South Africa News, Travel and fun Blog

February 11, 2008

Moonstruck 2008

clifton-4th-moonstruck-2008.jpgEach year since 2001, local Cape Town radio station 567 Cape Talk have put on this literally star-studded event on Clifton 4th, arguably the most beautiful beach in the Mother City.

While the live band may not consist of household names, their excellent renditions of golden oldies from the 50s, 60s, 70s and 80s were performed with class and energy this past Saturday night. The temperatures soared to the high-30s on the day and the South Easter which had been fanning veld-fires across the Peninsular for the past 2 weeks dropped, creating a balmy evening on the soft sandy beach.

Young and old, black and white, locals and foreigners all congregated en masse from late afternoon to find themselves a space on the sand, enjoy a sunset picnic and cool off in the icy water. Meanwhile, the band got themselves together and ran through a few practice numbers, giving a melodic hint of what was to follow.

The yachts and catamarans of a local marine club dropped anchor in the bay, creating an off-shore event of their own as their lights reflected on the darkening waves below and echoed the emerging stars above.

The event, sponsored by BP Garages, is in aid of the National Sea Rescue Institute (NSRI). One of their helicopters did a fly-by before the entertainment kicked off at 18h00, with the crowd standing to salute the work of the men and women who save numerous lives in Cape Town each year.

The MC for the night, Aiden Thomas, introduced a marimba band to start the night’s entertainment. The group warmed up the crowds with some traditional African tunes before the main band got many dancing on the sand under the stars with hit after hit, beautifully performed and accompanied by stringed, wind, brass and percussion instruments.

The spectacular sunset stole the crowd’s attention for a few breath-taking minutes, then candles and glow sticks (sold by the NSRI) took on the job of lighting up the relaxed revelers. As no alcohol was allowed, the event was extremely mellow, with no unpleasant incidents to mar the family-friendly fun.

The night drew to a close on schedule at 20h30. We left the beach with happy memories, vowing to return to next year’s Moonstruck.

For a relaxed, free evening with fantastic music and a great Cape Town vibe, look out for Moonstruck 2009 which will be, as always, in the month of February, a perfect way to get into the mood for Valentine’s Day.

March 20, 2007

Top Bands set to Rock SA - My Coke Fest

Filed under: Cape Town, Music — Joy-Anne Goodenough @ 5:30 am

My Coke FestSouth African rock lovers are gearing up for one of the biggest live music events to hit the country EVER – My Coke Fest 2007.

Set to rock Jo’burg and Cape Town in April / May (1 event in each city) the 12 hour event (from midday to midnight) has a spectacular line-up of renowned local and international bands.

Headlining the show is the legendary Guns and Roses who appear in South Africa for the first time ever as part of their 2007 Chinese Democracy World Tour. The tour incorporates Japan, Thailand, South America, Mexico, Australia, and New Zealand as well as South Africa.

Axl RoseFront man Axl Rose says: “I’ve been fortunate enough to play in some of the most historic buildings and stadiums around the world but performing in South Africa will truly be an honour - I can’t wait to see South Africa. This is a dream come true”.

Other international acts dominating the stage are the luminous Evanescence with their distinctive sound and Amy Lee’s haunting voice; 3 Doors Down, Hoobastank and Staind. So whether you like your rock laidback or hard core there’s something for everyone.

Not to be intimidated by these imported acts is some of South Africa’s best homegrown talent – the cream of the rock crop - including Arno Cartsens’s Springbok Nude Girls and the Parlatones who have recently signed an international record deal with a top lable. Jo’burg will enjoy the likes of Cassette and Evolver while Cape Town will be rocking to the awesome sounds of The Dirty Skirts, Love Jones and Taxi Violence.

This is a lineup of epic proportions and South Africa is already getting in the mood with the featured bands receiving loads of airplay across all the airwaves, especially sponsors 5FM.

If you’re in South Africa this autumn make a point of getting to one of these phenomenal events – it’s the stuff memories are made of.

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