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A Touch of the Blues
Take The Blues Room in Johannesburg for
example
The owner of this inimitable venue, George
Worthmore, is living proof that work can be fun. More importantly, his immeasurable
success in only two years, is testimony to the fact that money and success are natural
by-products of job satisfaction.
Having sharpened his talents on the cynical
whetstone of New York City audiences over the years, Worthmore possesses a natural flair
for sifting the good from the mediocre, when it comes to talent, professionalism stage
performances. Jazz, Rock 'n Roll and of course, The Blues, which he describes as "a
simple song form upon which are hung lyrics describing every aspect of the human
experience," have played a significant role in shaping his musical career. And they
have formed the foundation for his particular blend of musical expression - a style that
has met with much success and one which saw him snapping up highly sought-after gigs at
some of New York City's most prestigious night clubs. |
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Because of his road to
recognition on the music scene was marked with hardships and disappointments, as well as
highlights, he has compassion for fellow artists, local and international, for whom is is
able to provide a valuable promotion platform at his South African venue. |
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| Coleske, Ed Jordan,
Robin Walsh, Lionel Bastos, Just Jinger, among others, have all appeared at The Blues
Room, with some forming long-standing 'partnerships' with the Club, something which its
management strongly advocates. A close affiliation to the Club, will often secure future
work for these artists, for George Worthmore is not only in a position to source local
gigs, but through his many contacts, also undertakes to promote local talent in other
parts of the world. In fact, The Blues Room is much more than a venue. Worthmore uses it
for recording, broadcasting, political fund raisers and other events. That it has also
become the 'darling' of corporate function world, is something companies such as Land
Rover, L'Oreal, Polygram, EMI, Gallo and so on, will attest to. |
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Perhaps this is because unlike
other nightly haunts, The Blues Room is in the business of selling shows and glamour -
although they do offer an appetizing international menu. But for the most part, discerning
patrons who frequent the venue, come for the bands and the music. "You will never see a bad band at The Blues Room," claims
Worthmore. True to his word, should he be unable to find a first class band to perform on
a certain night, Worthmore, together with his own, impressive, three-piece band, 'The
Divebombers", entertain the crowds themselves. If you haven't seen this resident band
in action yet, now's the time! they perform live at The Blues Room every Tuesday night! |
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The Club was formed in 1996, after Worthmore decided to
make South Africa his home. The talented artist sought a creative but profitable outlet
for his particular passion, and found it in the creation of The Blues Room. Reminiscent of
a typical night club in New York City in bygone days - yet devoid of the asphyxiating
smoke, rowdiness and violence, often accompanying night spots of this kind - upon entering
the club, one is instantly transported into another world and another time. The 'neglected
elegance' look with the clever use of space and the unusual yet effective paint techniques
on the walls and pillars, is successfully set off with the use of candles and soft
lighting throughout the room. The tables, which boast white, crisp linen, the finest
crockery and cutlery and high-backed, stylish chairs are strategically placed around the
stage and dance floor and introduce a sense of style and romance to the room, making for
casual but elegant surroundings.
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