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5 minutes with Roachy & the Rock Coaches

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You may have seen this Roachy character somewhere before. He’s that long haired guy who has run up and down stages all over South Africa, armed with a wireless guitar, a sweaty bandana, and a passion for entertaining crowds. It’s true that Roachy has been a part of the Durban live music scene since 2004, and now with 9 years of experience in the industry, after performing in bands such as Mr. Smug and Sheep Down, he has set off to intrigue audiences with his own unique brand of songwriting. On his own now, he is fully in charge of his own destiny and musical direction.

He now sports an acoustic guitar, and he’s still got that ever maturing set of vocal chords. Each song tells a story, and whether it be sad or happy, you will listen with intent to hear how it ends. Basing songs on real experiences, Roachy taps into human emotion in an ernest way. You can’t help but relate to his lyrics, because we have all “been there”. He has stripped away the complexities of writing and performing in a full band, and has centered his music on the message and the delivery, which is heartfelt and oh-so-tight. To keep you listening, each song is different, with the intent of getting you thinking, and of course having some good fun. Banter on stage is a given, even while performing solo, and he has an electric connection with audiences – one that only comes with years spent on the stage. He is not content to sit on a chair and croon, but instead gives a lively performance, always leaving it all up there on the stage.

Duncan took some time out to chat to him about his upcoming EP launch:

 

Duncan: So Roach, tell us a bit about the History of Roachy and the Rock Coaches?

Roach: Well when Sheep Down ended, I wanted to write an perform my own songs. Bands tend to work as a collective unit, so I started to write my own jams. It’s been tough jamming on my own, but it has been a creative journey.

Duncan: So bru, where are the Rock Coaches?

Roach: We are quadruplets, just playing. I just thought it was an epic name. I always want to play in bands, I’m a punk rocker through to the bone and I miss playing on the big stages, don’t get me wrong though, the acoustic has been epic.

Duncan: Are you planning on forming a full band?

Roach: It’s on the cards. It’s hard to find people that shred and gel well together. I have been asking around, so yea, it should happen early next year. I’m amped to get back on stage as I said earlier, just need the right crew.

Duncan: Tell us about the EP?

Roach: It’s 6 tracks, all acoustic with friends doing backing vocals. It’s all my old stuff through to new stuff spanning a decade of songwriting. The EP has various styles in it, but mostly uplifting and amping themes for those tough days.

Duncan: What influences you musically?

Roach: Trying to write  more modern take on old school punk, bands like Bad Religion through to bands like The Flatliners.

Duncan: Tell us about the launch?

Roach: We have an entertaining line up, The Hours are playing (New guys on the scene as well). We also have a touring acoustic punk band from Jozi called The Sloppy Folk jamming with us. There may also be one or two sneaky collaborations on the night.

 

WIN WIN WIN!!!

Roach has Kindly given us 5 EP’s and 5 Free entries for his show tonight, the 20th of December at The Winston.

Simply drop us a comment below and we’ll announce the winners shortly after midday today!

 

Doors open at 8pm.

 

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Shelley
Author: Shelley

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7 Comments

7 Comments

  1. Jasmin

    20 December 2013 at 9:20 am

    Still relatively new to Durban, but really keen on checking them Rock Coaches out! Along with Sloppy Folk (whom I know from Jhb)! 🙂

    • Tee

      20 December 2013 at 2:04 pm

      Welcome to Durbs Jasmin!! Follow us on facebook for other cool events and comps happening in Durbs… we are a friendly bunch, so sure you wont feel “new” for very long!!

  2. Ian

    20 December 2013 at 1:53 pm

    Have always enjoyed the Roachy vibe and am keen to sample the EP! Durban music for the win!

    • Tee

      20 December 2013 at 2:03 pm

      We agree, Durban has some great talent! We hope to feature Roachy again soon and who knows… maybe some other Durban bands, so keep an eye out!

  3. Dazza

    20 December 2013 at 2:24 pm

    Think I have found out what to do this Friday night 🙂

    • Tee

      20 December 2013 at 2:26 pm

      Good call Dazza! Not one to be missed 😀

  4. Nicole Abiet

    20 December 2013 at 2:48 pm

    Can’t wait!!!!!! Going to be so fun!

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Art

Watch The Little Mermaid Jr Musical This Easter

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Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr to be staged by The Young Performers’ Project at the Milkwood Theatre, Danville: 2 – 12 April 2026.

Fishy Fable: Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr stage musical is The Young Performer’s Project’s first show of 2026, coming to The Milkwood Theatre in Durban North over the Easter holidays from 2 – 12 April 2026.

BUY TICKETS HERE

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages – perfect for the youthful 50 strong cast. This time around, the show features 30 senior performers, and 21 junior performers.

The Little Mermaid Jr is directed by Daisy Spencer, with choreography by Evashnee Pillay, music direction by Des Govender, sound design by Ant Govender, set and prop design by Nicolene Steyn and fabulous under the sea inspired costumes by Kathy Singery.

The cast includes Ariel played by Chloe Marot from St. Mary’s DSG (last seen in Shrek and Annie); Sebastian is Khethukuthula Ngcobo (I.S.P.A) and Flounder is played by Azania Mavimbela (Crawford North Coast).

In a heartwarming full circle moment, Azania’s mother Sindi, a current drama teacher, reflected on her own experience as a participant in YPP’s 2009 production of Big River, directed by Themi Venturas. Her daughter Azania, who entered the project seventeen years later as a Junior performer in A Fairytale Christmas Carol, is a testament to the organization’s lasting influence. This poignant connection also highlights the profound impact of YPP’s programmes on the lives of its alumni who are giving back to their communities as arts educators.

