MiTH 14th February 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic Guest Farm


20:30pm: TChristian

Pietermaritzburg-born TChristian, formally known as Thanduxolo Christian, had a goal to reach the highest level of education. During his years of education, TChristian focused on music and vocal training. He majored in drumming, getting the opportunity to play for various artists around the world, like Simphiwe Dana, Joyous Celebration, Themba Mkwena, Hlengiwe Mhlaba, and Ayanda Ntanzi to name a few.

In 2014, TChristian made the transition to performing at various eateries; an environment where he feels music is best appreciated. He is also the proud owner of his own brand, which supplies entertainment for family events, weddings, parties, or any event that might be enhanced by live music to help the soul recharge.

TChristian believes that the skill of being a one-man-band is the most appealing musical enterprise known to man. He brings that alive and creates amazing musical performances, drawing influences from jazz, soul, Afro-beat, fusion music, RnB, and many more. With one album released, and four singles, he has manufactured a sound that delights the ears – the true experience of a live sound with audio technicality.

Joining him for this Valentine's perfomance is Mthokozisi Ntuli on keys, Sambulo Khomo on bass, and Sbu Cele on second keys.

7:45pm: Rhiannon Reid

Well-known to MiTH from performing with the Reid Family Band, Rhiannon Reid is a local musician, and now a published author. Previously a student of Kech Sanchez, and a singer in the Howick High School band, she has honed her skills on guitar and vocals over the years. For this event she will be accompanied by her dad, Vince, who has had an interest in music from a young age and is mainly self-taught. He plays keyboard, guitar, and recently, tin whistle.


7pm: Nicky Grieshaber

“Live piano for all your special occasions. Foot-tapping, humming-along, memory-lane-magical melodies, from rocking rhythms and wavy waltzes to folksy favourites and perky pop,” is how Nicky described his music on his business card.

Nicky has become known for his music through private and corporate functions, playing at various restaurants and hotels, and performing during events like Art in the Park and at venues like MiTH. He currently plays at Athlone Circle on most Saturdays (usually from late morning to mid-afternoon), creating a light and happy atmosphere that gets shoppers, employees, and car guards smiling and sets little feet a-dancing!


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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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.

 

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Sprightly septuagenarian fired up aQuellé Midmar Mile return!

If ever there was a swimmer who embodied the adage that age is just a number, it would have to be Tommy Gibson.

The Benoni resident only started swimming training at the age of 71 and this weekend will see him competing in his third aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“I started running at 63 and about three years ago I developed a back problem. Somebody suggested why don’t I try swimming, so I swapped over to swimming and just absolutely love it,” explained Gibson, who even had a special aQuellé Midmar Mile design tattooed on his calf after his first race.

The now 73-year-old admitted that swimming in a pool doesn’t appeal, so he does all his training in a small dam on a private estate.

“It’s a long story but when I was training for Comrades somebody said I must do cross training and so for the first time I got into a swimming pool and didn’t like it at all. Swim 25m, turn around, swim 25m just wasn’t on. And that’s why when my friend suggested Midmar I said: ‘Hang on, wait a minute, that’s not like pool swimming.’”

Gibson finished his first aQuellé Midmar Mile in 2022 in a time of 41 minutes 22 seconds and bettered that the following year with a time of 37 minutes 39.

Speaking about his training for this year’s race, where he’ll be gunning for a podium spot in the 71-80 category, Gibson explained: “It’s been very good. The weather’s been a little bit funny the last couple of weeks but it’s good. I’m looking forward to it.”

The septuagenarian recently claimed top honours in the same category at the final Midmar seeding event at Prime View Adventure & Leisure in Midrand, where he finished the 1.5km swim in time of 34 minutes and 13 seconds.

As for what he loves about the aQuellé Midmar Mile that keeps bringing him back, the semi-retired mining engineer added: “It’s just such a vibe, such a cool event. Open swimming is just such a fabulous event and you’re never too old.”

