Seb Goldswain, The Hyacinth Wild & Reets

MiTH 10 April 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

8:50 pm: Seb Goldswain

From the intricate melodies that dance effortlessly on the strings to the energetic rhythms that resonate in your soul, Seb’s music weaves a sonic tapestry that defies expectations. Join us as we delve into the rich layers of his compositions, discover the inspirations behind his artistry, and experience the power of fingerstyle guitar like never before.

Hailing from the vibrant city of Durban, South Africa, Seb proudly carries the rich musical heritage of his homeland in his fingertips, leading him to share the stage with renowned pop-star George Ezra and earn the role of brand ambassador for esteemed instrument companies such as Guitar Gallery and AER Amplifiers.

Seb holds a degree in Jazz and Popular Music, and has performed in Austria, Greece, the UK, and the United States. He has performed his original music at many of South Africa’s top music festivals, including Splashy Fen, Afro Punk, BushFire Festival (Swaziland), The Makhanda National Arts Festival, The UNISA International Jazz Festival, The UKZN Youth Jazz Festival and the Durban International Blues Festival.

Seb Goldswain’s unique blend of virtuosic fingerstyle guitar mastery, dynamic artistry, and energetic stage presence sets him apart as a truly exceptional musician. His ability to captivate audiences and inspire aspiring musicians with his talent and teaching style makes him a standout figure in the world of fingerstyle guitar.

7:50 pm: The Hyacinth Wild

The Hyacinth Wild is a musical trio forged from deep friendship, musical symbiosis, and an enduring passion for original music. The band is fronted by songwriters, Dave Starke and Lizzie Gaisford, who trade roles as guitarist, bassist, and lead and backing vocalist, and whose instrumental prowess seamlessly blends with their vocal harmonies. The band’s lineup is completed by the rhythmic backing of drummer/percussionist Strato Copteros; and together, they craft a sound that merges elements of Prog Rock, Folk, Funk, and Americana.

Beyond the music, the band’s lyricism infuses contemporary narratives with timeless themes of love, loss, and the intricate relationships between the mortal and eternal in all of us, offering a compelling exploration of the human experience to create a thought-provoking journey for the listener.

All three musicians have appeared at MiTH in other projects, but this will be their first time sharing the stage as a band, and is their debut public performance before heading on tour to the Eastern Cape later this month.

7pm: Reets

Reets writes introspective lyrics paired with emotive verve and colourful vocal interplay that simultaneously shock and soothe listeners into goosebumps. Her authentic presence, unique style and unwavering passion are undeniably magnetic.

Her admiration for blues and jazz is evident in her timbre, weaving husky growls and powerful belts into gentle, folk melodies. A self-taught guitarist, she dazzles with various finger-picking styles, genres, tunings, and time signatures. Comparisons to artists like Florence + The Machine, Regina Spektor, Nora Jones, and Janis Joplin highlight the depth and versatility of her artistry.

Her first Afrikaans single, ‘Spieël’, found a spot on the coveted Spotify editorial playlist ‘Nuwe Afrikaans’ and continues to perform well. Her debut single, “Tea, Wine & Time,” a product of her own recording efforts, was released in 2019. She has worked with the likes of Jo Ellis and Jaco Naude, and has had airplay on Katbok Radio.

She regularly plays at venues and events across Gauteng and has played at festivals across the country, including Splashy Fen, Misty Waters, Hartswerkfees, Gypsy Party and Clarens Jamboree, and has more lined up for this year. She has also had successful tours of the Western Cape and Mpumalanga, and is performing at MiTH as part of her KwaZulu-Natal tour this April.

Anticipation is building for her upcoming release and first music video. She often treats her YouTube audience to new covers and happily performs them live to more vibey crowds. These songs span a range of genres, featuring hits by artists such as Tash Sultana, Jimi Hendrix, Aldous Harding, and even some Afrikaans classics.

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.