Artist Lineup

Formerly of Australian percussive acoustic guitar duo, The Codebreakers, Tombstone Pete created his attention-grabbing approach to percussive acoustic playing while busking throughout Australia, in Wellington, New Zealand, and in the UK. He blends the acoustic styles of players such as Erik Mongrain, Andy McKee and Rodrigo y Gabriella with the raw energy of hard rock outfits like Rage Against the Machine, Tool and Incubus to create a high energy acoustic guitar performance which sets him apart from his contemporaries and puts hair on the chests of his audience.

Since returning he has played throughout the Cape, impressing enough people to earn sets on the Metal 4 Africa stage at RAMfest 2011, the YourLMG stage at Synergy Live 2011, and the innaugural Cape Town Folk 'n Acoustic Festival 2011, the latter of which he received a standing ovation for. He is currently based in Cape Town where his solo shows remain in high demand.

Quotes:
"…treats his guitar as a percussive instrument and so much more…. Yes, he beggars belief and a second look." - Theresa Smith, Cape Argus Tonight.
"This one man band is a gem in a sea of Long Street posers and shakers" - Slyppery Lyzard, YourLMG.
"…the most exciting and promising talent in 2012" - Therese Owen, Cape Argus Tonight.
"…what a sound! …a livewire performance" - Greg Evans, YourLMG.
"He is the real thing. When he plays his guitar people can't help but sit up and listen. The positive energy that flows through him is not an act…." - Jen Fur, YourLMG.
"His energy onstage is electric; a bit like a hyperactive kid let loose with his favourite toy" - Leanne Farish, The Big Issue.
"As a one man Demo of the extreme versatility of the acoustic guitar he is hauntingly good" - Craig Feris, whatsonincapetown.com

A duo is a band in its simplest form, but don't be fooled. This garage rock blues outfit, has a mix of old and new sounds that is what you've been waiting for.

Taking inspiration from acoustic blues greats such as Blind Willie McTell, up to modern bands such as The Black Keys, The Parlor Vinyls blend old familiar sounds with a twist of something new, resulting in a signature sound, that echoes through generations. This attracts a wide variety of audience from young to old.

The band consists of Niel Smit on guitar and vocals and Riaan Nieuwenhuis on drums. Niel's spontaneous and raw guitar playing and composing is unique as he is self taught, thus giving a new perspective on playing and song writing without the restrictions of guideline rules. While the same goes for his voice, it can also be described as high pitched, dramatic and rough.

The very versatile Riaan Nieuwenhuis comes from a great family of musicians and is multi talented, playing an array of instruments from a very young age, whilst releasing albums under his own name. His experience in different drum techniques from blues to hip hop gives yet another twist to the band's unique sound. Hard hitting authentic, dramatic, energetic and spontaneous music that is raw and real as life itself. That's The Parlor Vinyls!!!

Basson Laubscher was born and raised in the beautiful town of Stellenbosch where many of the country's top artists and music legends stemmed from. He was brought up in a diversely musical house were the music ranged from Abba, the Beatles, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Johnny Cash, Muddy Waters to Beethoven.

His father and brother played guitar, so at the age of 10 he picked up the bass guitar and soon began jamming with his friends and family. He picked up the guitar at age 15 when he first heard the guitar sounds of the great Stevie Ray Vaughan and hasn't look back since.

His musical career started when he jammed with Bertie Coetzee in his matric year and the band Zinkplaat was born. He is respected as one of the great guitarists in the country and has shared the stage with SA legends such as Gerald Clarke (Delta Blue), Rory Elliot (Plush), Albert Frost, Dan Patlansky, Richard Pryor (Boulevard Blues Band) and many others. He has done session work on numerous albums, the last being Ryno Velvet's new album 'Harp'. He has also served a stint in the Valiant Swart Band and did session work on Valiant's award-winning album 'Horisontaal'.

The Violent Free Peace formed at the end of 2004 and is a loose collective of top musicians who jam with Basson to create foot stomping blues. The current members are the legendary Tim Rankin (drums) and Schalk Van der Merwe (bass) of Bed on Bricks and ex Delta Blue fame. On the keys is Riaan Nieuwenhuys, also of ex Delta Blue fame. The Violent Free Peace shows always have an element of surprise with guests and friends jumping on the stage for a jam. Laubscher delivers his blues raw and emotional; this really is where his guitar skills are displayed at best.