The aQuellé Midmar Mile takes place at Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal from 8-11 February 2024. Entries will still be possible at the dam on race day but those wishing to enter should allow plenty of time for registration. Also, swimmers are advised that there will no shuttle service between the finish and start areas, so participants must make their own arrangements to get to the start.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

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Population growth, unfunded waste services, landfill airspace depletion, inadequate waste diversion and outdated infrastructure. These are but a few of the major challenges that the South African waste industry grapples with in 2024.

 

But Mpendulo Ginindza, President of the Institute of Waste Management of South Africa (IWMSA), says not all is lost and that many positive strides are being made towards achieving a circular economy by 2030.

 

She adds that one of the biggest steps creating an enabling environment for change was the 2008 implementation of the NEM Waste Act.

 

“The Act's focus was the waste management hierarchy, which encourages reducing waste to landfill,” she explains. “We have seen a flood of regulations in response to this. Needless to say, our legislation is amongst the best in the world. However, implementing and enforcing this legislation is our challenge.”

 

The Challenges: Waste Minimisation and Public Awareness
The issue of diminishing landfill airspace is one that South Africa continues to face - especially in major metros.

 

Ginindza says Cape Town, eThekwini, and Ekurhuleni are already experiencing increases in the cost of moving waste as their landfills reach capacity. She adds that locally, the focus still falls too much on waste management with not enough attention given to actual waste minimisation.

 

“In most cases the waste collection and disposal company provides that service, but yet it is not their core business,” Ginindza explains, adding that households are generally not ‘separating at source’, with waste pickers doing only some of that work.

 

“Education and awareness also need to be driven in schools. This situation requires everyone’s involvement - from households to business.”

 

Another area that the IWMSA believes can be improved is partnerships and collaborations.

 

“South Africa must emphasise the need to develop capacity, not only locally, but also in the region. We miss out on funding opportunities, not because there is no need to fund projects, but because there is no capacity or capability.”

 

The Successes: EPR Regulations and e-Waste Diversion
Ginindza says partnerships between government and private sector are yielding results - such as Producer Responsibility Organisations (PROs) implementing and expanding programs for waste diversion.

 

“Part of their role is to work with municipalities to build infrastructure for managing waste,” she adds. “Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations have also been implemented and producers are now responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products which includes their waste management. “And although EPR does not solve all the country’s waste management problems, it is a crucial tool.

 

“In South Africa, EPR focuses on waste picker integration and circular economy. We should therefore acknowledge the role that waste pickers have played in waste diversion.” A lot of effort was also made to make people aware of the dangers of e-waste.

“It is now restricted from being disposed of to landfill, with a Waste from Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) policy under development. It will provide guidance and help to drive proper disposal and recycling.”

In conclusion, Ginindza says small businesses that want to make sure they comply, can reach out to the IWMSA. “We provide support through our training programmes and engaging different stakeholders through seminars and conferences. By supporting the waste sector, we can ensure proper waste management and maintain a clean environment.”

 

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Happy, healthy dogs are a common sight in Mpophomeni thanks to the work of Funda Nenja.

Our One Welfare model, which addresses the needs of both people and their dogs, has seen a huge difference in the quality of life of many dogs since we started working in this community 15 years ago. Thanks must go to our many supporters, without whom, we could not do what we do.

If you would like to contribute to our outreach work please donate to
Funda Nenja
First National Bank
Branch Code 220 725
Account number 624 587 66197

Overseas donors can use our GivenGain account. Details on both their website and ours.

As thousands of swimmers put the finishing touch to their preparations for the aQuellé MIdmar Mile, one man on the other side of the world is wishing he was headed back to the shores of the KwaZulu-Natal dam next weekend.
That’s two-time defending men’s champion Connor Buck (Top image), who since his second straight victory last year has started studying at Princeton University in the USA and will not make it back to defend his title.

“I haven’t missed a Midmar Mile since I was 11 and it’s always been a such positive race for me so of course I feel a degree of FOMO [fear of missing out],” he admitted from his base New Jersey.

