Spier ignites festive season magic

On the 4th of December, Spier wine estate will celebrate the festive season with a dazzling display of light and a diverse collection of artistic performances. A procession across the estate will lead the audience through an impressive line-up, including a dance piece by Jay Pather’s Siwela Sonke Dance Company, soothing sounds from the Abaqondisi Brothers, a dramatic fire-dance by Fire Tribe, and bluesy tunes by “Lonesome Dave” Ferguson.

Spier’s Festival of White Lights will be presented on one night only, so book early as last year’s tickets were sold out. It starts at 20h00 at the Spier Deli, with picnics available on the lawns from 18h00 (if booked in advance). A penny-whistler and an ‘Angel of Light’ on stilts will lead the procession.

One of the highlights will be Jay Pather’s piece: Step into the Light. Guests will walk into a treasure trove of performances representing different cultures and traditions and working with the theme of light. They include: Shembe dancers carrying flame torches; light installations amongst the trees; light-footed pantsula and hip hop performed with electric torches; and a classical Indian dancer with 100 bells around her ankles. They will finally come together in a display of interlocking rhythms, sound and dance—an intercultural feast for the senses.

Other performances include:

• Dave Ferguson aka “Lonesome Dave”, acclaimed as “one of the best harmonica players in the world” by Boulevard Blues. His signature hide boots, cowboy hat, silver belt-buckle and skeleton ring speak of an interesting persona behind his unique raw, improvised, bluesy songs. “Lonesome Dave” uses just his voice, a harmonica and a looping device to create a striking performance. He has worked with music legends including Nick Cave, Radiohead, Madonna, Herbie Hancock and Dave Brubeck
• Abaqondisi Brothers (Brothers of Understanding), a ten-member acapella-style music group. Established in 1992 in the township of Kayamandi near Stellenbosch, the brothers perform in various languages using harmony structures and a variety of styles. They performed at Nelson Mandela’s 80th birthday bash, as well as at the United Nations headquarters in New York. Cothoza Mfana or Isicathamiya is the name of the music. It is the music of men alone in an urban landscape yearning for home
• FireTribe, (in)famous for their gatherings on Clifton 2nd Beach, have grown from a one or two performer outfit to 12-performer strong choreographed, costumed performances. These spectacular fire-dancers have entertained crowds at the Presidential Residence, Cape Castle, Cape Town Convention Centre and Moyo. They are also the official fire performers of Earth Dance, Origin, Vortex, Alien Safari, Rocking the Daisies and Up the Creek festivals
• Duke Norman, sax player/penny-whistler. An accomplished Nyanga musician, Duke plays the tenor, alto and soprano sax, as well as the flute and penny whistle. His repertoire ranges from Afro Jazz to Sophiatown, as well as incorporating more contemporary music. He has been playing music since 1980 and has played with the UCT Jazz Ensemble, and with the likes of Winston Mankunku, Bongeni Ngema and Jonas Ngwangwa.

“To see such a wide variety of artistic performances in one evening is spectacular, and the incorporation of light creates a magical feeling—just right for the start of the season,” says Annebelle Schreuders, marketing director at Spier.

Tickets for the festival are R100 for adults and R60 for children under 12 and bookings can be made through Computicket (083 915 8000). This includes a glass of Spier Signature wine at the hotel, and excludes picnics and other beverages. Book at Spier for picnics.