He picked up the guitar at 17, and by age 23, he was touring the USA with legendary blues player, Ray Fuller.
Join us on Fri 21 June at Fancourt to discover SA blues sensation, Rob Thompson, and his personal journey with this genre.
Hear Rob honour songs by his heroes - Santana, Clapton, Hendrix, Robert Johnson, BB King, John Lee Hooker and many more - and then pay homage to his homeland with songs by Dan Patlanksy.
Accompanied by Kristo Zondagh on drums and Kerry Hiles on bass, you'd be a fool to miss out on this evening of pure musical indulgence, delivered by one of the country's top live touring trios.
If you are a music fan, regardless of genre, you will love this show.
Misery Loves Company (Rob Thompson on guitar, Kerry Hiles on bass and Kristo Zondagh on drums) are no strangers to the Garden Route, having repeatedly wowed audiences with their stellar tribute shows,(Amy Winehouse/Eva Cassidy), that combine storytelling with excellent musicianship.
Following on from several SOLD OUT shows with rave reviews around the country, the trio is back at Fancourt with "My Story with the Blues". Rob Thompson unpacks his love affair with this music genre, starting with the Latin influence of Carlos Santana, after which his story delves deeper with artists such as B.B. King and Little Walter, to more contemporary artists like Dan Patlansky and even Rob's own original compositions.
Supported by Kristo Zondagh on drums and vocals with Kerry Hiles on bass and backing vocals, Thompson's passionate playing and singing interspersed with anecdotes has received glowing reviews:
"This concert has been the absolute best in this genre I have ever enjoyed in ZA! I would go every month if Rob and band would perform again" - Elmer, German tourist
"It was a superb show - the level of virtuosity, and familiarity between, the three musicians made for a wonderful night out. They played a number of my favourites, and some of their own compositions - which were great. Thanks again, and my 3 companions all felt the same way." - Carolyn, Somerset West
"Absolutely brilliant. You could feel the passion from all three, they really gave their all. The show was so much more than we expected." - Linda, audience member, Drama Factory
"Enjoyed the informative trip of the blues music. Liked the camaraderie, relaxed approach and dexterity of the musicians." - Malcolm, Somerset West
"My Story with the Blues was like being at the Woodstock festival sans the crowds when they played a few Jimi Hedrix standards. The three musicians created a wall of sound that bigger bands struggle to create. The blues guitar playing of Rob Thompson is impeccably authentic. Three different guitars, each with its own personality and matched to a blues song and played to perfection. Solid bass riffs radiating from Kerry Hiles enveloped the audience and provided depth to the music. What can I say about the drum playing of Kristo Zondagh? It is a performance on its own, entertaining in as much as it is complex in its execution. Every surface of his drum kit, drum sticks, hands and brushes are utilised to create a percussion worthy of discussion. At times lovingly caressing the snare drums creating the most delicate sounds to exploding into foot stomping rhythms. I wish I knew more about music, to fully absorb the most delightful music show I've heard in a long time. The band's vocals matched the prowess of their instrument playing. All I know, if you have a blues bone in your body, look out for their next performance and DO NOT MISS IT! Thank you." - Dawie Venter, Drama Factory audience member
"Very competent and slick/tight band, enjoyed all 3 members tremendously, special mention for the lead guitarist who was not overbearing, simply delivered in no uncertain terms, the drummer was quite entertaining and lastly the bassist always had a smile on her face - great show" - Andy, Somerset West
The live trio format allows space for each musician to be expressive in their interpretation of classic blues covers and original songs written and arranged by the band. Book now!
You may also like the following events from Misery Loves Company - band ZA:
- This month, 30th June, 06:30 pm, My Story With The Blues - Mon 30 June at Sandi's Bistro in Mitchell's Plain
- Next month, 5th July, 05:00 pm, MLC solo & duo at La Cantina, Stanford - Sat 5 July 2025 in Gansbaai
- Next month, 6th July, 06:00 pm, Aerial Sensations with Misery Loves Company at the Knysna Oyster Festival in Knysna
Also check out other
Music events in George,
Entertainment events in George,
Arts events in George.