So come on in, have a cold whiskey on the rocks and enjoy the blues as it should be – raw, foot stomping and live!

Wayne Pauli is well known to many in the SA blues and rock community as an original member of 'The Boulevard Blues Band' and as frontman of 'The Stremes'. He is also very respected as a Blues Guitarist in his own right.

Wayne first discovered the blues from his father's record collection as a high school guitar slinger. LP's from the legends such as 'John Mayall and the Bluesbreakers' and 'Muddy Waters' bred an instant fascination and love for the blues. As well as releasing a folk album in early 2000 Wayne has and continues to record and perform with The Stremes and a new album is scheduled for release in Dec 2012.

He has developed a great reputation as a classy and sophisticated blues guitarist with some wonderful Hendrix and SRV chops to boot. Top the great guitar playing with an easy style voice with effortless pitch and you have the recipe for some wonderful Blues entertainment.

Not often seen these days doing the Blues as much as he used to But this year at Summit 2012 you'll get to hear Wayne Pauli performing some classic Blues Covers and Originals that only a player with the Blues deep inside his soul can do.... It's gonna be good

After working with many truly inspiring musicians over the last few years -such as Piet Botha, The Boulevard Blues Band Li-Ann Cummins (Lead Vocals, Guitar) decided to put that same energy into a project of her own. Joined by fellow band member, Nozome Brink (Bass, Backup Vocals) in 2011, after both playing in previous bands... Ann Jangle was born.

This is a versatile, slightly Folk, dipped in Gypsy with a touch of Rockabilly Blues outfit with upbeat hip shaking old school sounds all combined with some pretty powerful vocals from Li Ann and some great Rhythmic Bass lines from Nozome.

Ann Jangle mainly consisting of the 2 girls, Li-Ann and Nozome And are constantly joined by other musicians depending on the mood, vibe and venue. Performing as a 2, 3, 4 or even 5 piece they have shared the stage with many hard working musicians who share the same passion and enjoy bringing you a entertaining performance every time.

Machineri is a 3 piece guitar-wielding Celtic-blues act made up of members Sannie Fox and Andre Geldenhuys. "Sannie Fox belts out the blues like she was born in a Louisiana swamp" - The New Age Machineri's sound draws a mixture of soulful influences calling to mind bands like Led Zeppelin, singers like PJ Harvey, Etta James, and genres ranging from hard blues to Celtic folk or soul music.

Machineri launched on to the SA live music circuit in 2010. The band has four music videos ( Machine I Am, Ladder Operator, The Searchers and Big Bad Machine ) and a newly released debut album (2011) mastered by Brian Lucey (The Black Keys). Their record label is Just Music

"...singling out highlights on an album this consistently great seems redundant. Listen to the album straight through to hidden track "Goodness" and you'll be convineced why machineri are going places." - Rolling Stone Magazine

"..how to explain Grace Slick meets Stevie Nicks raw-edge dirty-blues without bass but with much edge? They're brilliant: what a show" - Evan Milton, South African music journalist & radio DJ

"Fox's voice is soulful, deep and grips the blues by its horns. Her 'analogue-ish', old vinyl sound can be compared to the likes of Etta James and Ella Fitzgerald." - Tina George, Tonight Music, Cape Argus

Machineri debut album on Soundcloud
Machineri on Facebook
Catch Machineri's latest single BIG BAD MACHINE on 5FM playlist and check the video out on YouTube

This powerful 4 piece rock outfit is getting ready to blow some serious hair back... and even if you don't have a single hair on your head...something is still gonna blow.

Richard Pryor knew that to get his Originals out there he needed some exceptional band members to make it happen. So after visiting the Andromeda Galaxy last year and finally breaking out of a bi-lateral anti-matter cosmic storm from a nearby parallel universe, he has finally found some dangerously good and extremely 'out of this world' musos to work with.

With Richard on guitar, his original songs are brought to life with the hugely talented and creative forces of Jesse Jordan, Rob Stemmett and Kevin Gibson. This is pure 70's hard rock with a modern Progressive twist, a dangerously high dose of musical instrumentation and a good smattering of smoky Blues sauce to round off this delicious original rock recipe.

No prisoners are taken when Jesse 'The Pitchman' Jordon pulls his 3 octave voice from the back of his throat, holds it up high like a winning trophy and then punishes it into the outer realms of rock mania..... He locks you in but never throws away the key.

Richard ' The Pebbleman' Pryor stands right beside him injecting fretboard shredding Carpel Tunnel syndrome into a High octane display of guitar wizardry that's guaranteed to keep you guessing until the final pinched harmonic stops squealing. With notes shooting out of his guitar all packaged in a bright stardust wrapping .....Induced pebblemania is standard fare of the day.

Sitting thunderously on his throne at the back, Kevin 'The Emo Cowboy' Gibson embarks on a complex 7, 13 and 11/8 time signature journey. Huge shards of solid Sharp astral Fragments made up of splintering snare drum and cymbals are flayed across the stage as he weilds his weapon of Drum Destruction...These amazing textures of rhythm can hurt if you're not paying attention...Watch at your own risk!

Rob 'The Gatekeeper' Stemmett lurks ever tall in the back with Bassline catatonia.... Glueing the pieces back together, that 'Emo' Kevin pulled apart, while building rock solid foundations for great stories to unfold.... High Musical Drama was one of his UCT majors when studying for his 'Basschiller of Fine Art'.

Original Songs like 'Lil Angel', 'Life inside a Dream', 'Feel Your Love', 'That aint me' and more can be heard live on stage.... Their new CD 'LIFE INSIDE A DREAM' will be available from Oct 2012 at all gigs.

So get your Rocking Boots down to the TMBS 2012 and come get a piece of the PEBBLEMANIA !!!!!

Official Band website www.pebbleman.co.za

Albert Frost, undoubtedly one of the most accomplished guitarists in South Africa , has proved himself in the blues and rock genre with great success. Albert Frost who grew up in Somerset West and started playing the guitar when he was only 13. While still at school he started performing with the awesome South African blues band, the Blues Broers, a popular feature of numerous Grahamstown Festivals, alongside his father who passed away in 1999.

The band dissolved a few years later, but due to pressure from loyal and persistent fans, reformed relatively recently, and he continues to play with them, also producing their latest cd Out of the Blue. His strength is his live performances, his forte collaborations with numerous artists, amongst others Arno Carstens, Karen Zoid and Robin Auld. Albert Frost has shared stages with South Africa 's finest: Vusi Mahlasela, Louis Mahlanga. Most recently he performed at the SAMA awards with Guy Buttery, Jimmy Dludlu and Selaelo Selota. Highlights in his career include performing with The Rolling Stones in Spain , playing a show with Oscar winner Tim Robbins and being part of the REM tour.

He performed at the presidential inauguration and celebration of the 10 years of democracy to Nelson Mandela to an audience of 70 000. He has collaborated with double Grammy Award winning Malian legend, Ali Farka Toure. In 2009 Albert played his first solo show at the Isle of Wight Festival where he collaborated with James Walsh from 'Starsailor'. Alongside Arno Carstens, he shared the stage with Neil Young, Bruce Springsteen and the Pixies, as well as supporting Simple Minds on their world tour in Germany, London and France . He has played at every major festival in the country - Oppikoppi, Splashy Fen, KKNK, Aardklop, and Grahamstown - as well as Isle of Wight and Pukkelpop internationally. Albert Frost continues to tour the country with various acts. He has recently re-invented himself with a solo show incorporating a loop pedal which enables him to showcase his considerable ability with both acoustic and electric guitars. This he illustrated most effectively to a world wide audience from the 20th storey rooftop of a skyscraper in the Johannesburg CBD through SkyroomLive. "...the dark prince of South African blues .....he's one of those rare guitarists who refuses to sacrifice any riff for simple showmanship. So he snakes his slow-burning frost-bite through back and between the collaborations with (various artists).." . Anton Marshall and Miles Keylock, The Rolling Stone SA March 2012 Albert Frost will hold you spellbound with his prowess.

For some music:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=TL0M3M6sPnY
www.youtube.com/watch?v=wiVE_oJaa6w
www.youtube.com/watch?v=nWskJiFOcVg

www.reverbnation.com/albertfrost

From the release of their first album Sweet Voodoo in 2004 to the recent recording of their latest album in 2010, SGQ has refined and crafted its sound from classic-retro to a more raw and edgy rock with a strong pop sensibility. Over the last six years SGQ has released three albums; Sweet Voodoo, Rise Up and Be the Lion. Singles from each album including Song for the Captain, Rise Up and Radio Revolution were well received by local broadcasters and enjoyed extensive airplay on South African radio and television stations. SGQ has represented Rock n Roll at all our major festivals including OppiKoppi, Splashy Fen, KKNK, OppiAarde and many more.

