The Southbound Sons, John Manuel & Demi

MiTH 31st January 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm

20:45pm: The Southbound Sons

Nestled in the heart of the Midlands, the Southbound Sons emerge from a rich tapestry of musical expertise acquired over years of playing various instruments. The gentlemen in this ensemble coalesce through longstanding friendships forged in the Midlands music scene, and tempered by a shared love for country. Having established their deep-seated passion for country music, let’s dive into the introductions. With his distinctive rich bass vocal and skillful guitar work (mostly on acoustic for this set), Richard Barnard returns to MiTH having spent several years living and performing in Johannesburg. Richard was a finalist on season three of the Voice, South Africa. Stepping into the spotlight on lead guitar is (as he is affectionately known) affectionately known “Skippy.” Highly respected among his bandmates, he infuses the ensemble with his country twang, tantalizing licks, and remarkable improvisational skills, all while contributing backing vocals. Aidan Compton takes the reins on bass guitar, weaving together the threads of rhythm and harmony to create a bottom-end groove that effortlessly moves our heads. Completing the rhythmic triumvirate on drums is Patrick Austin, aka “Paddy,” infusing the song with its heartbeat and seamlessly bringing all the musical components together.

7:45pm: John Manuel

In the age of upcycling, John Manuel is a local singer-songwriter whose style has been described as “murder jazz”; sassy lyrics knitted to finger-style grooves. Influenced by jazz, bossa, and local guitar legends, Manuel doffs his bucket hat to Steve Newman, Sandile Shange, and Syd Kitchen. Other favourites are Beatenberg, Elbow, Supergrass, and Half Moon Run.

7pm: Demi

Demi Edwards is a young singer-songwriter who began writing music at the age of 12. Influenced by Taylor Swift, she is a singer of many genres and a self-taught musician on the guitar, piano, and banjo. Her love for music has driven her to perform and she now shares her written creations with the world.

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. Bring your own booze. Food and soft drinks are available for sale.

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.