“There are so many things that go into making the Midmar Mile a special race. There’s the history and tradition of the event, the astounding number of competitors and the quality of the athletes it attracts. But for me what makes it most memorable is the camaraderie of the event. Being able to tackle the race with friends and family around you and sharing the experience of the race with so many other athletes sets the Midmar Mile apart for me,” added the SA National 5km and 10km open water champion.

Buck’s best time at the aQuellé Midmar Mile is the 17 minutes 39 seconds he achieved on his way to the 2023 title. This year will see the return of Australia’s 2019 Midmar winner Nick Sloman, who has already made his intentions clear – he’s out to break seven-time winner and former world champion Chad Ho’s 2016 record of 17 minutes flat.

Asked about the prospect of the record being broken, Buck reckoned: “Chad’s record will be tough to beat and there’s a reason it has stood for eight years now. But with a swimmer like Nick Sloman, I think a sub-17 minute Midmar is on the cards. Obviously, conditions on the day will play a role but if they are any good, the record will go.”

As for his advice on swimming the perfect race on the day, Buck added: “The start is where a lot can go wrong in the Midmar due to the sheer number of competitors which makes it quite chaotic. So, finding clean water as early as possible is crucial. After that, it’s just about staying in a good rhythm and swimming a straight line.”

Those eager to get in on the action at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until midnight tonight, 31 January, to get their pre-entries in. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

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As the Africa Cup of Nations heads into the Round of 16 this weekend, former AFCON champion Mark Fish isn’t focused entirely on football.
The 1996 winner is still making time for his swimming training ahead of next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile.

“Training is going well,” he explained. “I am in San Pedro in the Ivory Coast for the Africa Cup of Nations… so training as much and wherever I can. I have a small swimming pool here where I swim in the mornings and walk on the beach and swim in the ocean, so training is what it is.”

The former Bafana Bafana star is in the Ivory Coast as part of the CAF Technical Study team to analyse the games at the ongoing tournament but will make sure he’s back in time to swim his seventh aQuellé Midmar Mile on February 11.

”I love coming back to the Midmar because it’s such a fantastic event, well organised, it is an event where everyone takes part no matter the ages, your sizes, the who’s who, we are there to swim and to enjoy the event.

“Each year it seems to be getting better and better for me… I love this event.”

Fish will once again be swimming with his 13-year-old daughter, Isabella – something which makes the event even more special.

“She will be doing her third one. The first year was a little bit nervous for her, the second year she beat her time by 23 minutes, and this year she said she wants to beat 30 minutes, so I have to train a little bit harder if I want to be the one that’s a little bit faster, or to try and keep up to her.”

While Fish is known more for his footballing exploits, having earned 62 caps for Bafana Bafana over a period of 11 years, the defender reckons swimming training isn’t too far from soccer.

“There are a lot of similarities when you train or focus for an event: the discipline that you need to get up in the morning, do the training that you need to do, and then still carry on and do your day-to-day things. Also staying focused on eating the right things and doing the right things, so yes, it’s very similar.

“When you want to do the best you possibly can you certainly do whatever it takes to be in the best possible shape to do the event.

“So, I’m really looking forward to this year’s event where hopefully this time I will end up in front of my daughter,” he added with a laugh.

While Fish is now an experienced aQuellé Midmar Mile swimmer, having completed his first back in 2017, he had a word of advice to those who might still be deciding whether or not to attempt their first.

“If you’re going to do your first Midmar, come and do it, you will do it, you will finish, and it is a fantastic achievement and a fantastic event. The atmosphere, the organisers, everyone around it makes it an event that you put in your calendar and you work hard for each and every year.

“So if this is your first Midmar, wishing you all the best, keep training and see you on Midmar weekend.”

Those eager to get in on the action at the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until 31 January to get their pre-entries in. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

 

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Pre-entry deadline for aQuellé Midmar Mile extended as thousands expected at KZN dam.

 

Swimmers eager to dive into the challenge of next month’s aQuellé Midmar Mile have been given an extra week to get their pre-entries in.

