Wendy Oldfield - Well known S African musician & performer

Alter Irving - Duo conceived from SA Top Bands Clout & Ballyhoo

Wendy Allen Twyford - Classical Jazz standards brought to life

Atmosferic - Continental chic

Chris Tokalon - Sound Man - Sound Body, Sound Mind

Paul Whellock and Wouter Kellerman - Classical Creations

Kathy Raven - Honest and original, with true South African soul

Donovan Knox - Electric blues and rock

Signature Sounds - Home grown Afro/Jazz Funk Trio

Sunbird - Dynamic Duo Sivan Raphaely & Tulla Eckhart

Passenger 44 - Sivan Raphaely's original, honest & heartfelt songs

Wendy New - African pop & traditional music

Zwalaka - In this World 

Achimota - Marimba Band and Community Art Project

Rooibaardt - Foot-stomping Original World Music Ensemble

Napalma - Afro/Brazilian vibrancy

Brendan  Green - Eclectic Multi-Instrumentalist

Andries aka "Godfather Didge"

The Newz - Lots of action and thoroughly entertaining

Alter Irving  

Duo conceived from SA Top Bands Clout & Ballyhoo

CINDY ALTER and STEWART IRVING are without a doubt two of South Africa’s finest performers, Cindy having fronted one of the biggest internationally record selling acts to come from these shores “Clout”. And Stewart Irving coming out one South Africa’s top rock bands Ballyhoo.

Stewart and Cindy have both had solo success and have now combined their awe-inspiring talents to form “ALTER IRVING”

“ We were determined not to go down the road of using backing tracks” says Stewart.
” To be true to ourselves and keep it honest we chose to play acoustically” added Cindy. “It has meant working hard to get our guitar playing tight and up to a standard that we were both happy with and although we are always improving we are definitely on the same page with our percussive style.”

Together with awesome vocal impact ALTER IRVING is an act that delivers recently opening for Air supply to massive public acclaim and proving that technology isn’t everything (and that the public prefer the real deal).

ALTER IRVING play a wide range of covers along with some of their hits Substitute, Superstar, Save me, Heart of Stone - together with new material that they have been writing. “ALTER IRVING are in a different class. The big difference being the passion and commitment to their craft which you don’t find readily except in artists of the highest order.

Wendy Allen Twyford

Wendy’s love affair with the classic jazz standards and swinging hits of earlier decades started when she was a young girl growing up in the smokey coal town of Witbank, South Africa. And while this seemingly insignificant “dorp” could be considered a very unlikely birthplace for a jazz musician, it was the rich musicality of her family which helped develop her musical tastes. The many hours spent stooped over the record player listening to her grandfather’s collection of jazz classics laid the foundations for her broad spectrum of her music appreciation.

The natural performer became evident at a very young age when Wendy would spontaneously take it upon herself to entertain her peers, teachers, friends & family with sing-alongs at the piano or one-man comedy stints on the stage at every given opportunity. Although a regular participator in stage productions & dancing shows, Wendy soon focused her attention on music making & at age 15 landed a gig playing piano & singing at hometown restaurants every weekend.

Her study of classical music & piano playing under the auspice of the London Trinity College of Music started at the tender age of 5.  Upon matriculating her formal study of music was put on ice whilst completing a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemistry. She continued to broaden her musical horizons however, by working in various bands & exploring several genres of music.

However, her deep fascination with & love for the great jazz & blues vocalist/pianists like Shirley Horn, Ella Fitzgerald, Carmen McRae, Dee Dee Bridgewater, Dinah Washington & Diana Krall came full circle, with a decision on her part to focus on developing a career in the jazz circles of the music fraternity. Wendy has devoted her time & energy to learning from & working with as many high profile jazz musicians as possible in the past nine years. She has made regular appearances as a vocalist with the likes of Johnny Fourie, Deni Lalouette, Wessel Van Rensburg, Avzal Ismail, Neill Ettridge, Rob Watson, Jonathan Crossley, Marcus Wyatt, Carlo Mombelli & Graeme Currie amongst others. Wendy has also joined forces with some of South Africa’s notables such as Jo Clark, Robin Walsh, Prince Lengoasa, Kate Normington, Tim Moloi , Harry Siradopoulos & Mia in collaborative corporate shows. Her most recent solo performance took her to the exotic shores of the Seychelles where she provided entertainment for the Prince of Jeddah & his VIP guests.

Atmosferic - Continental Chic!  

Atmosferic is the definitive crossover jazz band for any hip, up-market event or celebration that requires musical excellence, a finishing touch of chic sophistication & a generous dose of va va voom!.

For those who prefer contemporary adult sounds, Atmosferic synergizes elements of tradition with avant-garde, blending & groove shifting between swinging standards, acid jazz, rhythmic Latin, retro-funk and smooth á la mode favourites.

Click here for full profile

  Chris Tokalon - Soundman

Sound Body, Sound Mind        

Chris Tokalon is an accomplished musician, composer, performer, sound therapist and recording artist.  He has played sax and flute since 1979 in a wide variety of jazz ensembles, musicals and cabarets, as well as being constantly involved in and performing local original music with bands and artists such as Peto, the Jazz Hounds, Steve Newman, Tony Cox, Robin Auld, Drum Cafe and his own world music project, Soulbird. He is also known for his astonishing ability to mimic musical instruments, birds, animals and people in performance and has developed a natural ability for overtone singing and creating evocations of natural sounds as part of a Sound therapy process.
 
About  ten years ago Christopher started specializing in Sound Journeys, a process where “passengers” lie down and receive a wonderfully calming, energizing sound bath.  The effect of this cellular massage is to shake loose stress and trauma and create a balance between body, mind and spirit.  Journeys can be done for groups or individuals and Chris has taken literally thousands of people on  transformational Sound Journeys.  
 
Christopher is also an expert in facilitating interactive and inspirational music and comedy for teambuilding in corporations, on holistic retreats, children's playshops and as a supplement to other workshops.  He has produced two CDs of specially composed music for relaxation and upliftment.  His work has received acclaim from therapists, health journals and basically everyone who has been on a magical sound experience with him.

For more info click here

Kathy Raven (aka kathy van rensburg) has performed her evocative style of roots flavoured music at festivals and clubs all over SA, solo and with bands The Featherdoctors and Keep the Change, including Earthdance each year, Oppikoppi, Splashy Fenn, Rustlers,  Blues room, Color Bar, Acoustic Café(ct)…. she has also performed as support act for Crosby Stills and Nash and Sean Phillips.  Her recent studio work includes vocals with bluesman Dan Patlansky.

Kathy has been involved in the industry since her dad, Harry van Rensburg (aka Bill Grant) (jazz musician and crooner who recorded on the decca label in the late 50’s) was a partner in the hit city record company with Blondie Makhene and Alec Om. Kathy learned the ropes hanging round the studios and performing and touring with Blondie & Pappa and Spank in SA and Botswana.

She is a founding director of h-art music promoting indie music from South Africa abroad.

Her current release, a solo cd, Loveseed, recorded live @ the Radium and mixed and mastered @ One Big Room studios in Pretoria, is a mixture of love inspired songs for SA (Train, Shine), family & friends (Old Child, Loveseed, Family Tree) heartbreak ouch! (Never Say, Real Love, Rather Go Blind), and true love (I am Yours).  All songs on the album composed by Kathy except Rather Go Blind (Christine McVie) and Little Wing (Jimi Hendrix).

Honest and original, with true South African soul.

Kathy Raven has just returned from a very successful 6-month tour of the USA and will be returning there next year to continue her musical career.

More info

Signature

 SOUNDS

Ø       Julia Lamberti: Lead Vocals

Ø       Gerald Louw: Bass Guitar & Vocals

Ø       Ken Thomas: Keys

Signature Sounds is an accomplished, talented, home-grown Afro-Jazz /Funk band founded 3 years ago.  Sultry lead vocalist, Julia Lamberti, whose style and sound is often compared to that of Norah Jones, fronts the three-piece outfit.  Her versatility and vocal ability ranges from sentimental ballads to jazz funk, timeless standards and R&B.  Julia is also currently working on her debut album which is due to be released in early 2008.  Talented bassist and singer, Gerald Louw and Ken Thomas on keys are the other members that make up this dynamic trio.  Both gentlemen have performed extensively throughout the States, Europe and the East.

  The band's sound is firmly grounded in funk and jazz but it also weaves an exquisite blend of soul, gospel, R&B, blues, African and disco into every performance.  The Signature style and sound is pure class and adds a special atmosphere and mood with every performance.

The group has performed regularly at top Gauteng venues like the Blues Room, Aphrodisiac and Voodoo Lounge, Smoke Café Grill & Lounge, Kind of Blue Jazz Restaurant, Back o’ the Moon Restaurant, Soi Restaurant, Tanz Music Café, The Marc Anthony Lounge at the Emperors Palace, the Chianti Lounge in Montecasino, the Sandton Sun Hotel, Spiced Jazz Restaurant, Mzanzi Orleans Jazz Restaurant, Amber’s Music Café, Betty’s Tea Room,  Fairhill Bistro,  Quarterman's Restaurant in Swaziland, Liquid Lounge Vaal Cruises, the Carnival Showbar in Carnival City,  Vilamoura Restaurant in Sandton, Melville Mugg & Bean, Salina's Ristorante, La Terrasse Restaurant, Devine Lounge, Fairhill Bistro, Aurelia's Restaurant at the D'oreale Grande, the Tusk Sun in Mafakeng, Orange Restaurant in Nelspruit, The Venue @ Carnival City, Jazz in the Park Sunday’s at the Hyatt Hotel and Longmeadow Private Jazz Club.

 The band has also enjoyed a number of high profile corporate gigs-the 2004 and 2005 Heart Foundation Dinner and the 2005 and 2006 Massmart Shareholders’ Conference Banquet and the 2006 Good Food &Wine Dinner were highlights.  They have also performed at corporate events for Microsoft and Gauteng and Mpumalanga Government.  They also had the privilege of opening for top jazz artist, Gloria Bosman at her launch party at the legendary Birchwood Hotel.  New Year's Eve 06/07 was spent performing for over 500 party goers at Rhapsody's Menlyn in Pretoria.  They also had the pleasure of performing for over 2000 people at the Eskom Staff Awards Luncheon in August 2008.  They were thrilled to be performing in the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival in August 2008.  Julia performed live in a promotional broadcast on SABCs Morning Live Show for the Joy of Jazz Festival.  She shared the stage with members of the Count Bassie Orchestra and other top international and local jazz artists for this live broadcast which was aired on the morning of the 24^th of August 2007.  They also enjoy regular corporate gigs throughout the country.  

Sivan Raphaely – Vocals

At the heart of Sunbird are performers Tulla Eckhart and Sivan Raphaely.

This dynamic singing, acting and writing team are both accomplished solo artists with extensive stage and studio experience. They have joined forces to form a potent and charismatic duo called Sunbird.  

More info

Tulla Eckhart– Vocals and Guitar

WENDY NEW

Music for the heart and soul - magnetic melodies and power lyrics driven by rhythmic guitar hooks - this is 21st century music and entertainment of note.

Singer/songwriter WENDY NEW has become a feature of the local and international music scene with a sound all of her own. Born in South Africa, she was resident musician in New York City for many years. She has been playing guitar and writing songs since she was 8 years old.

She has appeared at music venues and festivals all over the world and has been a regular feature at Splashy Fen, Oppikoppi and other festivals. She has collaborated with New York duo 310 and has had songs of hers feature on film soundtracks. Her songs are a unique synthesis of pop, world, traditional African, blues and folk/rock genres while lyric images span the globe, with magnetic gritty sweet melodies and kickarse grooves.

The Wendy New band is not to be missed for a riveting sound and performance experience. She is currently focusing on African sounds, both original and traditional, for an exciting presentation of local music – ideal for corporate functions.

African pop and traditional songs.                              See music CV

Zwalaka

In this World 

ZWALAKA is a play on the word Zwakala , which is a  Zulu word that has two meanings. In traditional Zulu language it means to be heard or be audible. In South African township slang it means come here or come along with us. So in effect it means come along and listen.

Zwalaka’s music consists of a stunningly produced cultural integration of modern dance music trends, and sees a fusion between African and World music with elements of modern electronic dance music. It integrates live vocals, percussion and guitar with the limitless expanse of sound colours, harmonic frequencies and rhythmic grooves that modern technology has made possible for us. The album starts of with slower South African style grooves and speeds up as the album moves along to a more international house and trance feel. Zwalaka’s music encompasses elements of West, Central, East & South African, Celtic, Arabic, Spanish, Latin, Blues, Rock, House and Trance Music.

Zwalaka consists of three core members who are Faith Makeleni (Vocals), Mikarapa (Vocals) and Wiggzaro (Guitar, Programming, Backing Vocals). It is has been the collaboration of these three South African artists that has led to the myriad of cultural influences that are present in Zwalaka’s music.  Zwalaka does collaborate with various other musicians and performers for live performances and these include percussion players, fire dancers and dancers.

Achimota
Community Art Project

What is Achimota? The name means, ‘Don’t ask, just listen’.
It’s a living, growing concept, a band which is making a name for itself in Gauteng.  

Achimota plays a mixture of traditional music, with songs such as Mbube (When the Lion sleeps), and more contemporary music, with a slight Kwaito influence. Several danceable Latino songs, such as La Bamba, are also incorporated into the sets, which include a repertoire of more than 50 songs.

Achimota is a five-piece band, capable of playing acoustically, or with a PA and microphones. Has great rapport with the audience: they will play what the audience requires, according to the mood of the occasion.

Derek Davey has been working with Mike Mbatha, who lives at Orange Farm, for about three years. They formed the group Chapungu, which over two years went on to record the CD Sons of the Sun, appeared on Take5 children’s TV show, visited the Khomani San in the Kalahari, toured countrywide round SA campuses with the MTN ‘Multi-Talented Nomads’, played at many schools and did numerous gigs.  

Things moved on … Mike and Derek worked with a community project called Isidingo, which performed at Aardklop Festival 2004. We did a play called the ‘Magic Marimba Tree’, ran a few workshops in the townships, and played gigs at the main festival.

Some of the core members of Isidingo then formed Achimota. They played at the ‘Green Africa’ poetry and music evenings every fortnight during 2005, along with performers like Riku Latti, Kathy van Rensburg and Louis Mahlanga. They also gigged at esoteric fairs, art exhibitions, weddings, churches and corporate functions.

In August 2005, Achimota supported Tony Cox and made a live recording, called Live at Otherworld.  In September, they played with the kids at a San festival in the Cradle of Humankind.

In November, Achimota was invited to play at cultural events in Newtown Cultural Precinct, by the Johannesburg Development Agency. They also played at the launch of Joburg Carnival 2005, and helped to create the carnival’s radio adverts. The band is now listed on The Drum Café’s books and plays at corporate gigs and weddings on a regular basis.

The band is listed on The Drum Café’s books, and is playing corporate gigs and weddings on a regular basis. Clients we have played for include First National Bank, Schnieder Electric, Sasol and Absa. Achimota is also a community project, which encourages about 20 Orange Farm kids to learn culture and art. The teaching programme has now been formed into a Non-Profit Organisation.  The children learn gumboot dancing, pantsula dancing, Zulu dancing, marimba playing and drums.

Achimota is also a community project, which encourages around 20 Orange Farm kids to learn dancing and play marimbas. The children are learning after school: gumboot dancing, pantsula dancing, Zulu dancing, marimba playing and drums. Lively jams and poetry sessions. Infectious young energy!

Interested? Achimota community art project does:

• Marimba band: gigs, events and festivals

• Dancers and drummers available

• Lessons, workshops

• Customised marimba manufacturing

“We were also highly impressed by Achimota’s performance; it was very vibrant and created the right mood for the cocktail party.  Nice one!
Regards,
Thoko Mashiloane
Trialogue