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GREAK BRAK RIVER NEWS & GALLERY - Great Brak River’s annual charity cabaret event delivered two unforgettable evenings of entertainment last week.
Proceeds from this event, this year themed “Sounds of the South & All That Jazz”, go to Child Welfare South Africa Great Brak River and Caws 4 Paws.
According to the organising committee, the cabaret was a resounding success.
It was hosted on Thursday and Friday, 28 and 29 May, and Friday night’s performance sold out completely.
“The venue was filled with enthusiastic supporters who embraced the evening’s vintage glamour theme with sequins, feathers, fedoras and plenty of jazz-inspired flair. The guests were treated to world-class entertainment, outstanding hospitality, and a celebration of local talent that exceeded all expectations.”
The organisers extended their heartfelt gratitude to the community, sponsors, performers, volunteers and attendees whose support made the event possible. Aside from the funds from the ticket sales, R50 000 was also donated by the event’s main sponsor.
The line-up
Headlining the event was South African group Touch of Class, featuring Deon van der Merwe and Gary Forwood, who had the audiences singing along to classic favourites.
Well-known locals, digital creator Nikki du Toit and novelist Sidney Gilroy, hosted the evening with no shortage of wit and charm.
Further vocal talent included Mossel Bay rapper Robert Smallz SA (Andile Citashe) and Zanah Lee Erasmus.
Mossel Bay rapper Robert Smallz SA (Andile Citashe). Photo: Sharlton Groenewald
Writer, performer, producer and musical director Petronel Baard guided the musical production, with the Franco Engelbrecht Trio (Franco Engelbrecht on piano, Jewlin Jonkers on drums and Eckhart Muller on bass) providing the necessary musical backbone.
The evening was further enriched by the contributions of the talented cabaret ensemble, including the Stardust Ladies dance troupe, solo dancers Angie van Aarde and Zenobia Petkoon, the entertaining opera mime act, and comedy favourite Dave Robbins, better known as the Old Man in Black.
LEFT: Lettie Swanepoel, a member of the Stardust Ladies. RIGHT: Zenobia Petkoon during her solo dance. Photos: Sharlton Groenewald
There were also some prizes up for grabs for members of the audience - Barry Greyvenstein and Sulien Kamfer played co-hosts for the handing over of these prizes.
More than entertainment
But beyond the glamour and applause, the event served a far greater purpose.
“The overwhelming support from our community once again demonstrates what can be achieved when people come together for a worthy cause,” said the organising committee. “To see a sold-out audience enjoying incredible local talent while supporting the work of Child Welfare and Caws 4 Paws is truly inspiring.”
For enquiries about Child Welfare Great Brak, contact the organisation on 072 027 3616, or 078 256 2055 for more on Caws 4 Paws.
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