The musical delight Don Vino and Friends will bring the house down at Strand Town Hall on Saturday 9 September. The renowned saxophonist’s passion for the instrument and music was ignited at the tender age of 15. He has since performed with many other big industry names, both locally and internationally, and has entrenched himself in the South African performing arts industry as collaborator, philanthropist, businessman and solo artist. In recent months, he has performed several sold out shows and released his single “Worried”. Keen to engage more intimately with his loyal fans, he has created Don Vino’s #saxyvibes which is rooted in his personal story. As the artist does not restrict himself to a specific genre of music, the repertoire includes a diversity of genres from jazz and gospel to R&B to Afrikaans.

Credit: SYSTEM

Helderberg melomaniacs are in for a treat as the basin sets the scene for an evening of live music, dance and barrels of laughter with renowned saxophonist Don Vino and artist friends stepping onto the local stage to produce a concert like no other, all in aid of a worthy cause.

The musical delight is set to enthral audiences at Strand Town Hall on Saturday 9 September with not-to-miss performances by the acclaimed headliner as well as fellow artists, Nur Abrahams, Fagrie Isaacs, Co-B Wyngaard, The Elginairs Dance Band, Salome and DJ Newton. Comedian Quinton Manuels will stand-up as the master of ceremonies. In the build-up to the production, Don Vino, The Elginairs Dance Band and Co-B Wyngaard will perform on the popular SABC 3 breakfast show, Espresso on Tuesday 5 September.

Next month’s concert is presented by Saxy Vibes in association with The Hearties Club, which comprises a group of diverse friends who have a heart for children in need and drive fundraising initiatives on the basis that charity begins at home, to engage individuals in support of a cause and encourage a continued relationships. Following an insightful visit to Heartlands Baby Sanctuary, the club decided to pledge the production proceeds to the Somerset West facility that cares for 25 children at any given time and provides holistic care for orphaned and vulnerable little ones from birth to six years of age.

“We were astonished to see the commitment and sacrifices by management and staff. We recognised a need for extra funds to develop any further projects for the children,” said Adele Gordon, The Hearties Club event manager assistant.

Asked what inspired the musical collaboration, Gordon offered perspective, saying that while most of us have dreams, goals and ambitions in pursuit of being someone, achieving something and living a meaningful life, helping in a purposeful way can be challenging in today’s tough economic climate. However, supporting the production which offers a platform to musicians and their crew still recovering from crippling pandemic times while aiding an organisation offering an invaluable service as a beacon of hope to the community, is one way of lending a helping hand where it is desperately needed.

“We are extremely grateful to the organisers who have been working on this concert since late 2022,” said Heartlands Baby Sanctuary’s Nikki Bower. “We therefore are hoping the concert will be at full capacity in the Strand hall. To have the community’s support for events such as these goes a very long way towards helping us raise much-needed funds, given our resources within the organisation are already running at full capacity.”

According to Bower, the funds will be invested in the facility’s Adopt-a-Cot campaign, overall operations and, very importantly, towards the extension of the children’s new playground which will have jungle gyms, tunnels, windy paths with stop streets, sandpits, basketball hoops and so much more – “giving the children what they truly deserve.”

Gordon reckons locals can look forward to a complete live music experience with a stellar lineup assured to get audiences moving and grooving to the beat and offer the perfect therapy for the soul.

“From The Hearties Club committee members, a special thank you to the community for all the support needed to ensure the event’s success. We kindly acknowledge each and every one for their contribution and believe that good hearts never fail.”

Gordon concluded with a quote by Jeff Warner: “We are not put on this earth for ourselves, but are placed here for each other. If you are there always for others, then in time of need, someone will be there for you.”

V The show starts at 19:00; doors open at 17:00.

V Tickets cost R150 and can be securely booked via Quicket (https://www.quicket.co.za/).

V Anyone willing and able to further assist Heartlands, please contact Nikki Bower on nikki@heartlandsbaby.org.

Nur Abrahams is no stranger to the stage. The seasoned performer has appeared in a number of theatre and music productions including District 6 The Musical, Vocal is Lekka, Radio Classics, Slick Swing and Scrooge. He has performed to local and international audiences and is well known for his performances in David Kramer’s award-winning musicals. The singer known for belting the high notes was also a former member of the popular band Jag and has spent time abroad performing in various shows. Abrahams was awarded The Baxter Theatre’s Young Inspiring Artist of the Year Award for 2012.Photo: Nur Abrahams

Strandfontein native Fagrie Isaacs started singing in his school choir as a Grade 1 learner in 1987. With almost 35 years of experience in entertaining audiences across the world, he brings an incredible stage presence and soulful vibe to any show.Photo: Fagrie Isaacs/Facebook

Salome shines as a musical diva from the Mother City! A title the Mitchell’s Plain native has certainly earned with moving on-stage performances since the age of 16. The talented songbird enjoys longevity in her career of which not many artists can boast.Photo: Salome Damons Johansen

Co-B Wyngaard is an inspirational creative and singer-songwriter and performer from Grabouw. The former Idols and Popstars finalist who has brought down the house with various tribute shows, is also a proud entrepreneur managing an art and entertainment business and offering free talent development workshops in the local community. The event is close to his heart as it connects to his childhood spent growing up in a safe house where his mother worked as caretaker for abandoned, abused, neglected, and orphaned children.Foto: Co-B Wyngaard/Facebook

The Elginairs Dance Band was established as the Young Broadways by Carl Joorst, better known as Oom Kallie, back in the seventies. Their first performance was at the Botriver Tennis Courts, creating “langarm” music from a sound system that consisted of a car radio and two HiFi speakers. Oom Kallie later changed the name to Elginairs Dance Band, which boasts his three sons, Anthony, Johny and Vernon as members. The band stepped out as the Elginairs at a wedding in 1983 and has become a popular feature at many social events, fundraisers, and shows and festivals – not only as a langarm band, but as music-makers venturing into all genres and pulling out all the stops to keep the crowd grooving. The Elginairs Dance Band released their first CD titled “At last” in 2002 and also features on the “Kapityt” music compilation. Previous members of the band include former Idols winner Karin Kortje and Project Fame finalist Tracy Oliver before they became big names.Photo: The Elginairs Dance Band/Facebook

DJ Newton, also known as “The Funky Buddha”, is a familiar name to local nightclubbers and radio listeners. The passionate disco jockey has been spinning the decks and entertaining the nightlife crowds since 1986 when he started making name for himself as a mobile entertainer in Cape Town with an ear for fresh, funky music. He later became one of the first DJs in the province to spin the decks live on air from a radio station, as well as the nightclub. Though he boasts vast experience in various music genres, his preferred remains house music.Photo: Newton September/ Facebook

Quinton Manuel is a well-known MC, comedian and all-round entertainer and performer. Photo: Quinton Manuel/Facebook

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