In 1902 Paul Bothner opened a music store in Cape Town. In the 113 years since the store opened, it has grown from strength to strength and now has 10 stores nation wide, as well as a successful online store.
From the very beginning, Paul Bothner Music has aligned itself with the local music community that it serves. The Bothner company’s ethos is not just about sales; it is also about growing the music industry and empowering local musicians and musical education institutions.
One of the institutions that the company supports is the SoundHouse, a non-profit music education facility that uses technology to introduce children and adults to music production, recording and song writing.
The company has hosted free workshops and master classes with international clinicians like Virgil Donati, Alex Hutchins and Chi-Pin Hsieh, as well as some of the biggest names in the South African music scene including R J Benjamin , Albert Frost, Robin Gallagher, Louis Carver and Francois van Coke.
Every year the Bothner team runs industry alignment months such as May Ministry Month and in October they run Rocktober. For May Ministry Month, the entire company aim is shifted to assisting the local church community..
When the Bothner team was approached to be part of MEX15, they agreed instantly. In a statement by Carel Van Heerden, the company’s retail director, he said, “Our partnership with Music Exchange makes so much sense. Music Exchange is South Africa’s premier music and entertainment workshop program – this opportunity further allows us to develop this vision of artist and musician development and empowerment.”
For #MEX15, Paul Bothner Music will set up a display stand and a jam center. The stand will have a selection of the newest and greatest gear available in the music industry today; everything from instruments to studio gear will be on display for visitors to play with and experience first hand. The stand will be manned by some of the company’s instrument and gear specialists who will be able to offer expert advice and useful tips on gear.
During the breaks and at lunch time attendees can head down to the Paul Bothner Music Jam Center. This will be open to all #MEX15 visitors, and is an area where instruments will be set up and be freely available for musicians to come and have a jam.
Just for some fun, the Bothner team will also be setting up a Fastest Drummer terminal. The terminal counts how many single strokes a drummer can play in 60 seconds. Even if you’re not a drummer, it’s fun to try it out. Bring your friends and start a mini competition amongst yourselves to see who’s able to play the fastest! Book at Computicket
Martin Myers 
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