They attribute the way that they write and rock out to the music styles of Led Zeppelin, The Stones and Raconteurs to name but a few. It should also be obvious that their front man gets his on stage energy and high leg kicks from Angus Young and the other members of ACDC. The Wilson Rock Trio is made up of Tammy, Paul and Gareth Wilson. All three members use their very individual voices and instruments to produce the unique sound that is SGQ.

All three members originate from hardy Eastern Cape stock, born and bred in the tiny town of Molteno . While SGQ is based in Joburg, the band tour though out the year – both in South Africa and our neighbouring states. The front man and lead guitarist of SGQ will stand out immediately because of his enthusiasm for tequila, tight pants and tattoos. Gareth Wilson re-introduced super skinny jeans and a passion for performance. His untreated approach to performing has become synonymous with impromptu jam sessions and the bringing together of unlikely musicians and their often converse music genres. When asked what career he would have perused instead of music, Gareth simply stated that, "When I realised that making a living from music was a reality, being a muso was an easy choice". He believes that in an age when music can be over produced, it's important to give your audience a well rehearsed and honest show – Spontaneity adds an essential energy and dimension to all of SGQ's live performances.

On the drums, on the vocals, Mr Paul Wilson...who is not only the talented SGQ drummer but also one of SA's hottest male celebrities, as voted by Heat readers nationwide. As brothers, Paul and Gareth have been playing together for as long as they can remember. "Paul and I have been playing together and brawling for the last 20 yrs, it's all we know". Like the two other band members, Paul settled into his career as a musician from an early age, "Music just took over". He can be described as a high energy drummer who pays equal attention to his technical delivery as well as his crowd pleasing performance. Like the legendary John Bonham and Keith Moon, he will never just be the guy at the back of the stage holding down the beat. Don't let the attentive brown eyes and petite frame of this dinky bass player fool you into a false sense of stereotype. The sheer volume and quality of this little lady's voice brings the house down every time and makes Tammy Wilson an irreplaceable asset in this close nit trio. The trained ear will be able to pick up Tammy's classical music background. She began her formal music studies in vocal and cello before taking up the position of bass player in SGQ. She started touring straight after school and hasn't looked back since. The personalities, passion and raw talent of each member converge together to ensure that this band's sound remains fun, poignant and completely contagious. In terms of contemporary favourites, the Band looked to the likes of the Foo Fighters, Kings of Leon and Wolfmother as references for the sound of their latest album Delusions of Grandeur. This much anticipated release was recorded and produced in Cape Town by Theo Crous and is set to hit stores on 1 March 2011. This album is not only their most collaborative effort as a band, but also show case the individual strengths of each member.

SGQ has a truly diverse and wide reaching audience. Their lyrics are well penned and pertinent, their stage energy is infectious and listeners all over South Africa can't help rocking to the old school yet inventive sound of SGQ. After watching one of their performances...the gents will want to Be the Lion, while all the ladies wish they were The Girl Who Saved the World. After recently signing a management deal with Southern Pulse Entertainment, 2012 promises to be a big year for SGQ and South African rock music. 'Delusions Of Grandeur' is currently out in stores and the signature SGQ sound has been captured with an edge that only the Wilson trio can pull off!

This Motley Bunch formed in the bone dry country of Namibia in early 2010 with the desire to bring good music to a blues deprived population. They moved the project to Cape town in 2011 where they recorded their debut album "Smoke, Dust And Whiskey" and quickly became a part of the live circuit. Since being in the Cape CHB's high energy shows have been filling bars and clubs with music lovers of all colours and creed.

Crimson House Blues is: Redeye Riaan - guitar/vocals/harmonica. Arno van zyl- banjo/lead guitar. Jacques Jansen van Rensburg - bass. Christoph de Chevonnes Vrugt - drums

Crimson House Blues have been offered a number of record deals that they turned down for various reasons, they did however sign with Sheer music as their publisher and remain independent, just the way they like it.

