John Ellis live at St Clements

POPULAR Durban musician, John Ellis will be playing live at one of his favourite venues, St Clements on Musgrave Road on Friday evening, 28 February.

When chatting to Berea Mail ahead of his performance, John said he was excited to perform at St Clements, because “you are live outdoors and under the stars.”

This is the first time John will be doing a live performance in Durban after nearly a year. The performance will see him render interpretations of popular Tree 63 songs as well as acoustic interpretations of a lot of his solo music.

Since leaving Tree 63 and returning to Durban in 2008, John has worked hard to establish and maintain his solo music career and be a dad to his three children. He also lectures at DUT, Embury CIT and Varsity College in various subjects, especially English and Politics. “Politics is in my blood, my dad is a politician and I have always been interested in politics.” Fans might not know, but John has a B.Arts in English and Politics

He says some of his music is political, “They talk about what it means to be South African in the tradition of Bob Marley and Bob Dylan. Using music to convey a message, but there has got to be a balance of rock and rolling music just for entertainment.

Entry is R60 and the show starts at 6pm. For more information or to book call 031 202 2511 or email st.clements@durbs.com

The highlight of your year so far (and why)?

Today. I woke up very much alive.

Favourite Durban restaurant, shop, mall and local leisure activity.

Ciao Bella

Ike’s Books and Collectibles

La Lucia Mall

The entire beach

Who inspires you to continue creating music?

Other musicians I’m a fan of, such as Tom Petty, Bob Dylan, Ron Sexsmith, Bruce Springsteen, Tom Waits… the list is endless

The album currently in your CD player – and why?

The new Arcade Fire album called “Reflektor”… always been a fan.

Favourite kind of meal? And least favourite?

Durban curry of any kind. Least favourite: eggs. Of any kind.

How do you keep fit?

Fit? Ha.

What are three things that you believe make South Africa great?

The people, the environment, and the cultural diversity.

The word or phrase you most overuse?

“Absolutely”.

One thing about yourself that you’d love to change (and why)?

My financial status. I wish I had one.

The funniest thing that ever happened to you (on stage/shoot)?

Breaking two strings in one song and having to finish the set with a four-string guitar.

What’s on top of your bucket list?

Hair.

Three things you truly love? And three things you detest?

Books, books, books.

I detest bookless homes.

One thing about yourself that most people don’t know (even if they are really trivial)

People don’t know I’m actually Zulu.

The funniest thing that ever happened to you?

Nothing funny ever happens to me. I’m an absolutely miserable misanthrope. ;)

What would you like your fans to know about you today?

I am still here making music and loving it.