Jannie du Toit enchants Bethesda

NIEU-BETHESDA NEWS — Nieu-Bethesda locals and visitors were treated to Bonjour Monsieur Brel by well-known singer and guitarist Jannie du Toit. He was accompanied by Susan Mouton on cello and Chanie Preis on piano.

The evening kicked off with drinks and burgers and set an informal mood which the performers enjoyed, very fitting for Jonathan Handley’s Bat Barn”, where he puts on an impromptu show from time to time. Handley is known as the lead singer for ‘The Radio Rats’ who had a few hit singles in the 80’s and Handley is still a major player in the SA music scene. He recently acquired a baby grand piano which fits perfectly on the stage in his lounge. This also prompted organiser Heidi Boekkooi to invite du Toit to perform this acclaimed show on their Cape tour.

In a well-rounded performance, Jacques Brel’s music was presented in Afrikaans, English, Dutch and French and ranged from the soulful to the energetic, and sometimes comical writings of the original artist. The program included favourites like “Amsterdam”, “Madelein” and “Ne me quitte pas.”

And the evening didn’t end there as, after a few encores, Jannie, Susan and Chanie were joined in an impromptu jam session by local ‘teabox’ maestro, John Robinson and Chappie Strydom on guitar and piano. John is often persuaded to show off his skills on his unique instrument comprising of an antique wooden tea box, a mop and string! Performers and the audience were both amazed and delighted with the jazzy notes he produced!