With the growing number of talented local musicians, the lower Illovo brewery decided to host a monthly open mic evening where musicians could grow individually and as ensembles.
Local muso, Gary Bedingfield (22) has been jamming at the open mic evenings since last winter and has played a huge role in spreading the word about the event. Toti is a hub of talent as the majority of the musicians live locally.”I’d love to see English, Afrikaans, isiZulu together with rap, spoken word sessions and all different styles of music,” said the 22-year-old. He explained that being a novice musician, the best way to improve is to practise your music around other musos.
“You’ll never grow if you’re going to let your shyness hold you back. These open mic evenings are the best. If you mess up, you mess up. Now’s your chance to.”
Gary is studying a degree in education. He has been playing guitar for nearly seven years, starting because of his burning love for music. The enthusiast now sings and has even written original songs. “I feel playing an instrument is an excellent way to vent feelings without the use of words,” said Gary.
The Toti Brewing Company was previously situated in Southgate Industrial Park, then moved to the Lower Illovo area about a year ago. Owner, Peter Hamilton-Hoskins said that being a musician, he wanted to bring back a live music venue to Toti, something like River Gardens was in the past.”We’re trying to make a success of what we’ve built down here on the river.
Other week-nights were taken up with league football, netball and cricket on our indoor astro court. Tuesdays were quiet so we decided to start an open mic evening, promoting local talent,” said Peter. “We have the perfect venue for an open mic evening, with a permanent stage including a drum kit, PA, bass and guitar amps and lighting. There is also an old Toti Folk Club and these facilities would be perfect for them,” said Peter.
Musicians interested in jamming at the open mic evenings should contact owner Peter Hamilton-Hoskins on 061-0000535 or email at peterhh@mweb.co.za
DID YOU KNOW?
Click on the words highlighted in red to read more on this and related topics.
To receive news links via WhatsApp, send an invite to 061 694 6047
The South Coast Sun is also on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and Pinterest – why not join us there?
Do you have more information pertaining to this story?
Feel free to let us know by commenting on our Facebook page or you can contact our newsroom on 031 903 2341 and speak to a journalist.
(Comments posted on this issue may be used for publication in the Sun)
