OUT OF THE BLUE

Based in Johannesburg

This text will be replaced by the flash music player.

Download Repertoire List

Out of the Blue has established itself as one of the top corporate party bands in the country, formed in 1998 by Mike Todd and Clayton Stewart. The band wasted no time at all in building a reputation for great music and amazing live shows. Whatever the event or occasion, the band has the flexibility to cater for any specific requirement. Professionalism and reliability are assured at all times.

Music from the 60’s right up to the very latest 2008 chart topping songs, Out Of The Blue can perform them all. The band has performed all over the world and has entertained at many high profile functions for numerous Blue Chip companies including Coca-Cola, 3M, Sappi, Microsoft, MTN, Vodacom, Investec, FNB, SAB, ABI, to name but a few.

MEMBERS:

Mike Todd (Guitar, Keyboard and Vocals) is best remembered as the guitarist and songwriter for South Africa’s most prestigious contemporary band CINEMA. He has produced and performed on 9 top selling CDs, while his songs have gone on to be major hits both in SA and abroad, particularly the Far East, where the single “Strangers Again” reached the No. 1 spot. More recently he has been the musical director on many shows in and around Johannesburg; including “Stars in Your Eyes” and 94.7 Heritage Day concert to name but a few. Mike also writes many jingles and company theme songs from his state of the art home studio.

Candice Leigh (vocals) kicked off her career at the tender age of eleven, singing for Nelson Mandela at his inauguration in 1994. She went on to perfect her talent by joining theatre shows, singing with a number of choirs and entering various competitions. At 16 she entered the “National Competition for Vocal Artists” and won. She consequently recorded a demo CD and entered the “S.A. Championship for Performing Arts” where she won. This achievement resulted in her being chosen to perform at the World Championships in Hollywood where she won 2 gold medals for the Country and Contemporary categories. She more recently recorded her first single “Long Distance Calling” which has been given extensive radio air play. She studies at the Johannesburg school of ARTS and has just recorded her new album in L.A.

Clayton Stewart (lead vocals) played the lead role in a number of theatrical productions, such as Return to the Forbidden Planet, Buddy Holly, Grease the Stadium Spectacular and Blues Brothers (in which he won an FNB VITA AWARD for best performer in S.A.). He recorded the songs for the MTN Gladiators, which are used on the show as well as on their C.D., as well as having recorded the local version of Butterfly Kisses, which sold 5000 copies in its first week of release. He also performed as a soloist in the 94.7 Highveld Stereo Top 100 concert, doing their number one song, Bohemian Rhapsody. Clayton, more recently, was seen on TV cutting up a hardware store in the OPEL Astra ad, playing the lead in the Sanlam money game ads, selling Windhoek Lager and gambling in the BESTMED ad. He has also starred in the new KIA, Cobra Taps and Nashua Mobile Ads.

Sax Laruelle (drums and percussion) began his career on Trans Africa Radio as the morning D.J. (going out live to the whole of Africa). It was there that his love for music grew and prompted him to perfect his skills. He consequently went on to do a radio D.J. course at The Fame Academy, Studied Contemporary music at Allenby College and perfected all forms of percussion. Since qualifying he has been involved in various projects throughout South Africa. Not only does he perform in many functions and events – he has been involved in a venture, very close to his heart. The CHOC Childhood Cancer Foundation has seen him running various events around the country, being the M.C., performing as the front man in the band “Saving Jessica” and writing songs for their company.