DURBAN duo, The Kickstands, will be performing at the Royal Rock Concert in the main arena at the Royal Showgrounds in Pietermaritzburg on Saturday, May 28.

Gary Nixon and Rudi Greyvenstein have become well-known around South Africa for their brand of acoustic folk, and while this is certainly not their first trip to the city, it is the first time they will be performing at the Royal Show.

“We are really looking forward to jamming with all these cool cats!,” said Nixon about performing with Jeremy Loops, Shortstraw and Majozi. “We’ve performed alongside each of these acts before at different events here and there.”

They have also shared stages with the likes of Goldfish, Just Jinjer, Goodluck, Albert Frost, Arno Carstens, Matthew Mole, Gangs of Ballet, Desmond and the Tutus and Mango Groove.

And without radio support, the band’s impressive live performances have garnered a loyal following around the country.

Asked what fans could expect from their set at the Royal, Greyvenstein said: “There are one or two brand spanking new tunes we will be preforming on the day, as well as our energetic acoustic sound that people have come to appreciate

“We’ve been hard at work on a new EP, which have five new songs that we’ve written and produced at Vervet Underground Studios. We’re really excited to get it out there and into the radio waves!”

The band is also excited by the news that the SABC will be giving over 90% of its airtime to the music of local bands and musicians.

“The SABC’s initiative to have 90% local artists play-listed on their stations is a good thing for everyone – but as with most new innovative ideas, it usually takes some time to iron out the kinks. That said it is certainly a positive notion for South African’s working in the music industry,” Nixon said.

Catch The Kickstands at the Royal Show on Saturday, May 28 from 2.30 pm. Entry to the Royal Show, which takes place at the Royal Showgrounds from May 27 to June 5, is R60 for adults and R40 for children under 12 and pensioners. Entry is R40 for everyone on Wednesday, June 1.

• The band is also performing at a fundraiser for the SPCA in Amanzimtoti on May 29, at the Maritzburg College Old Boys Day on June 11 and at Music at the Lake: DBN Botanic gardens with Albert Frost II, Dan Patlansky and Hezron Chetty on July 17.
• Keep in touch with the band through their Facebook page: TheKickstands, on Twitter @TweetKickstands and on Instagram – TheKickstands.