Johnny Clegg in Banff
by Fbomb on 2011-04-24The Banff Centre - Eric Harvie Theatre - BanffWent to the show on the recommendation of a friend, never having heard Johnny Clegg before, the proverbial blank slate. First, what a great venue! Idyllic location on a mountain above Banff, and an intimate venue inside. No bad seats in the Eric Harvie Theatre. Then for the artist himself. Clegg is a veteran showman with an easy command of the stage. He's a master raconteur who tells highly entertaining stories that give background and context to his high energy music. Part history lesson, part Zulu culture primer, part remembrance of the difficulties of the mercifully finished era of apartheid. Clegg has a crack band that create a seamless soundscape for his stories of love, feuds, history and hope. The rapport between Clegg and his female singer in particular was highly entertaining. Wouldn't hesitate to see this old pro again, and would definitely make a point of checking to see if shows in Calgary are also playing at the Banff Centre.