What others have to say about CHB's music: Alyssa Klein (USA)- the pioneers of the hillbilly hellraising genre? Jacques Smit- Epic! Anthony Mullane - very early BOA stuff, which is good, ye are very talented musicians, so no matter what genre ye play, it is sure to sound good, JD Zilio- Great vibey tunes Tara Bakkes- Music that speaks to my bones. Christian Castell - Heartfelt & raunchy. Allen Unrau- You are the first band I know of to mix banjo with electric guitar and make it WORK. I can't stop listening. Thomas Theron- Talented. Groove. Baby-making. It makes me want to steal a Harley and down a bottle of Jack Angus Hardcastle- blues with balls! Christia Van Sittert- The metal masters of hillbilly blues!

Ballistic Blues Ballistic Blues is a young, unique and energetic four-piece blues-rock band consisting of: Tyan Odendal (Lead guitar and backup vocals), JP le Roux (Bass), Nicholas Forbes (Lead vocals) and Francois Keyser (Drums).

They started out late 2009, as an old-school rock band, but soon underwent a natural progression into the blues, and they now write and cover a mixture of blues, rock and funk that can only be described as music with groove and emotion! With a major difference in influences ranging from The Beatles, Deep Purple, all the way to Foster The People and Blues Legends such as Stevie ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, a unique and mature sound and style is born.

Although the band is a young outfit, they have a feel and sound well ahead of their years. This has been the result of playing numerous live shows at festivals and smaller venues in and around Cape Town, and also the mentorship of well known figures within the blues community. Ballistic Blues is now hoping to not just entertain hardcore blues lovers, but also enchant more commercial stages with the magic of the blues!

We've got the blues 24/7....Come and get your share

Kevin Floyd returned home to South Africa after 11 years abroad with his band Dorp, and decided to start a new band. Influenced by the greats - Stevie Ray Vaughan, David Gilmour and Johnny Greenwood from Radiohead, a blues based band emerges and The Kevin Floyd Band is born.

Floyd has always thought of himself as a blues guitarist at heart and has jammed with greats like BB King and Gary Moore. He has also been featured in Guitarist Magazine UK on different occasions.

Kevin says that he always wanted to play the blues, "All the music I write now seems to fit in that category one way or another."

Joining Floyd in the Kevin Floyd Band is Rob Stemmett on bass guitar and Pieter Heyns on drums.

Rob Stemmett makes a distinctive mark in many of the bands he has worked with, laying down the low frequency tracks in both live and studio work. He brings with him an easy-going personal music style which is accomplished and versatile across many genres. Highlights from the early part of Rob's musical career include performances at the North Sea Jazz festival and a number of different shows with Barnyard Theaters. Since 2007, Rob has been touring and recording with the blues/rock outfit Boulevard Blues, the jazz/swing quartet The Zoot Suits and more recently Pebbleman.

Pieter Heyns started his musical career at university, joining his brother's band, Vogon Poetry. He has since performed in many cover and original bands. Pieter has been associated with Joe Public for many years, recording an album in the process and entertaining many a rock and blues loving crowds around the Cape Province. Recently he has made appearances with Chemistry, The Sugarbirds and Free Falling and has laid down the groove with the Spontaneous Combustion Blues Band.

Known in Blues circles as one of the great female voices around, Charlie King has embarked on her solo career over the last couple of years, performing with some of the top South African blues artists, such as Boulevard Blues Band, Piet Botha, Dan Patlansky, Gerald Clark, Black Cat Bones, Crimson House Blues (Namibia), Kevin Floyd Band and Sven Blumer, amongst many others.

With musical influences such as Etta James, Koko Taylor, Janis Joplin, BB King, PJ Harvey, Alanis Morisette and many more, you can look forward to the velvety tones of Charlie King's vocals complimented by full electric blues band.

Charlie King made waves at the Durban International Blues Festival 2011 and had two successful tours in Namibia late 2011 and early 2012. Charlie King's Cape Town based band consist of members of The Kevin Floyd Band: Kevin Floyd (Guitar), Rob Stemmett (Bass), Pieter Heyns (Drums).

This line-up received such positive response at the Big Blues Festival in Kleinmond earlier this year and continues to wow the crowds at all her gigs.

Piet Botha & The Lyzyrd Kyngs are a blues-rock outfit with a whole lot of history behind them . Comprised of SA music legend Piet Botha in collaboration with local heroes Akkedis Band ( The Dennis brothers and AJ Graham) , the band has forged a unique country rock sound over the last few years resulting in an unbreakable friendship and an album " One Night Only" released earlier this year.

