Internationally renowned Grammy nominated Johnny Clegg promises a great evening celebrating South Africa's rhythms when he is in concert at The Ridgefield
Playhouse on Wednesday, April 2, at 8 p.m. Dancer, anthropologist, singer, songwriter, academic, activist and French knight, Johnny Clegg is considered by many as South Africa's greatest musical export. Whilst all of these tags are fitting, none of them can accurately describe the energetic, passionate Clegg. According to NPR Music, "Johnny Clegg is one of South Africa's celebrated sons. Performer Johnny Clegg is a singer, songwriter and dancer who might also be described, without irony, as an anthropologist and a musical activist." Many credit Clegg as being "the man who popularized the fusion of Western pop and African Zulu rhythms". Special guest is his accomplished son Jesse Clegg. To kick off the evening at 7:15 p.m., a wine tasting of South African Wines and a reception with local artist Caron Schwartz, originally from Johannesburg, South Africa, will take place in the lobby. This event is underwritten by Ayindisa?with support from Starfish Greathearts
Foundation USA and is part of the Doyle Coffin Architecture Singer/Songwriter and Xfinity Rock Series. An AllShows.com VIP Party Pass ($25 addt'l per person), which includes a pre-show cocktail party 6:30 - 7:15 p.m. with open bar, hors-d'oeuvre and priority parking, is available for this show by calling the box office
(203-438-5795).
Clegg's song "Scatterlings of Africa" was featured on the soundtrack to the 1988 Oscar winning film Rain Main. Jimmy Buffet recorded Clegg's "Great Heart" for his 1988 album Hot Water. In 2002, Clegg provided several songs for Jane Goodall's "Wild Chimpanzees" DVD. He co-wrote "Diggah Tunnah" with Lebo M. for Disney's 2004 direct-to-video animated film The Lion King 1-1/2.
Recently awarded three honorary doctorates from Dartmouth College, CUNY and University of the Witwatersrand, Johnny is a 1993 Grammy nominee for best World Music Album (Heat, Dust and Dreams) and a Billboard music award winner.
For tickets ($50), call the box office (203) 438-5795, or order online online at ridgefieldplayhouse.org. The Ridgefield Playhouse is a not-for-profit performing arts center located at 80 East Ridge, parallel to Main St., Ridgefield, CT.
