Paul Nijs, Erin Fourie, Gravel and Lace

MiTH 07 June 2023

INFO: 082 331 7271

ENTRANCE: R50.00 – Cash or Zapper at the Door

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

7pm: Paul Nijs

Paul Nijs is a music enthusiast with a deep love for all genres and types of music. From an early age, he developed a passion for the guitar and taught himself to play at the tender age of twelve. Starting with a nylon string guitar, he immersed himself in classical guitar music performed by artists like Andres Segovia and Narciso Yepes, finding himself captivated by the enchanting sounds of flamenco music. Exploring the airwaves, he stumbled upon radio programs that introduced him to the unique guitar chords of bossa nova music, further fueling his desire to master various guitar styles.

As Paul honed his guitar skills, his love for singing grew as well. By the time he reached twenty, he began performing as a solo act or with bands in his hometown’s vibrant music scene, gracing the stages of bars, restaurants, and street festivals. This musical pursuit accompanied him when he relocated to South Africa in 1984, initially settling in White River before eventually making his home in Pietermaritzburg in 1988. It was here that Paul actively engaged with the local folk club, leaving a lasting impression with his performances as a member of the memorable band “Alright on the Night” and captivating audiences at events like Splashy Fen.

Paul invites you to join him on a musical journey through a collection of songs he loves. Prepare to be transported as he shares his passion and talent with you at MiTH.

8pm: Erin Fourie

Erin Fourie is a Midlands-based musician who first began working the KZN music scene in 2003. Singing since she was a child, she began playing guitar at 13 in her high school music club and is still learning. With an Honours in Drama and performance studies from UKZN PMB, and later working ad hoc for the Hexagon Theatre, Erin was afforded the opportunity to perform in several musical productions and many dinner theatre music shows. She was a regular entertainer at Hebron Haven Hotel for 15 years as well as at private functions, restaurants, pubs and music clubs. Further afield, her achievements include being a top 10 Idols contestant and Sister Berthe in the Durban Playhouse’s 2016 production of The Sound of Music. Erin’s style is rooted in acoustic folk, pulling the songs she likes to play from many genres. Currently Erin is performing alongside Grace Botha and Kath McClelland in their show Joni and the Joans, which has two performances currently scheduled in July and August. She can also regularly be found singing at the Karkloof Market.

9pm: Gravel and Lace

Brian Bedingfield and Tanya Nicolson have both been spotted bunking school, and people have started talking. It turns out that they have found each other from opposite corners of the playground (and vocal spectrum) and taken a few tentative steps to turn a side project into something memorable.

Schooled in the art of performance, Tanya has added her distinctive jazzy voice to many shows and ensembles, much loved by the MiTH audience.

A one-time Hairy Legged Lentil Eater, Brian provides guitar accompaniment, and turns on his best gravelly Tom Waits/Satchmo voice as an enticing foil to Tanya’s lacy tones.

Expect a heady mix of jazz-infused and popular tunes that will highlight Tanya’s superb voice, as well as duets in the great Satchmo and Ella tradition.

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.