Texan guitar virtuoso and songwriter Rodney Branigan.

LEGENDARY folk singer and songwriter, Nibs van der Spuy , is returning home to KwaZulu-Natal for a short tour with Texan guitarist and songwriter Rodney Branigan.

The two musicians will be performing at the Caversham Mill Restaurant in the KZN Midlands on Thursday, October 10, as part of Terry and Di Acres’ popular Mill Sessions concert series.

Born and raised in KZN, Van der Spuy has been delighting audiences for decades with his brand of acoustic folk music.

Growing up with sounds of The Beatles, he also learned first-hand from traditional Zulu maskandi guitarists how to play their music.

After playing the local folk scene around South Africa for years and gathering up a loyal following, his big stage break came after supporting Crosby, Stills and Nash on their 1996 South African tour. He was signed to the South African world music label, Sheer, through whom he has released over 10 albums.

His third solo release, Beautiful Feet, was named album of the month in four German publications and was the Radio France FIP pick of the week.

During the course of his career Van der Spuy has performed with the likes of Ben Harper, Bonnie Raitt, Taj Mahal, Gito Baloi, Kelly Joe Phelps, Piers Faccini, Rodney Branagan, Phillip Henry & Hannah Martin, and Shawn Phillips.

He also recorded the critically acclaimed, In the Shade Of the Wild Fig with long-time friend and collaborator, Guy Buttery.

His most recent release, Natalia, was produced by world renowned producer Mark Tucker (Portishead, PJ Harvey, Jethro Tull) and the good news for fans is that he is working on material for a new album in his second home in Portugal.

Van der Spuy is looking forward to introducing local fans to Branigan, who learned to play guitar in Austin, Texas, to perform in Los Angeles, to craft songs in Nashville, and then to put it all together in London.

A multi-instrumentalist with a rich and soulful voice, often compared to Jeff Buckley, he delivers an original blend of progressive folk, rock, flamenco, classic, bluegrass and jazz music.

During his career he has supported the likes of Jack Johnson, the Alabama 3, Angelique Kidja, Billy Bragg and many more.

Nibs van der Spuy

Speaking about Branigan, Van der Spuy said: “Rodney is an absolute freak of nature, and his new show and the songs we will be playing together are going to be a blast!”

Di Acres adds: “If you haven’t seen these two artists before then get yourself here for an exciting and intimate music treat. If you have seen them, well then I know you will be back for more.

“When two artists from different worlds come together with a common goal of stretching their creative boundaries, then magic happens.”

• Nibs van der Spuy and Rodney Branigan will be performing at Caversham Mill Restaurant on Thursday, October 10. Tickets are R150, excluding dinner. The restaurant opens at 6 pm and the performance starts at around 8.15 pm. Booking is essential. Phone 033 234 4524 or e-mail cavershammill@mweb.co.za

OTHER GIGS
NIBS van der Spuy and Rodney Branigan will also be performing at the following venues as part of their KZN tour:

• Friday, October 11 at the Conscious Café at 24B Old Main Road, Hillcrest. Doors open at 6 pm with the concert starting at 7.30 pm. Tickets are R150. To book phone 031 765 2662 or e-mail andre@consciouscafe.co.za
• Saturday, October 12 at St Clements, 191 Musgrave Road, Durban. Doors open at 6 pm. Tickets are R120. To book phone 031 202 2511 or e-mail foodsmart@durbs.com
• Tuesday, October 15 at Toms Music, Shop 4A-5B, Park Boulevard Centre, 11 Browns Drift Road, Durban. There will be a workshop and performance from 6 pm. Entrance is free. Inquiries: 031 573 1818.
• Thursday, October 17 at Summerhill Guesthouse in Cowies Hill. Dinner is at 6 pm for 6.30 pm and the concert starts at 8 pm. Tickets are R140 excluding dinner. Dinner and drinks available in the living room. Phone 031 709 3616 or e-mail info@summerhillkzn.com
• Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19 at the Westville Theatre Club, 6 St James Avenue, Westville. Doors open at 7 pm. Tickets are R150. To book e-mail nibsmusic@gmail.com or WhatsApp 072 802 4129. Bring picnic baskets.