Barnyard rebranded as Spirit of Limpopo Rocks
Many Limpopians remember the hay days of the Barnyard Theatre in Magoebaskloof with its music productions and leading artists on its popular stage.
Howard Blight, a Tzaneen lover of the arts, is now again the force behind bringing a newly established local band to a local stage. He has found a great location that will be the new home for the productions he and a team of music and theatre lovers intend to put on.
The Old Packhouse Distillery between Politsi and Modjadjiskloof, is being revamped and renamed to Spirit of Limpopo Rocks. It has in the last months become a popular venue with a wonderful view over Tzaneen’s farmlands. It is also the home of one of Tzaneen’s favourite export products – the award-winning Spirit of Limpopo range of gins. Added to these are locally distilled brandy, rum and tequila and a soon-to-be operating craft beer brewery.
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The venue’s new name has been derived from the brand name of the gin range. Howard said that all musicians have been locally sourced driven by an appreciation for music. “Musicians have had a real struggle under covid with venue numbers being restricted,” he said.
The band itself is also called Spirit of Limpopo, Howard said. The band will be available to play at other venues too. He invited musicians and vocalists from Limpopo to contact him with the view of doing shows in the future.
“We are looking for saxophonists and violinists and people with a singing voice that can do certain genres such as Elvis Pressley.”
It is his dream to grow the art of being a musician with Spirit of Limpopo, he said. Howard told the Herald that the first of the productions will be on 19 and 20 November with music from the 50’s.
The show, Where Classic meets Rock, promises to recreate the excitement and vibey atmosphere of the former Barnyard Theatre days. He said the events lend itself to year-end functions and get-togethers with friends and family.
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Special packages have been compiled for corporates who want to book a table and ranges from R1600 to R3500 for a table of ten. Individual tickets are also available at R100 a seat. There will be a cash bar available. The events will start at 19:00 for 20:00 and patrons can bring their own picnic baskets. For more information or to book, contact 062 869 4889 or email admin@amorentia.
