The Kwela Swingsters make a welcome return to the Malmsbury Town Hall this Saturday, to get the crowd jumping with pennywhistle jive music. Since their last dance night in Malmsbury, the seven band members have been getting on with other projects, but now it’s time to get the band back together.
The infectious kwela grooves come from 50s and 60s South Africa, when the pennywhistle craze was at its peak around the world. Malmsbury’s own Andy Rigby learnt about it while working in Botswana, and his been playing and teaching kwela ever since returning to Australia.
At the height of the kwela era, players like Spokes Mashiyane and Big Voice Jack Lerole blended African vibes with swing band grooves. They even invented a special way of playing the whistle to give them a great reedy sound.
Polly Christie (also from Malmsbury) sings songs from that era, many of which were made famous by Miriam Makeba. The horn players and rhythm section come from Melbourne and Gippsland, and are lifelong friends of Andy and Polly from folk festivals and music camps.
The Kwela Swingsters have played at Canberra National Folk Festival, Port Fairy Folk Festival, Fairbridge Festival (WA) and a host of regional events.
The music is in a swing rhythm and suits couple or solo dancing. Polly will lead some moves when she’s not on stage singing!
Tickets are affordable at $15 and $10 concession, and can be bought through Trybooking or at the door. Doors open at 7.30pm, and drinks will be available.
