The Rainbow Restaurant & Jazz Club in Pinetown is to host the Louis Mhlanga Band in the new year.

The Zimbabwean born, Johannesburg resident, guitar maestro, Louis Mhlanga has recently returned from a four month residency in Holland on one of the regular musical exchange projects that he is involved in.

“He is the quiet man of the Southern African music scene but when he takes up that semi-acoustic and gets behind the microphone, you can't help but feel its effect on you,” says the Rainbow’s joint owner, Neil Comfort. “Always in demand as a session musician, he has recently been stepping out with projects such as the Musik ye Afrika trio or his solo 2004 release, Tinganekwane, which will make up the bulk of the material presented on the day. CD's will be on sale.

The rest of the line-up features long time collaborators Basi Mahlasela on percussion and Sello Montwedi (ex-Sankomota) on drums with newcomers Micheal Phillips on bass guitar and Randall Skitters on keyboards. All five of the musos feature on vocals so expect a full sound. Also expect rumba, Zimbabwean style, with a strong South African influence.

The concert will take place on January 2, 2005. The doors open at 12h00 with the first set at 13h00. Tickets R35 (R25 at door with Rainbow membership card)

The Rainbow is situated at 23 Stanfield Lane, Pinetown. More information on 031 702 9161 or 083 463 8044.