The Rock offers a great holiday vibe

THE music continues at The Rock Music Bistro in Umzumbe throughout the December holidays.

While audiences should bring their own alcoholic drinks on other days, please note that the popular Umzumbe music venue will have a liquor licence on Friday, December 26 and Wednesday, December 31. All gigs except the New Year’s Eve party will be free but the hat will be passed around for donations. To book for any of the happenings contact Shirley at 072 1415621.

Durban alternative pop artist Rowan Stuart will be back at The Rock, for a performance on December 26 at 2pm.

This concert is part of the nationwide promotion of his new all-acoustic album, ‘Hidden Doors’, which is winning over the hearts of fans with its emphasis on high-calibre songwriting and stripped-down honesty.

Rowan is no stranger to KwaZulu-Natal audiences, who have seen him progress from sought after session guitarist to exciting singer and songwriter in the last few years. He plays an original brand of alternative acoustic music, incorporating elements of folk, pop and even world music into a sound that is both deep and authentic.

His performances include songs from his new album, tracks from his three previous albums and improvised guitar pieces, making for a varied and colourful set that keeps the audience’s interest throughout. It is unique each time.

Rowan has toured the country as a solo artist, opened for popular acts such as Watershed, Dan Patlansky, Jeremy Loops, Matthew Mole and The Graeme Watkins Project and shared the stage with Nibs van der Spuy, Gangs of Ballet and Just Jinjer. Songs from his albums have received airplay on over 20 South African radio stations. He earned ‘Top 20’ chart success with his debut single, ‘Late Starter’.

If that is not enough, popular North Coast singer and South African heart throb Pierre De Charmoy will visit the South Coast to play at The Rock on December 26, after Rowan’s performance.

The Hinds Brothers Band, an acoustic folk rock country indie group fronted by singer songwriter brothers Aden and Wren Hinds, will be at The Rock on December 27 at 8pm. Born and raised on the South Coast, their music is influenced by the tranquil beauty of these surrounds.

Individually their voices are very different yet meld seamlessly into harmonic perfection. Similarly their songwriting displays that merging compatibility that produces songs of unforgettable melody line and lyrical beauty. These qualities, perfectly complemented by voices of great originality and beauty, make live performances by these young musicians an intimate, dynamic and unforgettable experience.

They have evolved a style uniquely and undeniably their own, taking inspiration from a wide range of influences including the Beatles and Syd Kitchen.

Shotgun Tori (aka Victoria Landey), a storyteller, a woman with a voice and a guitar, will be at The Rock on Sunday, December 28, at 2pm. Her subject matter is drawn from her interesting, occasionally humorous, yet always insightful life view.

Her touching, raw vocal delivery is both tender and powerful, and listeners are left with no doubt that she sings straight from her heart. Tori’s music puts you on the spot. While sometimes fun and upbeat, it is often gentle and heart-wrenching.

She has toured the length and breadth of South Africa and thrown in Namibia and Mozambique for good measure. Her commitment to her craft and her dedication to performing live has seen her become a music festival staple.