Zolani Mahola, Black Cat Bones launch new concert series
NEWTOWN - A new series of concerts inspired by the Nelson Mandela Bridge is set to kick off with a collaboration no one would ever have thought possible.
The first of the Across the Bridge Sessions will feature explosive four-piece rock outfit The Black Cat Bones and FreshlyGround front woman Zolani Mahola.
The show will be opened by ‘gypsy folk jazz’ group The Runaway Train Cult.
Speaking on behalf of the organisers, Caroline Hillary said the concerts will be curated by producer Dan Roberts of Stoep Studio, and will be staged by popular venue The Bassline.
“Inspired by the iconic… bridge that crosses from Braamfontein into Newtown, [the concerts are] as much about physically bringing people across the bridge as [they are] about bridging gaps between music genres,” she said.
Hillary said each event would be structured around a theme, and would feature a mix of some of the most influential and emerging talents.
“The sessions will be accompanied by food that reflects the theme, and theatrical staging to transport the audience to the world of music we are creating,” she said.
Speaking about the origins of the first of these new collaborative sessions, Hillary said it all began at this year’s Klein Karoo Nasionale Kunstefees (Little Karoo National Arts Festival).
“[Mahola] spontaneously began jamming on stage with The Black Cat Bones. What followed stunned the audience, and left them gasping for more,” she said.
“Now, these diverse artists will come together once again, as Joburg gets to experience an exclusive and fully-fledged collaborative show that will explore the very African roots of blues, soul, funk and rock.”
Fronting multi-platinum selling Afropop sensation, FreshlyGround is only Mahola’s day job; the world-class performer is also a qualified actor and a mother.
The Black Cat Bones began making a name for themselves on the local live music and festival circuit a few years ago, and won the 2013 MK Award for best live act.
“Individually, these two artists enjoy huge and loyal followings, and, combined, they’re set to take things to an altogether higher plane,” said Hillary.
Catch the first of these unique shows on 27 June at The Bassline, 10 Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown, at 9pm.
Details: www.pnptickets.co.za; Baseline facebook page
WATCH: The Black Cat Bones – Ol’ Pappa Joe:
FreshlyGround – Fire is Low:
