 for adults. Passenger ticket prices are R365.
The special Youth Ticket (6-21 yrs) will also be retained (ranging from R75 to R140)

For further information and ticket prices: call 021 799 8783 or www.sanbi.org.za
Book tickets on www.webtickets.co.za
Box office and telephone ticket sales (021 761 2866) start from the Tuesday preceding each concert if there are still tickets available.

Follow the music: twitter: @KirstenboschNBG #KBRocks
Facebook: Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts