UPDATE! UK phenomenon, Passenger has been confirmed to play live on stage for the first time in South Africa on 15 February 2015!
Summer officially rocks up in Cape Town when the first screechy microphone feedback echoes through the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens. This season’s Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts kicks off on 23 November 2014, jamming out every Sunday evening until 5 April 2015. We’ve taken a peek at the incredible line-up and there is something for everyone! Just some of the artists back by popular demand are Prime Circle, Johnny Clegg, Mi Casa, The Parlotones, Matthew Mole, Jimmy Nevis, Freshlyground, Goldfish, Mi Casa, Oliver Mtukudzi, and Jeremy Loops.
Line-up for the 2014/15 Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concert series
23 November: The Soil
This hugely popular, 4-man acapella group is best described as “Kasi Soul”.
Cost: R100 – R135
30 November: National Youth Orchestra with Barbara Hendricks
The National Youth Orchestra will celebrate their 50th birthday with top international and local guest artists, including soprano Barbara Hendricks, saxophonist Magnus Lindgren, bass guitarist Concord Nkabinde, and local drummer Rob Watson. The orchestra will be conducted by Fredrik Burstedt, one of Europe’s top young conductors.
Cost: R100 – R135
7 December: Just Jinjer
One of the biggest rock band exports in South African history, Just Jinjer have sold more than a quarter of a million albums to date.
Cost: R100 – R135
14 December: Oliver Mtukudzi
Multi-award winning singer, Oliver Mtukudzi, is the “Grand Master of Zimbabwean Traditional Pop” and one of the greatest voices of African soul.
Cost: R100 – R135
28 December: Hot Water
Wind down after the Christmas festivities with this unmistakably South African music.
Cost: R75 – R100
31 December: New Year’s Eve with Mango Groove & Arno Carstens
South African pop at its best, this feel good concert will bring the New Year in with a bang!
Cost: R310
4 January: Prime Circle
Prime Circle is back with their new studio album, “Let the Light In”
Cost: R100 – R135
11 January: The Parlotones
Jam with one of South Africa’s most accomplished rock bands.
Cost: R130 – R160
18 January: Matthew Mole & Tailor
Enjoy a chilled evening with two of the gardens’ most popular performers, Matthew Mole and Tailor.
Cost: R100 – R135
25 January: Jimmy Nevis
This young alternative pop singer has captured fans internationally with his quirky lyrics, acoustic tones, and catchy melodies.
Cost: R100 – R135
1 February: The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra
Celebrate 100 years of symphony with this sell-out orchestra.
Cost: R100 – R135
8 February: Freshlyground
Sing along to the hit songs of one of South Africa’s favourite Afro-fusion groups.
Cost: R100 – R135
15 February: Passenger
This special Valentines concert that will have the ladies swooning! Michael Rosenberg, better known as Passenger, has topped charts all around the world with his single “Let her Go”. This is the first time that an international artist of this magnitude performs in the Kirstenbosch Summer Sunset Concerts.
Cost: R365
22 February: Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival
The 7th instalment of the Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Music Festival features an incredible line-up of South African artists including Ross Learmonth, Ard Matthews, Jesse Clegg, and Guy Buttery. This concert starts at 17h00.
Cost: R75 – R100
1 March: Goldfish
After a stint in Ibiza, Europe, and the USA, Goldfish are back in SA with their vibey beats.
Cost: R100 – R135
8 March: Mi Casa
This concert is set to be the highlight of the month!
Cost: R100 – R135
15 March: Al Bairre & Shortstraw
Indie is the sound of the day as newcomer to the garden, Al Bairre, shares the stage with Shortstraw.
Cost: R75 – R100
22 March: Beatenberg & Gangs of Ballet
Audiences will love the combination of styles that pay homage to South Africa’s musical heritage.
Cost: R75- R100
29 March: Johnny Clegg
Johnny Clegg is no stranger to Kirstenbosch and his shows are packed every year! Book soon to this energetic musical evening!
Cost: R130 – R160
5 April: Jeremy Loops
The season closes with ever popular Jeremy Loops – the perfect way to enjoy an Easter Sunday on the lawns.
Cost: R100 – R135
Details:
Season run: 23 November 2014 to 5 April 2015
Where: Kirstenbosch National Botanical Garden, Rhodes Drive, Newlands, Cape Town
When: Every Sunday, 17h30 – 19h00 (except the Cape Town Folk n Acoustic Festival). Gates open 16h00.
Tickets: Available on Webtickets. Box office and telephone ticket sales (021 761 2866) start from the Tuesday preceding each concert if there are still tickets available.
- R75 – R160 for adults
- R75 to R140 for youths (6 – 21 years)
- R310 for New Year’s Eve Concert with Mango Groove & Arno Carstens
- R365 for Passenger
Contact:021 799 8783 or www.sanbi.org.za
Follow the music on Facebook and Twitter! #KBRocks
Now that you’ve got the line-up, we suggest you get your tickets, fill your picnic baskets with food and drink (alcohol is allowed), grab your friends and family (certain concerts will have a kids’ zone), and prepare for a summer music celebration on the grassy slopes of the Kirstenbosch National Botanical Gardens!
Feature image by @laurengrey001
