Port Elizabeth electric blues band, the Jack Rabbit Slims have been invited to open for Chicago-based blues star, Liz Mandeville at this year’s Durban International Blues Festival.
The Jack Rabbit Slims is fronted by the talented Rob Thompson on guitar, vocals and occasionally, the blues harp. Thompson is supported by bassist, Andrew Warneke and Marcel Scullard on drums.
Heavily influenced by Jimi Hendrix, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Dan Patlansky, the band has made a name for itself in the Eastern Cape and is hoping to wow Durban crowds. “In between our original songs, we like to throw in a cover or two,” says Thompson.
“We’ve been working on our originals to offer an all-round electric blues experience to our audience. Expect to hear intricate guitar solos, solid bass grooves and tasteful, yet ‘ballsy’ drumming! We have a truly unique, but still vintage blues sound,” says Thompson.
This is the third year in a row that the band has been invited to perform at the Durban International Blues festival, and they are looking forward to leaving their mark on the Durban music scene.
“There have been a few changes to the band lately, with Marcel stepping in on drums and Andrew coming in on bass. I think we have a really solid and soulful sound,” says Thompson.
Thompson recently returned from a month-long tour of Ohio and surrounding areas where he performed with US blues great, Ray Fuller.

Alan Straton
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