Their repertoire is vast including many favorites from years gone by i.e. Botha's "Suitcase vol winter" songs, old Jack Hammer songs and a host of Akkedis Band's favourite tunes from their previous albums. The bond between them goes back many years , and they have always played together when time and location permitted it, but over the last few years Botha returned to the Cape time and time again and so the idea of the "Lyzyrd Kyngs " was born and developed.

This is a no-nonsense band where there are no egos involved. From their first song to the last the intensity is quite astonishing as every member gives all the energy there is to muster. Highlights during the year 2012 were performances at Up the Creek Festival, Kleinmond Big Blues Festival, regular packed out shows at Berties Moorings, which they consider as their home base, as well as STRAB festival in Mocambique, and they seem to draw full houses from Pretoria to Bloemfontein and of course in the Western Cape. This is a real rock and roll band who live the life they sing about, and you can hear it in the music.

The John Frick Blues Band John Frick was an original founding member, guitarist and singer of the Blues Broers in the late 80s. He continued playing in the band until 1993 when he moved to The Netherlands where he is now active in the local music scene. John was also a co-founder of Cape Town's legendary blues venue, The Smokehouse Blues Club, which had its heyday in the early 1990s and contributed to the subsequent resurgence of interest in blues music in the Cape.

Until 2010, John's primary band in The Netherlands and Belgium was The Blues Hombres, which featured upright bass and blues harp. In 2011, however, at the tender age of 10, The Blues Hombres had a baby and they called it The John Frick Blues Band. Originally a 3-piece, focusing mainly on original blues songs, the band quickly expanded into a 4-piece formation with the addition of Leo Birza on keyboards.

The band's music is heavily influenced by many legendary classic blues musicians including Elmore James, Muddy Waters, Bo Diddley and Freddy King. The modern American and British blues masters, such as Peter Green, Rory Gallagher, Jimmie Vaughan and others, have also influenced the sound. Although the JFBB's music can be compared with these bands, it has its own sound rooted in John's own guitar and vocal approach. The band strives to recapture the energy and passion heard in the music of those artists who have inspired it.

The John Frick Blues Band has performed at numerous blues venues and festivals in The Netherlands and Belgium, including the Zoetermeer Blues Festival, the Breda Jazz Festival and the Brussels Rhythm and Blues Club. 2011 saw the release of the band's debut album "Boogie With The John Frick Blues Band". Recorded as a trio, the songs feature a range of blues styles, including a special Bo Didley-style track, "She Ain't No Red Hot Lover", which showcases the percussion and backing vocals of West African musician, Serigne CM Gueye. The album is available from iTunes, Spotify and other internet stores.

In mid 2012 the band commenced work on their latest album, which incorporates new member, Leo Birza, on keyboards. The music can be described as raw blues with a good dose of boogie; it draws heavily on traditional blues influences whilst not being afraid to break new ground, particularly in terms of the original blues tunes.

The band members are: John Frick (vocals, guitar, slide guitar), Roel Loen (electric bass guitar), Leo Birza (keyboards) and Michel De Man (drums).

Raoul and Black Friday are a 4 piece Blues Rock band based mostly in Johannesburg consisting of: Raoul Roux - Guitars and Vocals Jason Green - Bass Sean Hill - Keyboards & Harmonica Steph Nortje - Drums & Percussion

Bluesy in style and Rockin' by nature this group performs as a professional and tightly knit unit. The expressiveness of the Blues pushed to the limits is what the group is all about. With the songs varying from classic to rockin' out Blues the group retains their identity with well written songs. The group explores the Traditional as well as seeking new dimensions within the Blues genre, while incorporating a touch of Motown and Jazz, to provide an entertaining show with great musicianship and wide audience appeal. The group is establishing itself in the JHB/PTA area and have a growing fan-base crossing the generation gap.

A self recorded and produced EP continues to sell well at events and recording of their debut Album is underway with a planned release late May 2012. They believe that we they have something new and exciting to offer to the Blues genre. Notable Festival performances include: Splashy Fen 2011, STRAB 2011, Durban International Blues Festival 2011, Table Mountain Blues Summit 2011, STRAB 2012

Visit our Website at www.raoulandblackfriday.com

Natasha Meister - the 21yr old, Canadian born, prodigy singer/songwriter has been dubbed "The Meister" by local fans and supporters and it stands to reason when you see this youngster perform. After just two short years in the industry she has been recognized as a rising star with incredible passion. To credit her name, Natasha is the only woman in Africa who is endorsed by both Fender (USA) and Lakewood ( Germany ) guitars.

