The Lowdown: ‘The Feels Tour’ Valentine’s Eve show with Lee Cole in Jozi at The View Cafe
On arrival at The View Cafe – Bedfordview it was obvious of the effort put in to the evening as we entered the romantic and welcoming ambiance of the venue, which certainly went all out in putting together the perfect setting for Lee Cole’s Valentine Eve show, this, the second Johannesburg appearance of his “The feels Tour” before he heads out to PE for his next show on the 18th of Feb.
Greeted with Champagne cocktails at the door, we were ushered to our seats and assigned our waiter for the evening who went on to ask us which blend of Gd Life Wine we would like to accompany our meal with. We went for the Sweet Rose – a Natural Sweet, “slightly sparkling wine with smooth light finish and hints of Muscat Flavours”.
For our Starters, My Son opted for the ‘Prosciutto E Melone’ – a plated delight of sweet melons, crispy prosciutto, chunks of soft textured buffalo mozzarella, Basil and rocket, lightly drizzled with a mint pesto dressing!
I chose the Mushroom ravioli – cooked in a brown butter sauce with pine nuts, a touch of spinach and just enough chilli sprinkles to tantalise the taste buds! It was nothing short of delectable! I also stole all my Sons Buffalo cheese as it was a first for me and too foreign for his untrained palate – yum yum yum!
We went on to ordering our main meals which where the ‘Steak au Poivre’ for my Son, and the Tuscany Salmon for myself, intending to savour this sumptuous repast a bit later as the starters had well lined our belly’s to continue working through that fab wine. The venue was filled with animated banter and cheery folk, anticipating the arrival of Lee Cole.
As Lee made his entrance, I couldn’t help giggling to myself as I noted the single ladies rising from their seats, pulling their body hugging little dresses right, fixing their hair and homing in like pretty missiles while I took a much needed smoke break outside. The lad is a looker of note and the young ladies certainly dressed to impress. (Sorry ladies, he is totally taken!)
Lee greeted the room warmly and eased into the evening with a cover song. Thereafter, he went on to introducing his band, which was a really cool gesture, as we also learnt that his drummer happened to be his actual brother and that Mom and Pops were also in attendance.
He went on to telling us that The View had actually been the venue that had hosted his matric dance 11 years prior, and how curiously life played out that he would now be on stage as a performer. He once again continued to sing and his sonorous voice engulfed the audience! I was wowed by the fact that he sounded just as impressive, and perhaps, even better, live – not many artists can pull that off so effortlessly!
THE BAND
Between some well known cover songs, Lee connected with the audience, chatting humorously and exuding charm, which made the show that much more intimate and personal. Before treating us to his very own chart toppers – songs we have all fallen head over feet for, he stopped to relate a story of his time in the U.S – quite the tale to tell, as we listened intently to his trials and tribulations when he tried to catch his train home one night in New Jersey, New York City. He informed us that this was where he found inspiration to write some of his own material.
Our main course took the backseat as the energy of the room resonated with Lee and the music alone – I made my way around, squeezing between the tables and kneeling on floors to get some photos of the magnificent site, that is Lee Cole. I am certainly not the magazines photographer, but I did my utmost to bring on the eye candy for our readers – You’re welcome!
It was a beautiful sight watching Lee’s mesmerised onlookers singing at the top of their voices, word for word along with his own songs, and clearly he was moved too. I did a brief facebook live to show the non present what they were missing out on.
A masterful entertainer he is, bringing out the fun and excitement when he entered the tabled area, creating a train of people holding on to one another by the waist or shoulders as they moved together in unison, dancing through the room whilst Lee led the way singing! The evening was more than a performance, rather more of a huge big family gathering where everyone was in on it. Simply scintillating!
As Lee thanked his audience and said his goodbye, I headed to meet him with my son in tow. He knew who I was right away and I went in for a hug as he apologised for being sweaty – like I could care!
We took a few pictures and selfies and he thanked us for our support as we headed back to our table for the most delish Amarula tiramisu – still not as sweet as Lee though.
My 9 year old daughter had seen one of the photos I had already posted on whatsapp and socials of me landing a kiss on Lee’s cheek, to which she could not contain her jealousy. I asked my son to quickly ask Lee to send her a message to spare me from her wrath when I got home.
He recorded the sweetest video message, telling her he loved her lots and that next time she should definitely come with! When I eventually got home, and showed it to her, she literally burst into tears from emotion – totally her Mothers child.
Lee Cole – you brought ‘The Feels’ good and proper! We thank you for a most memorable and entertaining evening.
No doubt – those reading this right now want some of ‘The Feels’ too, so best get your tickets to Lee’s upcoming dates. PE, Knysna, Mossel Bay, Stellenbosch and Cape Town, Lee Cole is headed your way.
Ticket link HERE
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