GANGS of Ballet returns to the Durban Botanic Gardens for a special Mother’s Day picnic concert on Sunday, 10 May.
Gangs of Ballet has caused waves on the local music scene since its 2011 debut single, Breaking the Silence, made inroads into the local charts. Another single, Hello Sweet World, became the theme song for VH1 USA’s hit TV series ‘Rehab’ with Dr Dre. Within 12 hours of the release of their debut album, ‘yes/no/grey’ in 2013 it got to number one on the local iTunes chart. The album had the critics raving, and Gangs of Ballet won an MK Award for Best Newcomers and went on to bag five South African Music Awards nominations as well as an MTV MAMA Award.
In January this year, Gangs of Ballet became the first South African act to premiere a full-length music video – for their single Love is on its Way – on Twitter. They are currently working on tracks for their new album, and Durbanites may even get a sneak preview of the new material at the Botanical Gardens concert.
This Durban band is now a three-piece after bass player, Hardus de Beer, left to focus on his career as a chiropractor. But their sound is no less electrifying, and their loyal home crowd is expected to once again turn out in force to see this acclaimed alternative rock outfit in action.
So, spoil your mom and join the gang, comprising Brad Klynsmith (vocals and electric guitar), Jonathan Rich (keyboards and synthesisers) and Josh Klynsmith (drums and vocals) for a laid-back picnic concert in the most idyllic of natural settings.
Gangs of Ballet will be ably-supported on the day by the artists of MonArk, who have firmly signalled their intention to change the face of pop music in South Africa since bursting onto the scene in 2013.
Pack a cooler box and picnic blanket for a glorious afternoon of music and nature. Refreshments will also be on sale at the gardens and children can enjoy fun activities at the secure Kidzone.
Gates open at 1pm for pre-sold tickets, which cost R140 each through www.webtickets.co.za, and at 1.30pm for on-the-day ticket sales, which cost R160 each. Children aged eight to 12 pay R60, and those under eight get in free. MonArk starts playing at 2.30pm, followed by Gangs of Ballet.