Joined by veteran players Paul Tizzard (Drums - ex The Usual) and Roger Bashew (Bass -ex The Lonesharks), who once backed the likes of Dave Fergusson and James Stewart - this trio has groove and fusion that is not easily matched.

Natasha released her debut album in April 2012 called " Half Way " with the single "Safe In The Silence" making it's mark in the SA scene. Having performed with some of the best and brightest stars in the SA such as, Arno Carstens(Springbok Nude Girls), Albert Frost, Guy Buttery, Steve Newman, Ard Matthews (Just Jinger), Henry Steel Jnr. (Karen Zoid) and Dan Patlansky, to name a few, she is looking at bigger and better things to come.

Email: info@natashameister.com
Website
Twitter
Facebook

Other links:
The Score
MK Review
IOL review

Videos:
Safe In The Silence
I wish

For first-timers it's always an awe-inspiring revelation to see how Dave Ferguson works his magic with a mic, a row of loop pedals and two dozen harmonicas, but where did it all begin?

Dave spent a decade in the UK where he started messing around with a loop pedal but never really gigged a solo show over there. "It wasn't till I got back to South Africa in 2006 that I really started to develop it," he says. "Back then it was mainly working with bands such as my old reformed blues band The Lone Sharks, Gerald Clarke, Robin Auld and a few others.

"I did a solo performance at a book launch (just two songs) and Antjie Krog asked me to do a slot at the Spier poetry festival. All of a sudden I had to go from three songs and a few ideas to six songs and no idea..."

Slowly the gigs picked up and Dave's repertoire – and reputation - started to grow. He discovered that once he got his head around the chordal limitations of looping it is actually a nice vehicle for writing songs, and he has about 300 of them inside there now.

When it comes to his creative process, Dave believes it is, and should remain, a mystery "I don't really know how things come to me or why…hell, I'm not even sure if they do. Songs seem to write themselves and the more I interfere sometimes, the worse they become. The thing I dig most about music and playing live is that you can just give yourself into it and when you do, that's when the magic happens." Dave now divides his time between the UK and Italy , with regular tours to South Africa where his fans are always delighted to get their Ferguson fix.

For more details keep an eye on his Facebook page.

Gerald Clark started off his musical career as the frontman for the red-hot blues band, Delta Blue. The band toured nationally and internationally between 1999 and 2005.

Now on his own Gerald Clark writes and composes in both Afrikaans and English which appeals to a bigger market. His first Afrikaans album, Sweepslag, was nominated for a well-deserved SAMA award (best alternative Afrikaans album). This album nomination was followed by 3 Tempo and 2 Vonk award nominations. Two Afrikaans music videos (Rietfontein se leidam and Elandsbaai) are currently on high rotation on MK and Kyknet. Gerald is currently working on a new Afrikaans album and marketing campaign for 2013.

Gerald Clark is a very active performer and performs an average of 18 performances per month. The performances include collaborations with Stefan Dixon, Luna Paige and Albert Frost. He has also worked and toured with big names in the industry such as Bok van Blerk, Gian Groen, Theo Crous, Van Coke Cartel, Dan Patlansky and Schalk Joubert. His professional relationship with Theo Crous (Springbok Nude Girls, producer and guitarist) gave him the opportunity to perform the song "As the crow flies" for the Volkswagen Amarok TV ad campaign.

Gerald is well-known as one of the top blues artists in the country and plays alongside the best blues musicians at blues festivals across SA. Gerald Clark was invited to perform in Memphis earlier this year and played shows in Nashville and in Jackson. This ensured invaluable experience and exposure in the international blues scene and enabled him to promote himself and gain fans in America. Lookout for him this year at his 5th Table Mountain Blues Summit appearance.

Boulevard Blues Back from their tour of The Netherlands and Belgium, these Bad Boys have some international experience. When they weren't visiting the local coffee shops in Amsterdam these guys were laying down some serious SA Style blues to the delight of the foreign crowds who gathered to see them on their 13 gig tour. Tight, well oiled and a unit of international quality. They have been busy entertaining fans for over 14 years now.

