Benoni part of 180 gigs in 90 days goal
Musician Natalie Chapman is on a mission to perform 180 shows, in 90 days, in 90 towns, including Benoni.
In order to achieve her goal, she has confirmed that she will be performing at Grid and Grill Pub and Restaurant, on Tuesday, April 21.
Last year, Chapman performed 90 shows in the same time frame and, in May, she received a Lead SA Hero award for her efforts.
At the end of her journey this year, she will have traveled 18 000 km through South Africa and Lesotho.
The goal of the tour is to bring a message of hope to survivors of violent and sexual crimes, and encourage them to speak out about their ordeals.
Chapman is also encouraging South Africans to get involved and become part of the solution, to what she calls an epidemic of violence and abuse which has swept over the country.
Her blend of storytelling and original folk/country music is the device which she uses to help victims of violence.
Chapman does free community shows in the mornings and live music fund-raising events in the afternoons or evenings.
All money raised from shows, over and above expenses, goes to Epic Foundation or earmarked local charities.
“To say I am not exhausted would be a lie, but the impact this tour has had and the emotional rewards have made it worth it,” said Chapman.
“I know now that our children are not aware of their rights generally, and (they) need guidance and protection desperately.”
Chapman’s journey started on Wednesday, January 28, and will continue until Monday, April 27 (Freedom Day), where the tour will culminate in a large event at Marks Park in Emmarentia, Johannesburg, where some of the music industry’s finest artists will be performing.
