Close to R50,000 was raised, with some single donations as well as tickets which cost between R100-R120 each. The vibe and line up was impressive, much like a showcase of SA musical talent – and while the aim was to raise funds for Haiti, it also did an immense service to raising the profile of SA music.
Approximately 18 artists played including singer songwriters Ian Henderson, Claire Phillips, Wendy Oldfield, Tina Schouw, Farryl Purkiss and many more. The audience was also treated to acoustic acts by lead singers of the bands Merseystate and Prime Circle.
Most impressive on the night, judged by audience feedback – were Wendy Oldfield, the Jack Mantis Band who played their song Slow Down, as well as Gary Thomas, who performed an instrumental frenzy and achieved a standing ovation from near half the auditorium!
Said Jack of Jack Mantis Band, “I chose to wear top hat and tails tonight, because I grew up with the theatre and to me its a place where you dress for the occasion!” Too true indeed.
The atmosphere felt akin to the MTV Unplugged sessions back in the day, and Id like to propose a future collaboration of live bands and theatre in a similar showcase scenario, with perhaps 3-4 bands on an evening! I With the wealth of musical talent coming out of Cape Town, I hereby name it The Baxter Unplugged Sessions (TM)!
