Mango Groove's 2010 Big World Party Tour

The band's lead vocalist, Claire Johnston, said: “We're really excited about this: it's been a long time coming, and a lot of preparation and thought has gone into it, but we are now raring to get out and hit the road!”

The heart of the world

“We loved the idea of a ‘Big World Party' (taken from one of the tracks on the new album), because this year, more than any, South Africa will be at the heart of the world,” said Mduduzi Magwaza, Mango Groove's legendary penny whistler. “In addition to the South African shows, the next year will also see Mango Groove getting back in touch with their fans in the UK, Australia and the US, so it will certainly be a Big World Party all round.''

In founder member John Leyden's words, “the notion of a ‘Big World Party' is a nice, big, open-skies one: we will be expanding the tour as the year progresses, and the itinerary will also take in shows outside of our borders.''

All the hits

In keeping with what they have always delivered to fans, the 2010 Mango Groove Big World Party Tour will have the 11-piece band performing all the hits and new songs in a show that features high production values.

Said Johnston: “The Mango Groove show has always been about familiarity and having a good time. The band is more at ease with itself than it's ever been and we really just enjoy ourselves on stage.” Fans can expect to hear selections from Mango Groove's hit-filled catalogue, which includes the likes of Special Star, Hellfire, Dance Some More, Hometalk, Moments Away and Another Country, and more recent album chart-toppers, Bang the Drum, This is Not a Party and the all-new single Hey!.

Tour dates

5 April: The Port Elizabeth, Splash Festival, PE Beach front 2pm (doors 12 noon)
11 April: Old Mutual Music at the Lake Series, Durban Botanic Gardens, Durban (R80/R100) 2.30pm (doors 12.30pm)
17 April: Spier Wine Estate, Cape Town (R80/R100) 3pm (doors 1pm)
18 April: Old Mutual Encounters Series, Emmarentia Dam, Johannesburg Botanic Gardens (R80/R100) 4.30pm. Gates open at 1pm and guest artists start at 2pm
1 May: Thabazimbi, Thabazimbi Expo 7pm (R120 for the whole weekend/R70 for the day/R30 for kids and pensioners), all-day event
29 May: Big Top Arena, Carnival City, Johannesburg (R110/R130/R150) 9pm (doors 8pm)

Tickets at Computicket - and for Durban show only: www.webtickets.co.za

For further information, go to www.mangogroove.co.za