A salute to The Jazz Singer

Neil Diamond, one of the most beloved singer/songwriters of his generation, is the subject of Centrestage’s latest tribute show as the velvet-voiced Andre Strydom says Hello Again to his acclaimed role in The Jazz Singer Returns, at The Guild Theatre on June 12 and 13.

The Centrestage All-Star Band promises to combine the worlds of Las Vegas with that of rock, providing a night steeped in sentimentality as the familiar Neil Diamond hits spanning from 1966 to today are given the Centrestage entertainment treatment.

Strydom sprinkles gentle love songs inbetween up-tempo rockers, as evergreens such as Forever in Blue Jeans, Song Sung Blue, Crackling Rosie, Desiree, Soolaiman, America, Long-fellow Serenade, I Am I Said, America, Love on the Rocks, Yesterdays Songs and Sweet Caroline make up but a few of the top hits in the two-hour show.

The eight-piece band includes Fenlin Pitie and Deborah Everard on keyboards, Andrew Warneke on bass, Arno Erasmus on guitar and Devon van Rooyen on drums, with Andre’s daughter Caron adding to the vocal and glamour department. Newest member Jaco Viljoen joins the team as percussionist, acoustic guitarist and vocalist.

The show is musically directed by Strydom himself, who trades his Barry Gibb falsetto for a Diamond baritone.

Both shows start at 7.30pm and tickets are available through Computicket or by calling Wendy on 082-661-6921.

• The Daily Dispatch has five (5) double tickets to give away for Saturday’s show – simply answer the question: Who is the newest member to join the Centrestage All-Star band? Send you answer to .   Please provide your name and telephone details. Winners will be drawn at 12noon on Friday and contacted immediately.