Leading artists for peace at free concert

The free concert, to take place at Muldersdrift’s Heia Safari Ranch, will represent the “crossover culture” being experienced in South Africa and will promote the International Day of Peace.

The line-up includes the likes of Ross Learmonth and Neil Breytenback of Prime Circle, Slikour and Shugasmakx, The Graeme Watkins Project, Cito and Martin Schofield of WONDERboom, Timothy Moloi, Connell Cruise, Josie Field, KB Motsilanyane, Zandile Mzazi, Andra, and Ayo Solanke.

“[We] invite everyone to come along and enjoy the mesmerising performances by the creme de la creme of South Africa’s finest music talents… in a style most audiences haven’t seen before,” said spokesperson Collett Dawson.

“These artists will perform their tracks in an acoustic or singer-songwriter style, while also collaborating with some of SA’s finest classical musicians who make up the Double O Ensemble on one or two of their songs as well.”

Dawson said the ensemble will be the “common thread” throughout the concert hosted by Peace Starts and the ranch.

“Added to this will be the services of top-quality music arrangers including Mark Cheyne, Johan Laas, Rowan Bekker, and Roelof Colyn who will provide the unique music arrangements for these collaborations,” she said.

“All of these artists, as well as all involved in staging the event, have given of their time and talent free of charge, to ensure that this could be a free event and [as] inclusive as possible, in the celebration of peace.”

While entrance is free, booking tickets online is essential to guarantee admittance on the day.

Guests will need to print out their booking confirmation and present it at the ranch entrance gate.

Dawson said guests should bring picnic blankets and chairs, and added that no food or drink would be allowed into the reserve.

A wide range of food vendors, the ranch restaurant, and a bar service will be available on the day.

“I am moved by the responses of the artists and arrangers, and their willingness to get involved in putting on a world-class unique event for this important date on society’s calendar,” said WONDERboom front man and Peace Starts founder, Cito.

The Peace Starts 2014 concert will take place on 21 September at Heia Safari Ranch, Plot 56, Beyers Naude Drive, Muldersdrift, at 1pm.

Details: www.peacestarts.co.za

WATCH: The Graeme Watkins Project – Fly Away:

WATCH: Shugasmakx – Wathinta Thina:

WATCH: Jeremy Gilley – Introduction to Peace One Day 2014:

https://youtu.be/UCCaS-o8Kb8