 

Race Director Wayne Riddin confirmed that the pre-entry deadline has been extended from 25 January to midnight on 31 January.

 

“As the interest and excitement surrounding the aQuellé Midmar Mile continue to build, we want to ensure that every swimmer has the opportunity to join us at the dam next month,” said Riddin.

 

“The new entry procedure allows us to keep the entries open longer. And by extending the pre-entry deadline to the end of the month, we hope to encourage even more participants to take the plunge and become part of this extraordinary event."

 

The aQuellé Midmar Mile, now in its 51st year, is scheduled to take place from Thursday, 8 February to Sunday, 11 February. The 8 and 16-mile Charity Challenge swims, which raise millions for several official charities every year, take place on the first two days of the event, and the other mass participation events, including the disabled and elite races, are set for the Saturday and Sunday.

 

“We are looking forward to welcoming thousands of swimmers from around the country – and world back to Midmar Dam again this February,” said Riddin.

 

“What makes this event so special is that it’s not only about the elite, international-level swimmers. This is an event for everyone – we have swimmers aged 8 to 80-plus and of abilities, all rubbing shoulders with the best of the best and they all have the same goal, to get from the start to the finish as best they can.”

 

Those keen to get in on the action can head to www.midmarmile.co.za for more information and to enter. Entries to certain events are possible on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam.

 

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There were plenty of tired bodies on the shore of Midmar Dam in KwaZulu-Natal and the 8-mile and 16-mile aQuellé Midmar Mile Charity Challenge came to an end on Friday.

At the same time, millions of rands have already been raised, while more continues to come in. Leading the charge in terms of fundraising once again this year was Capetonian Joanne Barnard, who was swimming in the colours of children’s cancer charity CHOC.

“This year I got up to R180,000 which is very special,” said a thrilled Barnard at the end of her swim, paying tribute to all her partners and sponsors.

Asked what keeps her motivated throughout the 8 miles swum over two days, Barnard reckoned: “I spend a lot of time going through things and planning and praying and it’s also the cause. When you have those moments of fatigue and you think ‘oh my gosh, why?’ then you remember why, so it’s really fun.”

Reino von Wielligh was once again the fastest swimmer to complete the 16-mile challenge, finishing with a total time of 5:47.58 while Cassidey Rae Doubell was the fastest woman in 7:07.50.

“It feels good,” said Von Wielligh. “It does get to you after each one. But at the end of the day you come back. If you ask me now if I’ll do it next year I’ll say no, and if you ask me in two weeks I’ll say yes because it’s for a good cause.

“If you continue the 16 mile each year, at least you know what you’re getting yourself into. You know where it hurts and when to push through and I think that’s one of the nice things about doing it consecutively because you’re doing it for charity at the end of the day and that’s what drives you. I’m hurting but that’s ok, you just have to keep on going,” added Von Wielligh, who will swim again on Saturday with his seven-month pregnant sister who is completing her 27th Midmar Mile, before taking on the elite men’s race on Sunday.

Meanwhile, several swimmers completed their 10th 8-mile challenges on Friday. Among them were Liz Burczak, Carol Fourie and Shelly-Ann McHendrie, all swimming for Pink Drive.

“It feels like I’ve accomplished one of the biggest things in my life,” said a teary McHendrie. “It’s great to have done it for such a great initiative and cause so I’m feeling fantastic and a bit emotional because I swam for my dad who had wanted to see me do my 10th 8 Mile but didn’t – he passed away from cancer unfortunately. I also had cervical cancer and they managed to remove it – through early detection and that’s also why I’m supporting Pink Drive because we stand for early detection and that’s why I’m a cancer survivor.”

Fourie added: “I am relieved, chuffed, a little bit sore but very glad that 10 are done. I had bronchitis from November through until two weeks ago so I wasn't expecting anything great and it was much better than expected.

"I’m swimming for those who can’t. I’ve had quite a few friends who have gone through the whole battle with cancer and that’s what keeps me going.”

