| Lazy days and good tunes on the dam |
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| Written by Lesego Madumo | |
| Thursday, 14 February 2008 | |
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Jazz virtuoso Vusi Mahlasela headlines the Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concert on Saturday, making the banks of Emmarentia Dam an inviting place to while away the afternoon. 
Jazz and R&B/Soul sensation Ernie Smith will serenade fans with his soulful jazz at this weekends concert
V ALENTINE'S spirit fills the air this week, and a late summer afternoon on the banks of Emmarentia Dam is just the ticket for romance. Relish the tranquillity and fresh air of the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens on Saturday, 16 February, the picnic-friendly venue of the Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts. This is the third in the series of concerts, which take place at the gardens every Saturday until 15 March. Whether it's compensation for missing Valentine's Day or a second treat, Joburgers are invited to pack their picnic baskets with delicious goodies, grab their umbrellas, children, friends and cooler boxes and get ready for some sublime tunes. "The past two shows have set the pace for only the best entertainment on a lazy Saturday afternoon. This Saturday will see a late Valentine's Day treat," says Karlien Kuun, the public relations officer for OppiKoppi Productions. Insurers Old Mutual, radio station Kaya FM 95.9 and OppiKoppi Productions are responsible for this weekend's concert. The Old Mutual Summer Sunset Concerts series is an annual event at Emmarentia Dam in Johannesburg and Kirstenbosch in Cape Town. It is geared to spice up entertainment during summer months, offering the audience a lazy afternoon in a lush green park, savouring a picnic with good company - all while being entertained until sunset. Performing on Saturday is renowned jazz legend Vusi Mahlasela, with jazz and R&B-soul sensation Ernie Smith the curtain raiser. Smith's music has African jazz, rhythm and blues, and pop influences. He catapulted to stardom with his debut album, Child of the Light, in 2001, which bagged the artist a Sama award, for best newcomer, and a Kora award, for the most promising male artist in Africa. His second album, Lovely Things, brought the musician to the attention of a younger audience, and won him another Sama, this time for best jazz adult contemporary album, in 2002. He also landed a Metro FM award for best jazz artist the following year.
Vusi Mahlasela The Los Angeles Times newspaper once described Mahlasela as "pure and commanding and his musicality reflects commitment, purpose and celebration". He is a singer, songwriter, poet and activist. Mahlasela is also an accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer and performer whose sound is a hybrid of folk, blues and soul, "one that connects South Africa's turbulent past with its promise of a brighter future", Kuun explains. "[The concert series] is about sharing in our diverse musical tastes, touching the diverse creative pulse of others and embracing the vision of a shared identity," reads a press statement from the Kaya FM website. A variety of locally and internationally renowned musicians have been penciled in for the concerts, "with only the best entertainment to make sure you enjoy your summer days", Kuun adds. 
World renowned Jazz icon Vusi Mahlasela will headline the summer concerts at the weekend
Lined up to perform at future shows is the five-times Sama award winner Arno Carstens, classical pianist Louis Carver, hip-hop sensation Hip-Hop Pantsula On Saturday, 16 February gates open at 12 noon but the concert begins at 3pm and runs until 6pm. There is a safe playing area for children. The gardens are closed to the general public on concert days from 9am. Parking is available on Thomas Bowler Road only. Revellers are not permitted to start fires, braai or bring glasses; there is a cash bar open on the day and any alcohol brought to the venue will be confiscated. Concert tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for children under the age of 12 and for students with student cards. They are available from any Mr Price outlet, or online through Ticket Connection, or at the gate. In the event of rain, pre-sold tickets may be used at any upcoming show for which tickets are the same price. The Johannesburg Botanical Gardens are at Emmarentia Dam, in Emmarentia. If you are coming on the N1 South, take the Beyers Naude Drive offramp, turn left and drive straight towards Roosevelt Park. Emmarentia Dam is opposite Westpark Cemetery. If you are coming on the N1 North, take the Beyers Naude Drive offramp, turn right and go straight towards Roosevelt Park. Emmarentia Dam is opposite Westpark Cemetery. To stand a chance of winning tickets to the concert email your name, cellphone number and email address to This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . The first 20 people to email will win double tickets to the concert, excluding transport. Please indicate if you would like to be notified via email, sms or phone if you have won. For more information about the concert series contact Karlien Kuun of OppiKoppi Productions on 012 346 2011 fax 012 460 7431 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spam bots, you need JavaScript enabled to view it . Related stories:
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