A Stellenbosch music production studio, Tunes Studio, has been donating 20% of the income they make from each online live music event, called Mezzanine Sessions, to various night shelters since 26 June.
The third event that took place on 24 July featured the band, Ashley Hilton and Friends. The band consisted of Ashley Hilton (bassist for Jan Blom) on vocals and guitar, fronting a band for the first time, Luke Smith (Jan Blom Band) on keys, Basson Laubscher (The Violent Free Peace Band) on guitar, Mark Ellis (Riku Latti band) on bass and Jean Marais (Riku Latti band) on drums.
Money is collected through ticket sales. Viewers can also make additional donations.
About R 700 will be donated to Stellenbosch Night Shelter, said Jean Marais, owner of Tunes Studio and creator of Mezzanine Sessions.
Tunes Studio instrument set up in Stellenbosch. PHOTO: Supplied by Tunes Studio
According to Hilton, musicians are struggling financially during this pandemic, but also stated that it is important to pay it forward.
“Lots of people have been donating to artists and also myself, so it is good to do the same. I really like the idea of donating a portion to charity,” said Hilton.
Somerset West Night Shelter has also been on the receiving end of these donations. According to Marais, R1 040 had been donated to the night shelter from the proceeds of a previous event.
“We try to choose a different shelter for each event, but if we feel that the particular event did not generate enough income for the shelter, we will donate to them with the next event as well,” said Marais.
According to Jo Swart, chairperson of Somerset West Night Shelter, much-needed hygiene supplies such as roll-on, deodorant, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes and toilet paper could be bought from the donation.
“I think that Tunes Studio donating money was such a great unexpected surprise and a great way to connect with a community of people we would not normally get a chance to,” said Swart.
Ashley Hilton performed with other musicians bringing a mixture of blues and reggae covers and also original African and soul music to the Mezzanine Sessions audience. PHOTO: Supplied by Ashley Hilton
Live Mezzanine Sessions to continue
Mezzanine Sessions will continue every second Friday for as long as possible, Marais said.
“The purpose [of these sessions] is to lift the spirits of both artists and music lovers in these isolated times,” said Marais.
Hilton hopes that this will be a platform for people to watch their favourite artist from the comfort of their homes, but also to show support for the arts.
“It’s the only platform we have at the moment so I hope people will support these sessions so we, as artists, can support ourselves and our families,” said Hilton.
Silhouette of Ashley Hilton on stage before the pandemic when live concerts were still allowed. PHOTO: Light Lounge Photography