Also among the Pink Drive swimmers was the 1976 winner of the aQuellé Midmar Mile, Linda Adam, who completed her eighth 8-mile challenge along with all three of her daughters, Angela Lawrence, Julia Anderson and Paula Hall.

Asked what inspired them all to take on the challenge, Anderson joked: “My mom is very bossy! No, it’s for our dad.”

Adam explained her husband is fighting prostate cancer while two of her sons-in-law have also fought their own cancer battles.

As for getting through the two gruelling days of swimming, she explained: “It’s more of a mind game. We all know we’re strong enough so it’s just your mind. You have to be focused.”

Later in the day, Jane Rees was the final swimmer to complete the 8-mile challenge at the incredible age of 79, so bringing the total of finishers to 168, with 17 finishing the 16-mile challenge.

The quickest men’s swimmer to complete the 8 miles was Shane van der Linde in 3:03.06 while Emily Martens was the quickest of the women in 3:36.57.

Swimming action continues as the main events of the aQuellé Midmar Mile kick off on Saturday morning and run through to Sunday. Entries will still be possible at the dam on race day but those wishing to enter should allow plenty of time for registration.

For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Top image: Reino von Wielligh

Bottom image: Joanne Barnard and CHOC regional manager Agie Govender

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Midlands Hospice (Howick) is about to launch a big walk circumnavigating the areas in which we serve. Undeniably one of the most beautiful regions in South Africa, we have a well-known ultra trail runner who is going to test the course for us, in a non-stop running challenge.

Matt Dove will navigate his way from Howick through the forests of the Karkloof and Curry's Post districts, the green rolling hills around Nottingham Road and past the eclectic mix of arts and crafts and restaurants to Rosetta. The trail will then take him into the most beautiful Kamberg valley, past stud farms and sheep farms dating back to pioneering days, all this set against the backdrop of the Drakensberg Mountains. He will forge his way across the Kamberg Nature Reserve, and through rarely seen beautiful dairy farms into the very wee village, Fort Nottingham. The iconic 1976m Inhlosane will entice Matt through some of the darling Dargle Valley region of blue streams, forests opening up to grasslands with beautiful wildflowers, drawing him up to drink in 360 degrees of most beautiful views! This will give him the strength needed to finish the final stretch - down through the Dargle Forests alongside cascading rivers and up over Mount Ashley near Midmar Dam. He will experience the vibrance of the Mpophomeni community that Midlands Hospice has closely worked with, past the country escapes of the Birnamwood district and across the misty Hilton planes to the edge of the uMngeni Valley Gorge. The last stretch will be the ultimate challenge as he navigates the steep slopes and impressive cliffs of the Umngeni Valley and Gwen's Gorge, across the Umngeni River hauling himself up out of the valley, back to Midlands Hospice from where he started.

Matt will start his challenge on the 23rd of February, launching the massive fund-raising initiative 2 months before we walk for Hospice – our ultimate 12-day, Hospice Trail.

We would love for the Midlands Community to journey with us on this venture – our dream would be to have daily coverage of how the journey for hope is going and motivate people and businesses and corporates to challenge each other and pledge to a worthy cause where we offer hope, provide support, and honour life in the face of life threatening illness.

The Big Walk will be open to the public and will be launching soon. We will have a 12-day option, 4-day option and a chance to join us for the day up Inhlosane and again on our last day through the Umgeni Valley and back to Hospice House.

To support Matt on his Run for Hospice donate now https://sites.google.com/view/mattdoverunforhospice/home 

 

Taking a moment to be in awe of those bright blue skies and that wonderful green grass, feeling blessed. We have great facilities at BSET Academy and we offer the students the opportunity to bring their own horse to work with and in addition to working with our horses and horses in for rehabilitation. Learning hands on with different horses strengthens the skills learnt and makes for a confident Equine Practitioner. If you are still considering studying this year we have one spot open before the end of February, some catch up will be required.

 

More about BSET Equine Academy

Come alive with some Live Music on Friday with our local boys - THE UNDAUNTED.

