The Gloucester Blues Project, Essentials & Aroura

MiTH 3 July 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

8:45 pm: The Gloucester Blues Project

Formed in 2005, the Gloucester Blues Project is a four-piece blues-rock band from KwaZulu-Natal known for a solid repertoire that ranges from background blues, to upbeat classics. Appearing on stages from KZN to the Okavango Delta (and even in the occasional cowshed (ask them about it), the band is known for their energetic, lengthy sets. They draw influences from early blues pioneers like Muddy Waters and Robert Johnson, electric guitar gods Stevie Ray Vaughan and Jimi Hendrix, and more rock-based outfits like Led Zeppelin and AC/DC.

The Gloucester Blues Project plays regularly in KwaZulu-Natal and has enjoyed performing with the likes of Dan Patlansky, Southern Gypsey Queen and Josie Field. The band has represented the blues at major South African festivals including Splashy Fen, the Durban International Blues Festival, and the Royal Show in Pietermaritzburg. They have occupied stages at a host of smaller music venues across South Africa, as well as toured to Botswana twice where they were joined on stage by local singer Robyn Tompkins.

The band has also performed in tribute shows dedicated to popular musical icons Creedence Clearwater Revival and the Rolling Stones. These shows were very well received, with audiences demanding repeat performances.

The Gloucester Blues Project consists of Mark McTaggart on bass and vocals, John Goodall on rhythm guitar, blues harp, and vocals, Andrew Dickinson on lead guitar, and Ian Dickinson on drums. After a four-year break, in 2024 they have been performing reunion gigs, chiefly in the Durban area. Gloucester Blues looks forward to revisiting MiTH this July.

7:45 pm: Essentials

Essentials is a band from Pietermaritzburg made up of guitarist and lead vocalist Judgement Cele, keyboard player and backup vocalist Wandile Mfusi, drummer Kingdom Cele, and bassist Asande Nene. The four-piece band formed at the end of September 2023. Their arrangements borrow from rock, gospel, pop and roots rock reggae.

7pm: Aroura

From KZN, Aroura (aka Madison Fisher) is an energetic solo artist influenced by various bands, from Mumford and Sons, and Milky Chance to Noah Kahan. Aroura plays covers and original songs, some well-known and others not-so-well-known, ranging from acoustic to indie and country genres. Aroura is a singer/guitar player who will have you singing along. Aroura has only played on stage once before and looks forward to her second time at MiTH.

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.