Fronted by the infamous Doctor John the man who went round the block and then went round again just because he knew he could. He is the real deal Blues veteran. He doesn't just sing the blues, he lives the blues. With Blue blood pumping through his veins they once opened him up to see if he really was the real deal and after finding whiskey dust flowing through his veins they proclaimed him 'Doctor of the Blues'. This Durban veteran still sports the trademark dark shades and hat, but besides his eccentricity still maintains the same gravelly vocals that have the ability to rattle the rafters, inspire the soul and linger long after the show has ended.

With some blistering lead guitar from Richard 'Pebbleman' Pryor the action doesn't stop. Without a doubt one of the top guitarists this country has ever seen, he has been fine tuning his blues skills with high octane rock induced solos and a great passion for setting the blues world on fire. Now endorsed by Fender and one of only 3 in the Country he is a real force to be reckoned with. With an interesting mix of Blues, Rock, Metal and Jazz guitar techniques he will keep you guessing until the final pinched harmonic squeals into glorious feedback. Watch him at your own risk...... Checkout his website at www.richardpryor.co.za

Greg 'Turkey Neck' Smith completes the frontal assault with intricately woven harp solos and some percussive skills of note. A real character of the band... One look at Greg and you know you got the Blues. When the Blues Cake arrives Greg knows exactly how to decorate it with singing vocal-like Blues solos and an array of delicate percussive techniques that only a man with a giant heart, one kidney and a huge turkey neck to boot can achieve.

Rob 'Bassline' Stemmett on bass guitar covers the backline with warm funk induced catatonia. A true master of the low frequencies, he is the glue that binds us all together. If you listen closely you will hear basslines that inspire the soul and move the body. He tells a story with his bass guitar and it's not for the feint hearted. From the very first note he weaves until the last note is spun, his grooves will unfold and they will tell a tale of mystery and energy that will keep even the most jaded individual out of their seat and rockin' to the rhythm.

Backing them up and in great form is Graeme Abbott on Drums. A golfing professional by day and a drummer at night... he knows how to lay down the rhythm late into the evening. And when he lays it down, it stays laid for a long time to come. He likes Toto more than they even like themselves.......and when you put To and To together you will realize he has that big stadium sound. He keeps the beat like a metronome and you can be sure that when Graeme is playing drums there is always a sense of humor on stage.

Don't miss this these guys playing live in front of their home crowd on the small stage or the on the Big one... A one way ticket is all you need to see the Boulevard Blues... Because when they take you on the Blues/Rock 'Journey of Note'... You ain't comin' back!!!!!!!

With a band that includes two generations of Cape Town 's top guitarists, Kiss the Sky is set to be anything but a normal gig. Patrick Canovi has combined the best of his previous shows and added work by Jimi Hendrix and Led Zeppelin in this new rock 'n roll production.

Patrick first appeared on the Cape Town music industry radar when his band, Metallic Sunn won the Cape Times Battle of the Bandsin 1969. Patrick also won the best guitar player award in this competition. His previous tribute shows played to packed houses at The River Club. This is also where Patrick met Louis Lourens, now known as Axe, for the first time.

Although he was only a boy at the time, in Louis, Patrick saw a kindred spirit. "I used to practise day and night and he is exactly the same,"Patrick says. "Patrick was my inspiration," Louis says adding that it is because of him that he picked up the guitar. Local audiences may know Louis as one half of Axe on Fire. He has also won the Paul Bothners Fretboard Frenzy competition three years in a row.

Patrick says he owed it to his fans to come back on stage with a new production. "People who have been supporting me all my life have been nagging me to do it,"he says. With the addition of Louis to Patrick 's original line-up of drummer Alan Thwaites and Michael Sangster on bass, this will be the first time that they Tribute the greats with 2 lead guitarists. Patrick explains that Louis' vocal range gives the band the ability to do Led Zeppelin songs. "Louis reaches those notes with ease," he says. Patrick stresses that they also try to recreate a visually correct tribute. Kiss the Sky performing at The Summit this year will be Louis Lourens, Micheal Sangster, Patrick Canovi and Alan Thwaites. Be Prepared for a sonic onslaught of classic rock and Blues from Hendrix to Led Zeppelin to AC/DC. Don't miss this powerhouse show.