Catch them on Friday for some toe tapping beats.

Escape the everyday lull and come dance and sing the night away!!!

Two swimmers are aiming to finish the aQuellé Midmar Mile for an incredible 50th time when the event takes place at the famous KwaZulu-Natal dam next month.

Both Gail Bristow and Martin Godfrey (Pictured here top) have completed the world’s largest open water event 49 times and are on track to reach their half-centuries this year.

“Right now, it’s what’s driving me to train as much and as hard as I can,” said Godfrey. “I think that my emotions may run away with me when I exit the water at the finish. My wife will be there and I know that my late dad, who was there when I swam the first one, would be glowing with pride.”

Godfrey finished third in the first ever aQuellé Midmar Mile held in 1974 and recalls what that first race was like.

“The gun went off at 9am and we raced across to the other side. There was a raft at the halfway mark which was used by those needing a break and the polo players swam with water polo balls.

“I was the only swimmer wearing a cap. My dad said I should wear a white one so he could see me in the water. At the finish, we were given a handwritten certificate and there was a small prizegiving and by 11am, it was all over.”

Meanwhile, the Cape Town-based Bristow admits that just getting to the start line each year has been something of a challenge.

“I love swimming, so that part is easy, but the logistics of getting there from Cape Town each year and managing to juggle all that life throws at us in between is always the challenge. Not always so easy.

“1984 was Cyclone Domoina which caused severe flooding and roads washed away, so that was a challenge just to get to the dam,” she explained. “In 2017 and 2019 I had knee replacement surgery, so ‘limped’ my way through those two swims unsure that it would be possible.

“When I think back, it really is remarkable that for 50 years, on the second Sunday in February, I have been on the start line at Midmar regardless.
“It is a scary thought to think of 50 years of Midmar. It is a huge milestone and I never imagined it possible. I feel very grateful to be able to keep swimming for all these years.”

Godfrey may be one of the participants on the start line each year but he’s also part of the organisation of the event. For the past 23 years, his is the voice swimmers hear just before embarking on their crossings, with Godfrey serving as the announcer at the start.

Explaining what brings him back year on year, he reckoned: I come back because a) I want to be the one who ultimately swims it the most times and b) because I have a 53-year friendship with race director Wayne Riddin and I share his vision and passion for the event.”

As for what’s brought Bristow back each year, the retired school teacher explained: “Midmar has become a fixture on my calendar each year and I look forward to seeing good friends as I grew up in KZN and did most of my competitive swimming there. I also challenge myself to keep as close to my previous year’s time as possible.”

“It is a fantastic event and with a bit of preparation, it’s something most people can achieve. Do it, you will love it and come back for more!”

Those still keen to take on the aQuellé Midmar Mile, which takes place from 8-11 February, have until 31 January to get their pre-entries in online. Entries to certain events will be possible at Midmar Dam on race day but at a higher fee. Pre-entry is highly recommended to avoid any delays at the dam. For more information, head to www.midmarmile.co.za

Photo credit: Action Photo SA

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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 acustic 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 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 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.

 

‘This beautiful little spot forms part of my early morning running route. I've been waiting patiently for the Helichrysum cooperi to start flowering so that I can paint them in this landscape. This week I swopped a run for a plein air session. It was pure bliss to be up close with the birds, totally enraptured by this beautiful view.’ Said Carol Cox of her time painting the scene pictured here top.

‘Plein air painting’ is a term coined by the French and means to paint outdoors in nature in the fresh air, an art form which the KZN Midlands provides innumerable opportunities to practice.

Carol’s favourite subjects are birds and botany. You may spot her behind her easel when you are out for a ride, run, walk or picnic in and around the KZN Midlands.

Her artworks will be available at the annual Harcourts Hilton ART in the Country exhibition which happens in May at Harrington House.

Contact Carol on 083 973 9555 to find out more about her workshops at her home studio or in a nearby meadow.

Bottom image: A landscape scene from Hilton, looking towards Dargle.