Master of ceremonies, bassist and birthday boy Anton Marshall overtook &Union on Tuesday evening and, along with his All-Star Collective, showcased an array of tried and tested tracks that stem from his nearly two decades-spanning career.

Violinist Waldo Luc Alexander, all the way from Joburg for the occasion, joined Marshall and Crimson House Blues members Riaan Smit and Arno Van Zyl for an attention-grabbing, guttural rendition of Johnny Cash's "Folsom Prison Blues".

But it was Marshall's long-time collaborator Greg Donnelly (the other half of rock/folk outfit Long Time Citizen) who really kicked the evening into high gear with Marshall by his side – and in his element churning out the up-tempo basslines and quirky pop lyrics.

The first half came to a close as Marshall brought out his keyboard and accompanied Carolyn Beyer de Greef (Copious) on a sombre version of Cyndi Lauper's "Time After Time".

The intermission/beer break was welcoming and Marshall's change into his Morpheus-eque jacket signalled the start of the second half. Just like Donnelly in the set before, Andy Lund brought the second half to life with his harmonica melodies and vocal harmonies with Marshall.

Three More White Guys (Frank Ellis and Steve Smith on their respective guitars and Artur Pereira on drums) then joined the already cramped stage as they breezed through a Three Bored White Guys set that included several original crowd favourites.

Later, Lund, Alexander and Nick Turner (Sons of Trout, Mikanik) joined for covers of Hendrix's "All Along The Watchtower" and Hothouse Flowers' "Be Kind". That should have been the last of it, but a vocal crowd eventually convinced the White Guys to return for The Trashmen's "Surfin' Bird" where Ellis had an impressive vocal stint at the end.

In all honestly, this really is not an evening that could, or should, be critiqued. Instead, it should be celebrated for what it is at its core – an amalgamation of well-weathered talent under the skilful direction of Mr Marshall.