New venue for musos
Show your support for local talent at the Blue Grass Music Café, at the Grasslands Driving Range, owned by fellow Benonians Liezl and Niel van Rooyen.
The café, which officially opened on April 16, serves as a platform for local artists to showcase their talent.
The City Times spoke to Liezl on Saturday night (April 23), before she went on stage.
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“I’ve had a passion for music since I was two years old,” she said.
“I learned to play the piano and guitar.
“So I wanted to create a platform for those who also have a passion for music.”
Liezl, who currently lives in the Benoni Agricultural Holdings, was born and raised in Springs.
“I was part of groups called La-Di-Da, Bottelnek and Die Blerbek Susters, to name a few,” she said.
In 2014, she met her current business partner, Niel.
“We are like-minded and both had a dream to create a safe environment for local talent to perform,” she said.
“We wanted to have a Rock City Festival.”
Due to their discussion about using the plot at the driving range, the van Rooyen’s were offered the vacant venue upstairs, which is where Blue Grass Music Café now is.
“We have big dreams for this café,” Liezl said.
“Currently we are only open on a Saturday, so this (April 23) is our second night being open.
“But in two or three months we hope to have live band karaoke nights, Sunday acoustic sessions and night markets.
“I want this place to be a unique and safe environment for musicians and music enthusiasts.”
Artists who would like to showcase their talent can contact Liezl on 074 713 4213, or Niel on 073 155 8262.
Money which is charged as an entrance fee will be given to the up-and-coming artists who are performing on the night.
