GEORGE NEWS - An exciting new development on the entertainment front is the recent opening of the Market Community Theatre in George.
The charming performances of the multi-talented Outeniqua Jazz Band and Third Wave Trio and Petronel Baard created a debonair vibe at this new venue during their concert, Golden Oldies.
With romantic songs like There’s a place for us sung by Henko Bester, the orchestra set a sophisticated tone for the evening. The Third Wave Trio proved to be well rehearsed and able to produce smooth jazz sounds with Logan Jantjies, band leader Jean du Plessis and Ryno Munro accompanied by Outeniqua music teacher Lynette Petersen.
Petersen trains and accompanies both the Outeniqua Jazz Band and Third Wave Trio on their various gigs. Petersen knows how to bring out the best in her students.
The classically trained musician has a pleasant singing voice which lends itself to all-time favourites like Wonder how you are.
The Outeniqua students have been giving performances in the Endler Hall in Stellenbosh, the Artscape in Cape Town as well as the Makhanda National Jazz Festival where Logan Jantjies and Jean du Plessis were accepted into the national schools jazz orchestra.
Both play more than one instrument. With Bester playing the saxophone he alternates with an excellent singing voice reminiscent of suave Michael Bublé.
Versatile Petronel Baard, although classically trained, can adapt to numerous musical genres and came up with some favourite jazz songs, accompanied by the excellent pianist Franco Engelbrecht.
She has a knack for surrounding herself with top South African musicians. She floated Mag jy on streaming platforms together with Johan Liebenberg and a video is scheduled to be issued next year.
The ultimate in smooth jazz performances were given by Petronel Baard and pianist Franco Engelbrecht during the Golden Oldies jazz show. Photo: Pauline Lourens
Restoration project
When theatre manager Heather Stead spotted the forlorn-looking Market Theatre on Doneraile Square, she recognised its potential for developing it as a platform for showcasing Southern Cape talent in a small and intimate venue.
She has achieved miracles on a limited budget and will be holding many more concerts to raise funds to restore the former church building to its erstwhile glory. So far new curtains have been added alongside the electrical rewiring and sealing of the roof.
For more information on shows, visit the Facebook page of the Market Community Theatre or phone Heather on 072 369 3304.
Don’t miss the George Male Choir this coming Saturday, 11 November. Entrance is free, but donations are welcome. Contact Heather to book for their Memory Lane concert.
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