Pack a Valentine’s picnic and enjoy a feast of Rock, Funk, Jazz and African music when the 14-piece Big Band “Banned in Evolution” takes to the stage on 14 February at the Helderberg Nature Reserve.

The band was formed two years ago in Somerset West by Gavin Bingham when he gathered a group of highly talented like-minded local musicians for casual jamming sessions. The band soon evolved to what it is today – 14 players of different generations comprising music teachers, B.Mus jazz students, learners and professional businessmen.

The band’s repertoire includes amongst others Moonlight Serenade, In the Mood, Mack the Knife, Lady Marmalade, Mpumalanga Sunrise, Dudu, Hit the Road Jack, Cry me a River, I’m a Believer, Way Back Fifties and Roxanne.

Gavin’s vision was to provide a forum for young players to continue sharpening their talents by being around experienced musicians. Some of the music with a township jazz flavour has been specifically written for the band by Prof Mike Campbell, Convenor of the Jazz Studies Programme at UCT.

Banned in Evolution

The members are Dean Bellingam – first year Law student at Stellenbosch University on Alto Sax, Duncan Combe – Music teacher at Parel Vallei High School, also on Alto Sax, Daniel Bowley – third year jazz student at UCT on guitar and vocals, Brad Bennell – Glass Sales Assistant on  keyboard, Gavin Bingham – Ophthalmologist on Tenor Sax, Jo Car – Gig Muso and Equestrianne, also on Tenor Sax, Dylan Campbell – Learner at Somerset College on Trumpet, Tessa Roos, who is studying voice at Stellenbosch University on Lead Vocals, Patrick Cordery – Brass teacher at Somerset College on Trumpet, Jeane Combe – Drum Teacher at Do Re Me Music School on Drums, Louise Smith – Brass teacher at Somerset College on Trombone, Robert Bingham – studying Graphic Design on Bass, David Watkyns, fourth year Jazz student at UCT on Trumpet and Simon Chapman, Head of the Music Department of Somerset College on Alto Sax.

The concert starts at 17:30 and tickets can be bought at the gate. The cost is R30 per adult and R10 for scholars. There is no admission fee for children under the age of five. The proceeds of the concerts are used to support environmental education projects at the Reserve.

Only two concerts remain in this year’s line up. On 28 February the well-known Army and Caledonian Bands take to the stage before the sunset concert series wraps up the season with Black Market on 14 March.

Please call the Information Centre for more information.
For contact details refer to the Information column to the right of the page.