Calling all cool cats

ROSEBANK – Premier live music venue Katzy’s has been a firm favourite with discerning lovers of fine food and good music for almost two decades.

The venue is no best-kept local secret either, having played host to presidents, vice-presidents and Hollywood glitterati.

Manager Lebo Ndlovu said while live music was at the heart of the business, and that live music venues were easy to find in Joburg, few came close to offering what Katzy’s does.

“We offer high-standard big names in music,” he said. “The likes of Lira, Zahara, Denim, and Doctor Victor and the Rasta Rebels perform here,” he said.

“But our regulars also come for the ambience and our hospitality, which goes beyond just good service. We also have the best steak and ribs in town.”

Ndlovu said the support of die-hard regular patrons could not be faulted.

“Some of them have been coming here for years. We’ve got to know their children’s children. And we know what they like. Some don’t even place orders anymore — they know we know what they like,” he said.

Katzy’s attracts a more mature crowd, who don’t mind the smart-casual dress code or educating their palates with the high-end ranges available.

“South Africans have begun to move away from what they know. There’s a growing appreciation of single malt whiskies, cognac and champagne. People are learning, and there’s definitely a change happening among locals,” said Ndlovu.

Katzy’s was named after founder and previous owner Joel Katz, who also established connected restaurant The Grillhouse.

Katz sold his shares to new owners Sol Mervis and Peter Williams before relocating to Australia.

“We set out to create a safe, lovely environment for a more mature, upmarket crowd, with good music and food. We’ve had Hugh Masekela, Bob James, Yvonne Chaka Chaka, Paris Hilton and Leonardo Di Caprio here,” said Mervis.

“It’s a microcosm of Johannesburg, where everyone mixes with everyone, and people spontaneously have a good time. You might not come here with the intention of having a party, but you’ll leave having had a good party.”

Ndlovu said Tuesday and Wednesday nights tended to be more sedate, and feature laid-back jazz.

“We turn up the heat on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays, with bigger bands and DJs. It’s all about a party vibe on those days,” he said.

Details: 011 880 3945; www.katzys.co.za

Upcoming gigs:

26 March: Atmospheric, 9pm.

27 March: Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels, 9pm.

28 March: Friday Concert Boulevard, 9pm.

29 March: Tokyo Groove, 9pm.