MiTH 22 May 2024

INFO: 082 331 7271

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

VENUE: The Knoll Historic G uest Farm

8:50 pm: The Lion & The Bear

The Lion & The Bear is a dynamic rock band with a power ful punch and a soulful groove that captivates audiences wherever they go. Comprised of Ross Meintjes, known as The Lion, and Ruben Thomas, affectiona tely referred to as The Bear, this duo brings a unique blend of energy, pas sion, and authenticity to every performance.

The Lion takes th e lead as the band's charismatic lead singer and guitarist, his curly locks and infectious stage presence commanding attention from the moment he step s into the spotlight. Meanwhile, The Bear holds down the low end on bass, l ends his vocals to harmonies, and even steps in as a part-time percussionis t when the duo takes the stage. Completing the trio is none other than The Panther, Brendon Meintjes. As the band's drummer extraordinaire, Brendon la ys down the rhythmic foundation both in the studio and on stage, bringing a dynamic energy that elevates the band's sound to new heights. And yes, The Panther and The Lion are brothers, adding an extra layer of familial chemi stry to the mix.

The name "The Lion & The Bear" was inspire d by a playful moment when long-haired Ross was dubbed "The Lion Man" by a friend's son. Each member chose an animal to represent themselves, original ly forming as "The Lion, The Bear & The Panther." However, the name was later streamlined to its current form for simplicity and memorability, emb odying the essence of the duo's raw and powerful sound. Whether they're per forming as a duo or in full power trio mode, the band prides themselves on delivering an authentic, live experience. From the soulful groove to the he artfelt melodies, every note comes straight from the heart, creating a conn ection with audiences that is both immediate and enduring.

Avai lable for private events, corporate functions, venues, and festivals alike, The Lion & The Bear bring their infectious energy and undeniable talen t to audiences of all sizes and demographics. They can't wait to be back at MiTH!

7:40 pm: Las Cuerdas – The Strings

Hailing from the Midlands, Skippy and Aidan are not just friends, b ut musical kindred spirits on a journey through the realms of folk, rock an d blues. Their collaboration weaves tales of introspection and camaraderie through their music.

Skippy, with his nimble fingers dancing ac ross the strings of his guitar, brings a raw authenticity to their sound. H is music is imbued with the rustic charm of open fields and winding rivers. His lyrics are poignant, reflective of the landscapes that have shaped his world.

Aidan, on the other hand, adds a layer of depth with hi s experimental compositions. Raised in the urban sprawl, his music is a ref lection of the chaotic beauty found in cityscapes and late-night conversati ons. His musicality is raw and unique, drawing inspiration from the highs a nd lows of everyday life.

Together, Skippy and Aidan create a m usical tapestry that is both intimate and expansive. Their songs are a test ament to the power of collaboration, blending elements of folk storytelling with a dash of improvisational flare. Each chord resonates with emotion, e ach lyric a glimpse into their shared experiences and each song a link in t he chain that is their friendship.

7pm: Ian Taylor

Ian Taylor began his musical journey when he started class ical piano music at the age of 6. He had 2 years of jazz piano training and formed his first band when he was 17. This lead to him playing mainly at d ance venues, including La Mirabel at the Ansonia Hotel. Then for 50-odd yea rs, he played at various hotels on the north and south coast. Over the year s, he performed in various bands, including a jazz trio that toured hotels across KwaZulu Natal, and Easybeat, which kept dancers on the dance floor. These days, he entertains patrons at the Amber Valley Restaurant once a mon th and has had a couple of stints playing for Paul Spence.

His musical style reflects his classical foundation but adds a strong jazz and pop influence. His influences include Elton John, Billy Joel, Jackson Brown , Oscar Pietersen, and Stan Getz. For MiTH, he will be singing a number of jazz and pop classics, from artists like Billy Joel, The Eagles, Procul Har um, Gary Barlow, and Ed Sheeran. He will later be joined for some jazz numb ers by MiTH regulars, Roly Struckmeyer and Patrick “Paddy” Austin.
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ABOUT MiTH: Arguably the KZN Midlands’ best-loved music venue, M usic in The Hills (MiTH) is an opportunity for beginners, professionals, an d passionate music fans to share the joy of music at The Knoll Historic Gue st Farm. Visit www.mith.co.za for more details and directions. Musicians ca n contact This email addre ss is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it . for slots.

KNOW BEFORE Y OU 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. Food and soft drinks are available for s ale. A cash bar is available.

DIRECTIONS TO MiTH: Take the N3 t o 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 i nto 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.