On 29 June 2003, Hugh’s Fine Guitars in association with the Gilbert family, Andy McGibbon’s Guitar World, Sony Music (SA) and Look & Listen, staged a benefit concert for Nick Gilbert, a prominent figure on the South African music scene.

The purpose of the concert, was to raise funds for Nick, who was sadly seriously injured in a motor accident some months before. Money was urgently required to alleviate Nick’s growing medical bills.

I am happy to announce that the concert was a roaring success, and the turnout exceeded all expectations. The money that was raised exceeded our target, and I would like to express my warmest appreciation to everyone involved, as well as to everyone who attended and supported this worthy cause.

Special thanks also to:

• Martin Gilbert (Nick’s Dad) for his support and assistance with co-ordinating the event.
• Adrian King of Sony Music, for his enormous contribution with rallying the Music Industry, and donating a great prize.
• Marc Latilla of Look & Listen who donated a great prize for the raffle draw, and helped sell stacks of entrance and raffle tickets.
• Andy MacGibbon, who as usual, was in the forefront of publicizing the gig, and put up a fine performance with his band.
• 5FM and EMI for their kind donations.
• Richard Haslop of SAFM for punting the gig on his show: “Roots to Fruits”
• Dave Sternberg of TOMS Music for donating a Washburn guitar to auction at the event.
• Jerry of The Grandpop Idols, for donating a Bonsai plant for auction
• Mrs Sippi Blues for providing a superb venue and service
• Samantha Williams & Mel and Mavis Forster, who co-ordinated the ticket sales
• All the great acts and bands who so kindly gave up there valuable spare time to play at the concert
• Everyone in the media, music and entertainment industry who attended the concert and supported the benefit.

After a rollicking music line up that included :

• The Grandpop Idols
• Andy McGibbon & Friends
• Herringbone
• Jamie Acheson
• Jason Hartman
• Arno Carstens & Friends
• The Cellphone Cowboys featuring Dan Patlansky
• Two Hoots & a Nanny
• Paul Hone & Mike Burger…

…the raffle draw was held, and the winners were announced:

First prize, a magnificent Morgan Concert guitar donated by yours truly, and valued at R15 000 went to Ashleigh Harris,
Second prize, a CD Box set valued at R10 000 compliments of Sony Music SA was received by Martin Thomas at the gig.
And the third prize of CD vouchers to the value of R2 500, was won by Deon Celliers.

Close to R120 000, was raised as a result of the concert and the raffle competition, which will no doubt go a long way towards assisting with Nick’s rehabilitation.

The great news, just in, is that Nick is making remarkable progress, and we’re all hoping that he’ll soon be back where he belongs, playing great music with the rest of us!