Inspired by Hans Christian Andersens’ beloved fairy tale, and based on the classic animated Disney movie, The Little Mermaid Jr tells of a mermaid who dreams of the world above the sea and gives up her voice to find true love.

Ariel, King Triton’s youngest daughter, wishes to pursue the human Prince Eric in the world above, bargaining with the evil sea witch, Ursula, to trade her tail for legs. But the bargain is not what it seems, and Ariel needs the help of her colourful friends, Flounder the fish, Scuttle the seagull and Sebastian the crab to restore order under the sea.

Disney’s The Little Mermaid Jr offers a fantastic creative opportunity for rich costumes and sets, as well as the chance to perform some of the best-known songs from the past 30 years. Songs include: “Under the Sea“; “Kiss the Girl“; and “Part of Your World“.

Written by Doug Wright, with music by eight-time Academy Award winner, Alan Menken, lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater.

Tickets are through Webtickets here. Their first show is a special Relaxed Performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30 where theatre etiquette guidelines are relaxed and the performance is consciously calmed, where the auditorium lights are dimmed, but not dark and the audience meet the characters ahead of time. This Relaxed Performance is ideal for audience members with sensory sensitivities. For all performances, audiences are welcome to dress up as the cast.

Good to Know:

  • Tickets: Webtickets -> click here to buy
  • Their first show is a special Relaxed performance on Thursday 2 April at 2.30
  • Scholars and pensioners 10% off any seats throughout.
  • The show runs at 65 minutes – no interval
  • Audiences can meet the stage characters after the show

BUY TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

KZN Philharmonic – Summer Season Concerts 2026

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The KZN Philharmonic Orchestra presents its 2026 Summer Season with two concerts at The Playhouse Opera on Thursday, 5 and 12 March at 19:00.

Concert 1: 5 March

Under the baton of Japanese conductor Yasuo Shinozaki, the opening programme features Canadian cello virtuoso Bryan Cheng performing Saint-Saëns’s demanding and innovative Cello Concerto No. 2. Britten’s Simple Symphony provides a lyrical interlude, followed by Saint-Saëns’s dramatic Cello Concerto No. 1. After the interval, Schubert’s beloved “Unfinished” Symphony brings the evening to a melodic close.

Concert 2: 12 March

Under the baton of South African conductor Conrad van Alphen, this programme features Bulgarian world-renowned virtuoso pianist and chamber musician, Ludmil Angelov.

KZN Philharmonic tickets are available at Quicket here.

Want to go to a concert but don’t want to have to self-drive into town?
Opt for a Park and Ride option:

Park your car in one of our secure designated locations and hop onto the bus which will drop you off at the Durban Playhouse.

1) Upper Highway Area
St. Agnes Anglican Church, 53 Abelia Road, Kloof, 3610.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs St Agnes promptly at 17h50.

2) Westville
Westville Senior Primary School, Westville Road, Westville, 3629.
R80 a bus ricket return.
The bus departs Westville Senior Primary promptly at 18h10.

3) Berea
Caister Lodge, 264 Musgrave Road, Musgrave, Durban, 4001.
R60 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Caister Lodge promptly at 18h20.

4) Umhlanga
Grace Family Church, 400 Umhlanga Rocks Drive, Umhlanga, 4320.
R100 a bus ticket return.
The bus departs Grace Family Church promptly at 18h10.

Book bus tickets on 031 369 9438 / info@kznphil.org.za / Quicket here

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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Entertainment

Big Top Rock returns to The Barnyard Theatre

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From 21 February – 31 May 2026, Step into a world where the roar of electric guitars collides with the gasp of the crowd — Big Top Rock is back, bigger, bolder, and more breathtaking than ever!

This is no ordinary concert. It’s a full-throttle rock and roll circus spectacular — a high-voltage fusion of iconic anthems, jaw-dropping aerial artistry, and an atmosphere so electric you’ll feel it in your bones. From the first crashing chord to the final heart-pounding encore, you’ll be swept into a whirlwind of sound, light, and pure adrenaline.

The Soundtrack of Six Decades

Let our charismatic Big Top Ringmaster lead you through a sonic time machine — from the thunder of Def Leppard and AC/DC to the soaring harmonies of Heart, the anthemic power of Queen, and the pop-rock magic of Roxette. Along the way, you’ll meet legends like Elvis Presley, Pink, Michael Jackson, Adele, Billie Eilish, Benson Boone, and more — each hit reimagined with the raw energy of a live Barnyard band and powerhouse vocalists.

The Circus Comes Alive

Marvel at fearless performers defying gravity on pole, silk, trapeze, and lyra — every twist, drop, and spin perfectly choreographed to the pulse of the music. It’s a feast for the senses where every beat has a stunt, and every stunt has a story. The Barnyard’s Most Daring Show Yet.

This is the largest, loudest, and most spectacular production in Barnyard history.
Whether you’re a lifelong rock fan or just love a night of unforgettable entertainment, Big Top Rock will leave you breathless, exhilarated, and ready to come back for more.

Step right up — the Big Top awaits!

Book your seats now and step right up to the big top at The Barnyard and get ready to be entertained!

Want to SAVE 5%? use promo code “DURBS” at checkout.

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

CLICK HERE TO BOOK!

Carla Wynne
Author: Carla Wynne

Just a 30something plant mom, nature enthusiast and happy wife, adventuring through Durbs and life!🌻🌿🤍✨

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