Description: 
Anton Calitz is a seasoned singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist from Port Elizabeth, known for his evocative folk and rock performances. With a career spanning over three decades, he has captivated audiences with his lyrical storytelling and distinctive one-man-band style, incorporating vocals, guitar, harmonica, and pan flutes into his performances.
Anton first took to the stage in 1989, securing the late-night/early-morning slot at the iconic It’s Country in Evatt Street. Since then, he has built a reputation as a compelling live performer at folk music clubs, arts festivals, and intimate venues across South Africa.
Musical Style & Themes
His original compositions span a variety of themes—romantic, comedic, and socio-political—crafted to fit both live music cabaret performances and traditional folk-rock albums. Among his most powerful works is the song A Summertime Still Life in Spring, a poignant tribute to 1980s South African human rights activist Molly Blackburn. The track reflects Anton’s deep appreciation for individuals who use their privilege to uplift others, often at great personal sacrifice.
National Arts Festival Performances
From 1990 to 2010, Anton staged nine original music shows at the National Arts Festival, gaining widespread recognition for his thought-provoking performances. His debut show, Dead Slugs and Strawberries, was staged in Pretoria, Cape Town, Durban, Windhoek, and even at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe between 1991 and 1995. Other notable productions include:
• Live Jived and Jumping (1993)
• Curve Balls and Crooked Hearts (1995)
• Kwaaihoek Stories (2007–2009)
Formation of Silverhorse & Later Projects
In 2013, Anton co-founded the band Silverhorse alongside veteran musicians Keith Yoko, Cliffy Francis, and Sandy Robbie. The group performed music revue shows in Port Elizabeth, most notably Tonight’s the Night, a tribute to Neil Young, until disbanding in 2016.
Anton continues to perform original music as a solo artist, with his latest show Unfaithfully Yours showcasing both fresh material and reimagined classics. His updated rendition of Claustrophobia can be viewed on the Centrestage online webpage. Looking ahead, Anton plans to stage a National Arts Festival performance and release a tribute album dedicated to his late wife, Melanie Gertenbach Calitz, chronicling her courageous battle against cancer.
Discography
His discography includes several albums, including:
• Dead Slugs and Strawberries (1993)
• Unplucked (1993)
• Dreaming Out Aloud (1999)
• Kwaaihoek Stories (2005)
• Dead Slugs and Strawberries (compilation, 2010)
Legacy & Influence
Whether through his solo performances, recorded albums, or festival shows, Anton Calitz remains a deeply influential and enduring figure in the South African folk and rock music scene.
