Artists band together to help ill Sammy Webber
THE NAME Sammy Webber is synonymous with Cape Town music, particularly Cape Jazz.
His wizardry on the bass guitar has won him many fans and his stint with Virtual Jazz Reality made him a household name.
Seven years ago disaster struck in the form of multiple sclerosis, which affected his health. His eyesight is severely affected and he gets around with the aid of a walking stick. The gigs dried up while the medical bills stacked up.
Now several role players in the Cape Town music industry have come together to stage a tribute show for Webber. Songs for Sammy – A tribute to Sammy Webber will take place on Thursday, October 19 at 8pm at the Artscape Theatre.
Alistair Izobell is the executive producer, with Camillo Lombard the music director.
Performing include Richard Ceasar, Lorendo Brown, Karin Kortjé, Donveno Prins, Jonathan Rubain, Elwira Standili, Carmen Xclusive, Robin Pieters, Ian Smith, Glenn Robertson, Angelo Syster, Frank Paco among others.
Izobell says it is imperative we support those who have paved the way before his generation, like Webber and those who have passed on. “Those who have contributed to the South African discography that we enjoy so much now, particularly Capetonian artists.
“We are failing at our humanity if we didn’t hold up the banner for those who made it easy for us while they struggled and fought for the great entertainment that we have today. To celebrate him as a person, friend and musician and to validate his incredible musicianship,” he said.
Webber is grateful to his brothers and sisters in the music industry for their generous support. And that living with the dreaded disease is not a walk in the park.
“I gave up a lot of gigs, but kept the necessary ones to keep me going – I was thinking if I got better I could pick up those again.
“Now I am struggling to get gigs. Most of the clubs and venues I played in closed down,” says Webber.
He says these days he scrapes to get by and the guys he used to play with found new players to fill his spot. He does not blame them though.
“They have to carry on doing what they are doing.
“I used to do a lot of corporate gigs and I miss the income. It is hard.”
Tickets for Songs for Sammy – A Tribute to Sammy Webber are available at Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers and Artscape’s box office at R250 each. The show is brought to you by Artscape, Heart FM and Grand Slots.
The Cape Town Fringe began yesterday and is on until October 8, at 13 venues.There are over 90 productions, including drama, dance, comedy, music and family fare. This is the 4th Cape Town Fringe and the Butlers comedy franchise has been a hit at each festival – selling out its shows.The latest offering – Butlers and Bloopers – is at the P4 Studio, Hiddingh (Orange Street, Gardens) on September 27, 28, 30 and October 1 – times vary, so see the Fringe website.The season at the Fringe marks the 10th instalment of the murder-comedy-mystery series, in which the audience participates in driving the plot. R68-R80/www. capetownfringe.co.za/086 000 2004.
E-mail thebutler@mailbox.co.za by 6pm tomorrowor follow @ButlersComedy and tweet #ilovecomps, also by 6pm tomorrow.
Award-winning Daniel Mpilo Richards is performing in Mike van Graan’s multi-sketch satirical revue, State Fracture at Followspot’s Kalk Bay Theatre from October 5-28. Not to be missed. Direction by Rob van Vuuren, and Siv Ngesi is in producer’s seat. Brilliant script and performance by Richards. R150, 2-for-price-of-1 on Tuesdays.Thursday dinner special – buy one main, get one free. Closed on Wednesdays. Book at www.kalkbaytheatre.co.za or call 021 788 7257. No performances on Wednesdays. Show runs Tues,Thurs, Fri and Sat.
E-mail info@kalkbaytheatre.co.za, by 6pm tomorrow. SUBJECT LINE:ToTT or tweet @KalkBay_Theatre with #ToTTFreebies, also by 6pm tomorrow.
Comedy fans and film-makers Max Bosanquet and Ian Tucker launched a comedy show, Let’s Bounce Comedy at Bounce restaurant, bar and party venue – 159 Main Road, Plumstead (part of the popular Pirates).The Bounce comedy evenings are on the firstTuesday of every month. The next gig is on October 3 and features KG Mokgadi, Dalin Oliver and CJ Benson. Show starts 8pm.Venue open from 7pm.Tickets R60 at door. Online bookings through Quicket.Tickets are for show only. Burgers, pizzas, platters available; no pressure to eat – but a reasonably priced food and drinks. Comedy line-up subject to change.
E-mail 7.tenpro@live.co.uk by 6pm tomorrow. SUBJECT LINE:ToTT.