Silo Concerts, a series of music events showcasing local performers to the public for free, are back to entertain visitors in the Waterfront’s Silo district. The 2022/23 season kicks off now, in November of this year.
Silo Concerts are partnering with Hendricks Gin this year, as they continue the event that was established in 2018. These memorable concerts were brought to an end during the pandemic, and so performers are back with new and excited energy.
The Waterfront has previously featured orchestras, Jazz and Kwela Bands, and performers such as Amanda Black and The Soil. This year, visitors can look forward to a varied concert line-up, beginning with a performance by the Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra in November.
The Silo Concerts take place on the first Friday of the month at 7pm, with the first one starting this Friday, 4 November. The concerts will continue through to April 2023.
The concerts are held in front of the restaurants against the Zeitz MOCAA building, opposite Si Cantina Sociale.
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“After a two-year hiatus, we’re so happy to have the Silo Concerts return and to be able to put on a great show for our visitors once again while supporting and showcasing the best of local talent,” says Tinyiko Mageza, V&A Waterfront marketing executive.
“Music has always been something that brings people together and the thought of having our visitors gathered at the Silo District connecting in song and dance brings us nothing but joy,” he continues.
Lisa Rothewell, marketing manager at Hendrick’s Gin says that they are “excited to bring back the magic of outdoor musical performance to this much-loved and unique spot at the V&A.”
Concert schedule:
Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra:
The Cape Town Philharmonic Orchestra will perform this Friday, 4 November 2022. The orchestra was founded in 1914, and is one of the most versatile orchestras on the whole continent.
The multi-functional orchestra tirelessly contributes to Cape Town’s global status. They deliver world-class performances to all communities in the region, and regularly participate in festivals and concerts, and across all genres of music.
- Date: Friday, 4 November 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
Mandisi Dyantyis:
Mandisi Dyantyis is a South African trumpeter and vocalist performing on Friday, 2 December 2022. In 2019, Mandisi released his debut album ‘Somandla’.
The album was nominated for the SAMA award for best Jazz Album of 2019, as well as for the Mzantsi Jazz Awards. This year, he released his second album ‘Cwaka’, which has been streamed over two million times since its release.
Cwaka recently won the SAMA Award for the Best Adult Contemporary Album of 2022.
This concert will showcase some of his older compositions, pieces from the Cwaka album, as well brand-new material being performed for the very first time.
- Date: Friday, 2 December 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
This Thing Called Swing – featuring Swing All Stars Big Band:
The Swing All Stars Band is a 20-piece band led by Mike Campbell that promises to transport you back to the 30s and 40s. The performance will have a dedicated dance floor, encouraging guests to dress up and bring their dancing shoes.
Cape Town Swing will offer a free dance class before the show to get attendees ready and prepared.
- Date: Friday, 6 January 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
Puesta Del Sol – featuring Corazon 10-piece Salsa Band and Salsa DJs:
The Puesta Del Sol concert encourages visitors to explore Latin American rhythm in a sultry evening at the Silo District. The night will be filled with energy as Corazon, a 10-piece Salsa band, and a variety of Salsa DJs get you moving.
There will be a free salsa class before the show to get attendees ready and prepared for salsa dancing.
- Date: Friday, 3 February 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
Andrew Young & Don Vino:
Andrew Young, known as the Saxman, will showcase his breathtaking saxophone skills on Friday, 3 March 2023. Born in Liverpool, he will captivate Cape Town audiences with his unique humour and electrifying stage presence.
Acclaimed saxophonist Don Vino will be joining him on stage, bringing a range of songs from the early 70s, right up to current hits.
Don Vino has shared the stage with industry greats, such as award-winning singer and actor Loukmaan Adams, songstress Amy Jones and winner of The Voice season two, Craig Lucas.
- Date: Friday, 3 March 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
Judith Sephuma:
Judith Sephuma, multi-award-winning songstress, will kick off the Easter weekend on Friday, 7 April 2023. With a soft and sultry voice, Sephuma has been dubbed the queen of Afro Jazz.
She is internationally acclaimed, with multiple platinum status selling albums and having performed around the world. Her sold out shows have seen Europe, the UK and the USA.
- Date: Friday, 7 April 2022
- Venue: Silo District, against MOCAA building opposite Si Cantina Sociale
- Cost: Free
- Time: 7pm
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Picture: V&A Waterfront