AMERICAN surfer/singer/song-writer/guitarist, Donavan Frankenreiter, is touring South Africa.
Donavan, a long-time friend of surfing musician, Jack Johnson, is well-known in South Africa through the surf-indie music scene.
He started his musical career as a non-singing lead guitarist, but soon realised that singing and writing was the way to go.
His debut CD, Donavan Frankenreiter, was released in 2004 on Johnson’s Brushfire Records.
He’s toured extensively throughout America and has also played to capacity crowds in Australia and Brazil.
His music was featured in two films, Snakes On A Plane and Georgia Rule.
Donavan recorded a live DVD, The Abbey Road Sessions, at Abbey Road Studios in London in 2005 and that was released in early 2006.
Donavan’s fifth album was released in 2012.
He will perform in Durban on Saturday 22 March, at LIVE – The Venue, 166 Matthews Meyiwa (Stamford Hill) Road. This will be an afternoon show. The doors will open at noon and close at 5pm.
The support act is Manuvah To Land, who will play an acoustic set.
Tickets are R150 per person at Ticketweb, or R200 per person at the door. Phone 084 510 3107.
What things don’t you like doing? Name two.
Gardening and painting.
Tell us about a time when things didn’t go the way you wanted?
That’s life. It happens all the time to everybody. I don’t really feel as if it’s good or bad, I feel all things happen for a reason, even the stuff you didn’t want to happen ends up being sometimes the things you didn’t know you where looking for.
What do you think about when you are alone in your car?
Are we there yet?!
What’s your strongest memory of your childhood?
My first wave on a real surfboard and how fast I went at that moment. I fell in love with something for the first time, found a passion and a dream to follow.
What do you dislike about South Africa?
The worlds largest bungee jump! I am still scared from doing it last time I was there.
What makes you angry?
Angry people.
Besides your job, what are you most passionate about?
My family. They are my inspiration in all I do. I just love my wife and two boys. It’s amazing being a dad and a husband.
Name one misconception you think people have about you?
That I am not the Hurdy Gurdy Man, just because we share the same first name (Hurdy Gurdy Man is a song by the Scottish singer/songwriter Donovan). It happens not that often but when it does, I look at the person and say do I really look 68 years old?
Some advice to people who want to follow your path; what are three things you should never do in this business?
Never burn bridges (it’s a small world). Always be your self and never give up. Follow your dreams.
What do you envision yourself doing when you turn 80?
Surfing all day and playing music all night.