Leading stars at SA Guide-Dogs variety gala concert

THE South African Guide-Dogs Association for the Blind will host its gala variety concert at the Auto & General Theatre on The Square on August 24.

The sought-after annual event has drawn together many of the finest entertainers for a music and comedy extravaganza. The star-studded line-up will be truly historic, with more leading performers this year than ever before.

There will be only two shows at 3pm and 6.30pm.

The stars of the show have kindly given of their time and talents free of charge and the entire proceeds of ticket sales will benefit Guide-Dogs. To add to the generous spirit, Daphne Kuhn is proud to host the event at the Auto & General Theatre on The Square, with their amenities, staff and services also provided pro bono.

Producing the sensational concerts will be Chet Diepraam, joined by Claire Pacariz. “Using the same winning concepts of the Leading Ladies and Leading Men extravaganzas at the same theatre, we will treat Joburg audiences to the most remarkable line-up of entertainment variety never before seen on local stages,” adds Chet.

Confirmed stars include: Sam Peo (award winning theatre artist, including Chicago, Cabaret and Aspects of Love), Keith Smith (Hello Dolly, Aspects of Love, Egoli), Carly Graeme (Mamma Mia!, We Will Rock You, Starlight Express, Boys in the Photograph), Mark Banks (one of SA’s most respected comedians, Comedy Choice Lifetime Achievement Award), Michael de Pinna (funny man, singer, stage and screen actor, Yebo Gogo fame), Cat Simone (solo shows include tributes to Barbra Streisand and Ella Fitzgerald), Timothy Moloi (velvet voiced star that performs with big orchestras, recently the genie in Aladdin), Cito (front man of Wonderboom, also lead in Queen at the Ballet and Jesus Christ Superstar), Brenda Sakellarides (The Sound of Music, King and I, Menopause, and director of Youth Ballet), Kiruna Devar (lead in Sweet Charity and star of Leading Ladies concert, NSA top achiever),

Fiona Ramsay (iconic actress and singer, film credits include Hotel Rwanda, Bang Bang Club), Tony Bentel (pianist and entertainer extraordinaire, also of Doo Be Boobies fame), Helen Desbois (SAMA nominee and MTN Radio Award winner, We Will Rock You), Bongi Mthombeni (Idols SA finalist and Panto star, session musician and conductor), Holly Diamond, aka Neil Holland (one of The Dreemz drag trio, better than Celine Dion herself) and live music with the dynamic Tony Yoko’s Sandton Jazz quartet.

Special guest artist appearances by true legends and iconic names in the SA entertainment arena: Kate Normington, Des & Dawn Lindberg and Annabel Linder.

Parking is available at Mandela Square or Sandton City Parkades.

There will also be raffle, with a new car as first prize.

Tickets cost R250 and are available at Strictly Tickets on 082-553-5901 or online www.strictlytickets.com