Fidler in the Hood: From Russia With Love

SALUTATIONS friends! The social season is with us once more with lots of events happening. You have to keep a diary to remember when or what’s going on. A case of ‘if you snooze, you lose’.

And that’s not including the marathon viewing of the royal wedding, which, I’m sure, many local ‘royalists’ and ‘republicans’ were glued to their television sets watching.

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This was followed by the FA Cup final, which, I do know, thousands of fans living on the Hibiscus Coast would be watching. No wonder many of us are becoming ‘as blind as a bat’ these days. On with the show.

Siberia meets Riverbend

Music lovers loyally turned out in force to enjoy the ‘Classics at Riverbend’ recital last Friday evening. I say ‘loyally’ as there has been some uncertainty whether there was enough interest to continue with classical music in this neck of the woods.

Any doubts were cleared with a good turnout, enthralled with ‘The Siberian Trio’ featuring Elena Kerimova (violin), Boris Kerimov (cello) and Liezl-Maret Jacobs (piano), playing ‘the best of’ Ludwig van Beethoven and Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

The Siberian Trio have built a tremendous reputation in South Africa and are in much demand. We were fortunate to have them down here for a superb couple of hours’ music entertainment.

Come back

Husband and wife Boris and Elena are originally from Novosibirk, Siberia, Russia’s third largest city. It’s a long way from Moscow and just around the corner from Mongolia, Asia.

In winter, temperatures ‘drop a bit’ to around minus 40 degrees, which can be quite challenging if you are waiting at a bus stop.

The couple moved to SA some 20 years ago and have become key members of the KZN Philharmonic Orchestra.

The Siberian Trio has become something of an institution with a large local ‘fan club’. Perhaps not quite the right title, but when Elena Kerimova ‘does her thing’ with Brahms’ ‘Hungarian Dance No 5’, then it certainly is a ‘fan club’, believe me. Please return, anytime, and don’t forget to bring Boris and Liezl-Maret!

Do it for hospice

Amongst the many charity institutions here on the Hibiscus Coast is ‘Fallen Friends’ – an organisation dedicated to assisting sick and infirm colleagues in times of serious ill-health.

The group was formed six years ago by Richard Phillips of Uvongo and like-minded persons who had lost friends to cancer. They now donate their spare time to raise funds, in appreciation of the work by the South Coast Hospice.

Richard is proprietor of the Head Office hairdressing salon in Uvongo, and organiser-secretary for the Fallen Friends Association. Last year, the group raised over R1 000 for the charity. The target this year is of course to better this amount. It can be done, but your support is needed and appreciated.

Bid or braai

‘Fallen Friends’ will be hosting its annual pool (as in snooker) competition at Buccaneers Beach Bar Pub and Grill (next to St Mike’s bridge on Marine Drive) this Saturday (26th) at 11am.

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There will be a raffle draw, a charity auction and braai, accompanied by music that Deejay Tony will be spinning. Tickets are going fast, so contact Richard at 082 5809385. Say the Uvongo scribe sent you. It won’t get you a discount, but will definitely get you a ticket. It should be a good day out for the family.

Golden oldies

Lovers of really good music will be pleased to note that the Light Music Society will be up and running at Mbango Valley Association in Rathboneville, Port Shepstone, tomorrow (24th) from 2pm.

If you are into music of the Big Band Era, featuring Glenn Miller, Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and many others, then this is the place to be. Favourites such as Frank Sinatra, Peggy Lee, Dean Martin, Ella Fitzgerald, Tony Bennett, Sierra Boggess, Rosemary Clooney, the John Wilson Orchestra, plus a bit of Bossa Nova will be ‘on show’. Come along and enjoy a couple of hours of nostalgia.

Watch this space

The party’s over at Windsor Castle, however, there’s a bigger, better celebration coming your way this Saturday (26th) in Ramsgate.

At the time of going to press, there is a strict ‘blackout’ on any press release, but make sure you read this page next week. The story will be bigger than Prince Harry and Meghan Markle.

Bigger than Anthony and Cleopatra; Posh and Becks and bigger than ‘When Harry Met Sally’.

So place your orders for a free copy of the Bonus. It will be quite sensational, lifting the lid on the life and times of one of Uvongo’s well-known celebrity couples on the South Coast. A ‘must read’ with the writer telling all, no holds barred. Although names may be changed to protect the innocent. See you, Rob.

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