International blues maestro Dan Patlansky and acclaimed artist Albert Frost will bring the party to the Durban Botanic Gardens on Sunday, 17 July when the blues meets rock as part of the popular Old Mutual Music at the Lake series.

Whether you are into blues or rock, the experience is guaranteed to be a sizzling mix of electrifying world-class music, pleasant weather, sub-tropical flora and a great crowd.

Dan Patlansky, fresh from his hugely successful European tour with Joe Satriani, has become one of the most respected blues/rock artists to emerge from South Africa and was recently voted as one of the Top Ten best rock guitarists in the world today.

Fans will get the chance to hear the maestro play acoustic song versions from his albums, 20 Stones (2012), Wooden Thoughts (2013) and Dear Silence Thieves (2014). They will also be in for a special treat when Dan plays acoustic versions of brand new songs from his latest offering, released in April 2016, as well as classic covers modernised with a touch of blues and rock influences.

Albert Frost is a highly accomplished guitarist whose energetic performances have been dazzling audiences for 20 years, as he deftly alternates between rhythm and lead, showcasing acoustic and electric guitars. He has performed with every major artist in South Africa and recorded with Arno Carstens, Koos Kombuis, Chris Chameleon and the Blues Broers, among many others. He has also toured with Simple Minds and Rem, and supported the Rolling Stones.

Also coming to play is a Cape Town based artist Hezron Chetty, who is best known for performing the violin through a loop station. Bringing a fresh and progressive approach to instrumental music, he has captured the attention of the music scene, both locally and abroad.

Exciting as the sounds will be, Old Mutual Music at the Lake is about much more than just music. “Through this series we hope to raise consciousness of our environment and how we could and should experience and use it in a responsible way,” says Old Mutual sponsorship manager Bandile Mngoma. “Our future wellbeing depends a lot on the commitments we make today.”

Music fans are encouraged to come early, bring picnic chairs and blankets and recharge their batteries in beautiful natural surroundings. The whole family is welcome – there is also a supervised children’s area.

For more information about this and other events at the Durban Botanic Gardens, visit the website www.durbanbotanicgardens.org.za

Tickets are available online at www.webtickets.co.za
Tickets prices: R140 online, or at the gate for R160 on the day.
Kids between 8 and 12 pay R60, kids under eight are free. All children are welcome at the KidZone for some extra fun and games.
Drinks, cooler boxes and picnic baskets are welcome.
Gates open at 13h00 and the show starts at 14h00.

Secure parking is available at the Botanic Gardens. Entrance to all parking is off lower John Zikhali (Sydenham) Road.