To most people he is just Dori, an old Port Elizabeth legend with music in his soul and giving in his heart along with a penchant for taking off his t-shirt in just about any given situation.
Now it is Dorien Du Toit’s heart that is on the line, and the reason why local musicians that were inspired by Dorien Du Toit’s relentless passion for music have banded together to throw the “old hippie” a benefit concert.
Du Toit was diagnosed with chronic heart disease two years back and only one of his heart’s four arteries is functioning.
“This is not an obituary for a living legend – but an ode to someone who obstinately tried to be a change agent in the creative industry,” said Tim Hopwood, one of the organizsers of the event. “He has done it in his own unique way. Whatever the route he left an indelible mark on the people around him.”
Few people have done more for music in Port Elizabeth that du Toit who is one of the founding members of the legendary Four Winds Music Club that was established in the early 1970’s.
“He has also been a tireless champion of local talent, right up to the days of his legendary Fiya Klub, hosted in his own home” added Hopwood.
Fiya Klub was so popular on its monthly Saturday nights that at times 200 to 300 people would attend, picnics in hand and families in tow, all to listen to the eclectic sounds and spoken words of artists on a fusion programme concocted by ‘Dori’. More often than not, the whole talented du Toit family had a go on stage and the night was incomplete without a poem from Du Toit.
All the while the fire burnt. “Now that fire is fading a little, and we can’t let this legend – loudmouth or libertine – go on without the support that he consistently offered us,” quipped Hopwood, who together with fellow musicians has clubbed to hold a benefit show to thank him for his years of “valiant service”.
The ‘Doing it for Dori’ benefit concert takes place on December 8 at the Music Kitchen in Newton Park and features a line-up of the who’s who of the Port Elizabeth music scene – and beyond, with Rhodes Journalism and Media lecturer Professor Larry Strelitz joining the menu. On the lineup are: William Pinnock, Derryn Fuller, Anton Calitz, Alasdair Giddies, John Dickin , Meghan du Toit, James Fourie, Larry Strelitz and Dave Goldblum, recently returned from a musical dabble in Europe.
All proceeds will go to Du Toit’s medical expenses. A R50 minimum donation is required at the door. Hopwood – an acclaimed photographer – is also auctioning one of his images. The event starts at 6:30pm.
Alan Straton
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