ZACKS, WILSON’S WHARF TO BECOME BLUE AGAIN

It would seem that whilst the Durban International Blues co ordinators dabbled in taking their event to different venues over the last year or two - the blues audience and fans and even the performers, preferred to stay home!

The fourteenth consecutive Durban International  Blues Festival returns to ZACKS at Wilson’s Wharf  this November , (Thur 01,Fri 02 and Sat 03 ) where tickets are on sale from Computicket, prices ranging from nightly at R 150 and tickets bought at the door will be R160. Blues fans are encouraged to purchase tickets upfront as, although there will be a box office at the venue nightly, the ticket prices at the door will be increased. However, Opening night, Thur 01 Nov is a sponsored evening by Fender, and has free entry.

“This year’s line-up is tight and concentrates on showcasing more local and national talent, an answer to the suggestions of both audiences and the artists themselves,” says Will Wallace the Program Director. “Along with Pinkie Mtshali, our Development and Mentoring Director, we will also insert a slot for a blues artist or band that has proved them during the mentorship program run before the festival, development of this genre amongst local musicians being one of our key strategies as always,” Wallace adds.

More/”moving…

“Moving from Zacks about two years ago came about because the growth of the event called for consideration of a bigger venue. Whilst the alternative venue offered much, the consensus was that the vibe and the unique watery ambiance of the bay around  Zacks, Wilson’s Wharf, not to mention the safe parking along with  easy access from most  parts of Durban was what the blues fans loved- and so we are bringing the festival back to the venue this year.” Tanya van Agthoven Marais, a co-director of the event, says. “It will simply mean blues fans must not be “durbanlethargic” and purchase their tickets early, as the venue is limited and unreserved seating is also on a first come, first serve basis!”

“The show goes on and we look forward to the continued success of this well-known Durban event,” comments Thando Nyameni who took over as Festival Director after Themi Venturas passed away last year. Die hards to this event will know the drill at this venue where seating is shared by all, food can be ordered from Zacks or any of the other participating venues who share the deck on the nights, a cash bar facility is open to all and the nightly line up will commence around 7 pm until about 11 pm nightly.

And don’t forget to bring extra hard cash –tee shirts will be on sale ,having become quite popular every year- limited stocks!

Keep an ear and eye out for updated news on www.durbanbluesfestival.co.za, Facebook’s Friends of the Durban International Blues Festival and Durban International Blues Festival pages, Instagram and other online information mediums. Or contact Publicity Director Tanya van Agthoven Marais on tva_pr@global.co.za or 0827479738 during office hours only.