Touch of blarney for Durban
ST PATRICK’S Day is always celebrated with lots of fun and festivity on March 17 throughout the world, and Irish vocalist Dave Monks will bring a touch of the Irish blarney throughout the month, to celebrate the special day.
Monks will perform Ireland’s Call for two shows in Pietermaritzburg tomorrow at 2.30pm and 6.30pm, at the Allan Wilson Shell Hole, before appearing at Le Domaine in Hillcrest, on Wednesday March 14.
Families are invited to bring a picnic along.
The show will move to Johannesburg from March 15 to 17, where Monks will be on stage at Carnival City on St Patrick’s Day, before returning to Durban for a final three shows, from March 23 to 25, at the Rhumbelow Theatre.
Speaking to The Independent on Saturday this week, Monks, who grew up in Dublin, said massive parades were held on St Patrick’s Day in Ireland (St Patrick is the patron saint of Ireland), as well as in many cities across the world – especially in the US – particularly in New York and Boston.
“It’s a day which seems to be celebrated throughout the world, I have been in places such as South Korea and Hong Kong for St Patrick’s Day and it’s also growing in popularity every year in South Africa.
“It’s all about listening to Irish music and having fun,” said Monks, adding that his show would not be complete without the old favourites such as Danny Boy, Galway Bay, Whiskey in the Jar, Paddy McGinty’s Goat and Delaney’s Donkey, to name a few.
Monks is quick to admit that he does enjoy telling Irish jokes (some Scottish ones, too), as well as writing some new material for the show which includes a bit of “Paddy” humour. He arrived in South Africa in 1975 and was a member of the Leprechauns, who often played in Durban’s favourite haunts, such as Father’s Moustache on the beachfront.
For the past 10 years, he has been solo on the music circuit, performing in almost every corner of South Africa as well as Ireland, England, South Korea, the US, Portugal, Zimbabwe, Botswana, Swaziland and Abu Dhabi.
Ireland’s Call is suitable for the whole family and remember to wear something green. The cost is R150 a ticket Bar available (no alcohol may be brought on to the premises). Book at Computicket or e-mail Roland: roland@stansell.za.net