Geoffrey Diver, The Staniland Band & Ilan Lax and Band

MiTH 11 October 2023
INFO: 082 331 7271
ENTRANCE: R50.00 – Cash or Zapper at the Door
VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

9pm: Ilan Lax and Band

Some would call Ilan Lax a stalwart of the Pietermaritzburg live music scene. Ilan is grateful to be able to work together with a group of well-known and talented musician friends comprising: Chris Smith (a maestro on guitar and keyboard), Roly Struckmeyer (bass), Paddy Austin (drums) (together forming a solid and exciting rhythm section) and Bernard Kisbey-Green (saxophone).

This set will focus on a cross-section of Ilan’s original collection of simple, evocative songs exploring a range of themes and styles reflecting his life experience as an active citizen, husband, parent, and human. The songs manifest Ilan’s wide range of influences from folk, blues, jazz, rock, and world music, reflecting a broad palette of musical tastes.

The set is a warm and expressive reflection of the facets of Ilan’s song-writing, complimented by the superb musicianship of this group of skilled and talented friends. You will not be disappointed!

8pm: The Staniland Band

Ron Gevers (Cajón, drums and vocals), Muzi Kubheka (Alto and Tenor Saxophone) and John Goodall (vocals, guitar, blues harp, banjo).

Formed in 2017, The Staniland Band (previously Jorongo) is a proudly amateur outfit with blues roots that plays original songs with a South African cadence, as well as new banjo music sounds, and folk-flavoured covers.

Ron Gevers, who features on cajón, drums, and vocals, has accompanied a number of musical outfits, such as The Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters at Splashy Fen. He still lends his musical talents to various bands to this day.

John Goodall, who brings some vocals, guitar, blues harp, and banjo to the mix, has composed a fair number of folk and blues songs. He had been a solo artist playing in music venues in Eshowe, Zululand, and Pietermaritzburg before being invited to join The Gloucester Blues Project (of Pietermaritzburg). The band played for over 10 years chiefly in KZN, including Splashy Fen, and Blues Train, and at Botswana gigs before disbanding.

Muzi Kubheka, who plays alto and tenor saxophone, joined the Staniland Band in 2022. His saxophone playing has filled out and brought a new depth and dimension to the Staniland repertoire.

The Staniland Band has played primarily in and around Pietermaritzburg – sometimes joined by other musicians. The band has played at Post Postino, MiTH, local coffee shops, and supper venues, and recently, at Music in the Mountains, in the Champagne Valley.

7pm: Geoffrey Diver

Geoffrey Diver is a musician and soundscape artist from Johannesburg who draws on a wide variety of influences to create compelling original music that traverses a wide range of genres, from psychedelic folk, desert blues, and prog rock, to ambient, drone, and dream pop. Informed by his studies in theatre and ethnomusicology, Diver’s layered, texture-driven sound is moody and emotive, and often stirs something deep in the minds of his listeners.

ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, Music in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, and passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians can contact mithbookings@gmail.com for slots.

KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MiTH takes place every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Knoll Drive, Hilton. Doors open at 6pm and the music will kick off at 7pm. Entrance is R50 at the door. Food and soft drinks are available for sale. A cash bar is available.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 to Hilton, take the Hilton turnoff and go South into the Village (away from Hilton College). Travel 5,2km along Hilton Avenue (past two sets of traffic lights and Crossways Pub) and keep going straight as Hilton Avenue turns into Dennis Shepstone Drive. At the 5,2km mark, Knoll Drive will be on your right – the entrance to MiTH is the *second* entrance on your left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.