A solidarity concert on 29 October will bring together leading local musicians to celebrate the bassist’s contribution to Cape Town’s music scene and raise funds to support him. Those unable to attend are urged to buy a ticket in solidarity.
Cape Town’s music community is rallying around veteran bassist Sammy Webber, with fellow musicians joining forces for a solidarity concert aimed at giving back to an artist whose talent, energy and dedication have helped shape the city’s musical landscape.
The concert takes place on Thursday, 29 October 2026, at 11 Imam Haron Road, Claremont.
Starting at 7pm, the evening will feature the Dias House Band and an extensive line-up of local artists united by a shared purpose: to support Sammy during a challenging period in his life.
Tickets cost R250 and are available through Webtickets. Organiser Bevan Trevor Chetty has confirmed that all proceeds from the concert will go directly to Sammy.
The appeal is simple: come out, celebrate Sammy’s contribution to Cape Town’s music scene and help make a difference. Those who cannot attend are encouraged to buy a ticket anyway, turning their support into a tangible act of solidarity.
A lasting contribution to Cape Town jazz
Sammy’s musical journey is closely intertwined with that of Virtual Jazz Reality (VJR), the influential quartet in which he played alongside trumpeter Ian Smith, pianist Andrew Ford and drummer Frank Paco.
As the band’s bassist, Sammy provided the rhythmic foundation that allowed the musicians to explore their interplay, improvisation and distinctive musical range. His contribution went beyond keeping time; his playing helped shape the quartet’s sound and created space for its members to express themselves.
On stage, Sammy brought an unmistakable energy and personality to the music. His movement, enthusiasm and infectious love of performing added another dimension to VJR’s concerts, helping create performances that audiences remembered long after the final note.
The band also offered Sammy an opportunity to grow as a musician. Through shared knowledge, mutual respect and musical trust, the quartet developed a partnership that endured for decades.
With Ian Smith and Andrew Ford among the confirmed performers at the solidarity concert, the evening carries a particularly meaningful connection to that chapter of Sammy’s musical life.
A journey built on determination
Born in the Bo-Kaap and raised in Retreat, Sammy built his career through determination, perseverance and a deep love of music. His journey from guitar to bass opened the door to years of collaboration and established him as part of Cape Town’s vibrant jazz community.
In recent years, health challenges and visual impairment have made life increasingly difficult. Now, the musicians and friends who have shared stages, performances and years of musical history with him are coming together to offer practical support while celebrating the person behind the instrument.
For Chetty, organising the concert is a personal undertaking rooted in a longstanding friendship.
He has provided Sammy with performance opportunities since the early 2000s. Witnessing his friend’s struggles and deteriorating health touched him deeply and prompted him to bring the music community together in support.
The result is a concert that promises not only an evening of live music, but also an opportunity for Cape Town to acknowledge the contribution of one of its own.
An all-star line-up for a worthy cause
The confirmed line-up reflects the breadth of support for Sammy, bringing together established performers and fellow musicians from across Cape Town’s music scene.
Artists scheduled to perform include Ian Smith, Mickey Rorich, Carmen Xclusive, Leslie Kleinsmith, Mark Daniels, Didier Richards, TJ, Aliyah, Winston Siljeur, Rene Johnson, Greg Higgins, Jonathan Coetzee, Richard Ceasar, Bjorn Petersen, Lance Abrahams, Johnny Williams, Ryan Meyer and his wife, Denver Furness, Vernon Castle, Natalie Rae, Kevin Vrede, Mark Johnson, Roy Rensburg, Kim Louis, Eldred Schilder, Kelly Halford, Andrew Ford, Kevin Gibson, Nazeem Brown, Dylan Roman, Leonie le Roux, Black Ties and Colin Daries.
Together with the Dias House Band, the performers will help create an evening dedicated to music, friendship and community support.
Turning appreciation into action.
Music lovers, families and businesses are being encouraged to support the initiative by purchasing tickets, inviting friends and spreading the word. Businesses can also buy tickets for colleagues or clients as a way of contributing to the cause.
For those unable to attend, buying a ticket remains a meaningful way to help. Every purchase contributes to the concert’s central purpose: providing direct support to Sammy while recognising the years he has given to music and audiences in Cape Town.
The concert is a reminder that the relationships forged through music can extend far beyond the stage. For Sammy, whose bass playing and stage presence have been part of Cape Town’s musical life for decades, the evening offers an opportunity for the community to give something back.
Cape Town has applauded Sammy Webber for years. On Thursday, 29 October, the call is to turn that appreciation into action.
STAND WITH SAMMY WEBBER
• Date: Thursday, 29 October 2026
• Time: 7pm
• Venue: Dias Tavern – 11 Imam Haron Road, Claremont, Cape Town
• Tickets: R250
• Booking: Webtickets – Stand with Sammy Webber
https://www.webtickets.co.za/
All proceeds will go to Sammy Webber.
Be there for Sammy, even if you cannot be there in person.
Discover more from Martin Myers
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Leave a Reply