The blues are back, baby!

KNYSNA NEWS - The Knysna Blues Festival reclaims its place as the must-do musical event on the town's calendar for music lovers - after having been forced to cancel the 2020 event due to lockdown restrictions.

It is set to kick off on Saturday 18 December at Blend Country Restaurant.

"We're excited to be able to bring you the Knysna Blues Festival again, and not only because we want to continue this legacy that serves music aficionados in Knysna, but because we miss the fantastic people we've met over our own six-year journey: friends. No, family!" says festival co-organiser, Dominic Morel.

This year's line-up reads like a music awards roll: Veteran USA drummer and 'master musician' Michael Canfield - who's kept Knysna entertained throughout the year with smaller shows and tribute acts; Nhoza, who combines her deep-seated traditional African harmonies with strong blues/rock influences that she picked up from her years on the Mother City music scene; Basson Laubscher and the Violent Free Peace, a band that delivers its songs with an intense passion that injects oodles of 'sexy' and a bit of rock into traditional blues music; the absolutely iconic The Blues Broers who started some three decades back and continue to deliver foot-stomping, grass-roots blues; and finally, the band voted "the best live act in South Africa" at the 2017 Samas: The Black Cat Bones!

The 'Bones' have headlined some of South Africa's top multi-day festivals, and never fail to disappoint. "A band that will have your jaw drop and your hips shake," adds Morel.

The organisers, Better Live Events, say there are a few surprises and "special guest appearances" in store too. The festival also continues to offer outstanding value. "We have actually reduced the ticket price as we realise it's been a tough year. We believe that music is essential, so want to make this festival as affordable as possible - while keeping in mind you'll be paying to see many of these fine performers on their own," says co-organiser Jackie Barham.

The Blues Broers

The under-tent day and evening of blues will kick off at 15:00, with gates opening at 13:00 to allow patrons to order lunch before the music starts - and it will be non-stop to 21:00. Additional meals, snacks and liquid refreshments will be available for the duration.

Tickets to the Knysna Blues Festival are available on quicket.co.za (or for a higher price at the door, if available), or by pre-booking at Blend. For additional information on Better Live and Blend's seasonal line-up, visit www.betterlive.co.za or their Facebook page, Better Live SA.

Nhoza Sitsholwana Photo: Henry Engelbrecht