Take a musical trip down memory lane
THINK back to the golden years when weekends out dancing in Durban at the likes of the Island Hotel or The Palladium Hotel or Sol Namara Hotel were the order of the day.
Whether you hopped on the bus, hired an old school VW Kombi, or loaded the crew up into someone’s 1958 Chevy Impala (Chevrolet), a plan was always made!
Bringing back that spirit of live music and good vibes, long-standing Durban band, The Crescendos, are commemorating their 58th anniversary, or should we say “bandversary”, with the
One Love Musical Journey.
It’s no easy feat surviving this long on the fickle entertainment scene whose supporters over the years seem to prefer to spend their time and investment riding whatever trend wave is rolling over us at the time. But the Crescendos have survived it all, and are still playing strong.
Klive Pillay, band leader and drummer, said the Crescendos was formed in Cato Manor in 1960.
“We played a number of venues across the country, playing all types of music, for young and not so old,” he quipped.
This included playing at the Island Hotel for 20 years.
“The Crescendos was a training ground for many musicians who have excelled and are currently performing with different bands.
“We are currently a six-piece band enjoying arranging and playing in our own dance shows,” added Pillay.
With the assistance of the Enchanted Gardens, The Crescendos will celebrate their 58-year journey on October 21 with an epic show. Among other acts, there will be six other bands including Men In Black, Tropical Heat and Nu Savoys, and comedians Muthu Murugan and Siva Naidoo.
Pillay said: “My religion for last 50 years is music, the only religion
I know. It is the only international universal language I know, no one ever fights about it.
“No matter which race group you belong to, music unites the entire world. If only music can be taught in all schools at grass roots level, then I believe our children will excel as they won’t have time to get up to mischief.
“All bands and musicians participating in this show will receive an award in the form of a plaque to say thank you for being around and entertaining people on our musical journey. This show is a united celebration of musicians from yesteryear. We are also celebrating musicians who have been playing live music over several years,” said Pillay.
Durban’s Crescendos have lived up to their name surviving a competitive industry over many years, and gradually increasing their presence and making their sound a roaring success.
They perform at The Enchanted Gardens Convention Centre from 1pm. Tickets R120. For bookings, call 065 152 8642 or 084 566 7135.