Suits of Armour, Roly Struckmeyer & Barry Downard, and Bridgitt Leahy Live @ MiTH

What an incredible line-up!

Suits of Armour, Roly Struckmeyer & Barry Downard, and Bridgitt Leahy – all on one night!

Where can you meet with friends, and enjoy great music in a beautiful environment with roaring fires, hearty food, and a cash bar – all for just R50? Spring evenings in the hills are alive with music – and while the nights are warming, we’ll still have the fires lit and the welcome waiting. Come join us for another night of heartfelt performances, local flavour, and the unique magic of MiTH.

MiTH – 22 October 2025

Venue: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

Entrance: R50.00 (Cash or Zapper at the Door)

Info: 082 331 7271

*8:45pm – Suits of Armour*

Formed in 2023 by singer-songwriters Melanie Nash and James Robertson, Suits of Armour is a powerful male-female duo whose music is both vulnerable and confident, intimate yet anthemic.

Melanie, a seasoned performer and teacher with a velvet-smooth voice, released her debut solo album in 2011 and has graced stages and festivals across South Africa. Inspired by her mother and artists like Cat Stevens and Fleetwood Mac, her heartfelt approach to songwriting forms the foundation of the duo’s sound.

James – also known for his solo work as James Edward – has enjoyed chart success since the early 2000s, including a No.1 hit on 5FM and a career highlight opening for Bryan Adams. His rock roots and instinctive storytelling perfectly complement Melanie’s folk-infused melodies.

Their name, Suits of Armour, reflects the paradox of being artists: exposed yet shielded. “Like a soldier going into battle, performing our own songs makes us feel both strong and vulnerable,” they explain. Formed during a time of personal upheaval for both artists, the name became symbolic of resilience, truth, and the power of music to heal.

*7:35pm – Roly Struckmeyer and Barry Downard*

A fixture on the KZN music scene since the late ’80s, Pietermaritzburg-born guitarist and vocalist Roly Struckmeyer began playing at age seven and has performed with Wonderboom, Landscape Prayers, and Syd Kitchen, as well as bands like Perez, No Fly Zone, and Rustic Spring. His rich experience and soulful acoustic style make him a Midlands favourite.

Barry Downard, once a professional drummer who gigged and held hotel residencies, took time away to pursue a career in photography, art direction, and metalwork sculpture. Recently, he’s returned to music, building his own percussion setup and teaming up with Roly to rekindle his rhythm roots. His motto? “It don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing.” Together, Roly and Barry bring an infectious energy and creative spark to every MiTH stage.

*7:00pm – Bridgitt Leahy*

An acoustic artist with a passion for indie, folk, alternative, and country, Bridgitt Leahy draws inspiration from the storytelling heart of these genres. Growing up in the small town of Creighton, she was surrounded by her father’s singing, which sparked her musical journey at 15. Whether performing original songs or stripped-back covers, Bridgitt connects with her audience through emotion, authenticity, and the simple magic of a voice and a guitar.

ABOUT MiTH

KZN Midlands’ favourite music venue! MiTH is a platform for beginners, pros, and music lovers to celebrate the joy of music. Every second Wednesday at The Knoll Historic Guest Farm, Hilton. Food and soft drinks for sale. Cash bar available. Info: 082 331 7271. Visit www.mith.co.za for more info or email mithbookings@gmail.com to perform.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH

Take the N3 to Hilton. Turn into Hilton Village and drive 5.2km along Hilton Avenue, which becomes Dennis Shepstone Drive. Look for Knoll Drive on your right; the entrance to MiTH is the second left into The Knoll Historic Guest Farm.