Song Night a favourite

“If music be the food of love, play on; Give me excess of it, that, surfeiting, The appetite may sicken, and so die. That strain again! it had a dying fall: O, it came o’er my ear like the sweet sound,” The most famous English bard put these woeful words in the mouth of the Duke of Orsino when he lamented over the frustration of his courtship with Countess Olivia. He sought for a cure of his obsession through music. It seems Namibians are also following suit as the audience at the monthly Song Night is growing. This showcase for local talent is growing in popularity by the month.
A local appreciation for good songs and the love of music have not only attracted a bigger audience but lots of talent as well. Song Night has been well received by the public since April 2011. It will mark it’s 3rd birthday in April. Poets have a platform through Spoken Word, comedians have a platform through Free Your Mind and Song Night is the only platform every month for amateur and professional singers and instrumentalists to access a free stage, lights, sound and an audience.
Song Night is the brain child of Namibian singer and songwriter Lize Ehlers. “Song Night was inspired by the gap – the fact that amateurs had no stage to find out if they could sing and perform. People have an idea of themselves vocally or musically. But once they audition they get advice from professionals, they get tips and they get a chance to work and polish their gift” she said.
This Wednesday the cast of ‘Meme Mia’, Namibia’s biggest musical, had a sing along of Abba songs at Song Night and promoted the musical that is coming in April at the National Theatre. Meme Mia is directed and produced by Sandy Rudd.
The thrill of performing is what makes Song Night grow every month! Upcoming and amateur Namibian artists can showcases their talent after going through auditions which take place every first Thursday of the month at the Bank Windhoek Theatre School. Song Night takes place every month on a Wednesday night at the Playhouse Theatre. Entrance is N$40.