Music & Words: Sat 18 Dec, 7pm, at Baran's

Pictures:
1. Writer, poet, storyteller, Diana Ferrus
2. Vocalist, Megan Francis
3. Singer-songwriter, Peter LaVey
4. Wayne and I at Baran's in March this year.

Next Saturday I present the next concert showcasing my original songs. Once again, I have the privilege and pleasure of working with my mentor, jazz guitarist-extraordinaire, WAYNE BOSCH. He breathes life into my compositions, and inspires me beyond words. Since July 2009 we have been working together as a duo, and it has been a time of learning, growing and pushing my personal boundaries, musically. We'll be doing the second half of the programme, performing songs I either haven't done in public before or songs I last performed 5 years ago.

In the first half of the programme, three exceptional artists will be strutting their stuff. First on the bill is a young man, PETER LaVEY, who is new to the stage. He's a singer-songwriter in the genre of light rock, who accompanies himself on guitar. Like many world-famous artists, Peter started his musical journey in church. I don't know when last I've heard such a pure, fresh voice. He's got real talent, and I'm very happy to be affording him his first-ever appearance in this type of setting. Cape Town needs to hear this promising musician, whom I believe has a bright future in the music world.

Second on the programme is also a young, up-and-coming musician, vocalist MEGAN FRANCIS. I first heard Megan sing when she did a guest spot at my restaurant gig, in 2009. I was blown away by her voice and stage presence, and have been fascinated by her growth over the past year. She recently came 2nd, against some serious competitors, in the Jazz Voice Competition at Grand West Casino Complex, hosted by Heart Radio. Her voice is amazing, and her musicality outstanding. Besides all of that, she has a sincerity on stage that endears her to her audience, an authenticity that no-one could fake. Megan, too, could have a successful career as a musician, if that was what her heart desired.

Completing the trio of fine artists in the first half is DIANA FERRUS, who describes herself as "'n skrywer, poet en storyteller, wat nou haar eerste bundel in Engels launch. Sy skryf in Engels en Afrikaans." I absolutely love Diana! Not only does she capture everyday moments with such a clever turn of phrase (in both languages), but when she recites her work, she draws you in, as the listener, and takes you on a journey, where one moment you'll be belly-laughing and the next, swallowing a lump in your throat, trying not to cry. Some of the time, you'll just let the tears roll. Diana has done extensive work on the topic of Slavery, with particular interest in the legendary Sarah Baartman. Two days before this concert, she officially launches her latest collection of poems, entitled, "I've come to take you home", her first English-only collection. This takes place at The Slave Lodge, Corner Adderley and Wale Streets, in Cape Town's city centre, at 11:30am on Thursday the 16th of December. Find her on Facebook, if you would like to buy tickets for her book launch.

This is going to be ONE BUSY WEEK, but I am looking forward to the 18th like a child anticipating Christmas! This week is filled with my children, who'll be here for a week, my part-time job (visiting and interviewing District 6 land claimants), duo rehearsal for the concert, singing at Diana's book launch on Thursday morning and at a Kurdish fundraiser that night, as well as at a 50th birthday party on Friday night. Where I'll find the time to attend to the peripheral details, I don't know, but you know what? It always comes together. The concert started out as a means to raise money for my family to survive, in the light of my retrenchment, but it's taken on a life of its own, and I'm enjoying the headiness of it all! Whatever I manage to raise after expenses, c'est la vie!

Tickets to my concert cost R60. You may call me at +27 83 491 3048 if you'd like to attend or just buy a ticket to support.