15th September 2008 Jasyn Anthony
 Allain Ferrier |
 Bed on Bricks |
 Bryan Little |
 Dave van der Linde |
 Dom de Jesus |
 7th Son |
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It's been ages since I've felt the urge to go rock it out at a music fest. I recall Leeds Festival 2005, in England, and I drop my head in shame. I had never before experienced an event filled with so many great bands the likes of the Foo Fighters, Incubus, Queens of the Stone Age and many more. I was convinced that this was the single greatest event on the musical calendar, with 100 000 screaming fans, endless amounts of beer and thousands of party loving women setting the scene for a 5 day musical massacre. However, by the 5th day of the festivities all I could think of was leaving. The place had turned into a hellhole, and the beauty of the English countryside was transformed into a post apocalyptic dump. It changed my perspective on festivals forever, and ended my long running streak in celebrating music with the masses.
3 years later, now living in Cape Town, I am once again re-awakened to the joy that a festival can bring. Rocking the Daisies (RTD) has for the past 2 years attempted to change the way people enjoy live music, and with its 3rd installment just around the corner it has done very well in doing so. What makes the festival so unique, besides the fact that it holds the winning spot for being the most eco-friendly fest in the country, is that it provides an awesome pre-event teaser. Turning your average blissful Sunday into something much, much more.
Sunday 24th of August 2008 found the veil of clouds briefly disappearing, allowing the warm winter sun a chance to blaze down, reminding Cape Town that summer is well on its way. The time had come for "Sowing the Seeds" (STS), the RTD pre-event party that sets the stage for the Capes favourite weekend away. The venue had been changed from the famous Old Biscuit Mill, to The Stables in Hout Bay. This in no way effected the events turn out, and in some ways added a certain charm, making the day an overall success.
I arrived early, not knowing what to expect but found myself pleasantly surprised by the awesome venue that truly complimented the organic, environ-friendly theme. The setup was chilled, with hay bails lining the edges of the small stage covered by a large marquee. The sun created a beautiful effect; spraying the shadows of the surrounding trees over the marquee, creating a relaxed mood that filled the entire venue. Those that arrived early sat around sipping on Windhoek lager, one of the main sponsors for both STS and RTD. There was a great line-up ahead, and I was interested to find out who and what was responsible for putting these events in motion.
Sitting on a hay bail not far from the stage I chat to Alain Ferrier, event coordinator for Complete Events. He wears a broad smile that's both infectious and welcoming, and I can see how much of himself he's put into organizing these events. "I think this is great way to amp people up for the festival", says Alain. He tells me how much work went into ensuring the environmental theme stuck throughout the organizing, by implementing recycling, and using biodegradable products wherever possible. Even the hay bails we were sitting on would be donated back to the SPCA. "We are planting seeds in peoples minds, telling them that it is possible to have a kick ass festival but not make a mess at the same time". The main brain behind keeping things eco-friendly is their close ally and sponsor Hemporium, namely Tony Budden. "We consult with Tony regularly, and he provides us with great ways to keep our event clean".
There are huge plans for the festival in the coming years, and as every year goes by the team at Complete Events, along with all their sponsors, manage to put together a crazy weekend filled with some of SA's finest live shows. As the day progresses I notice that along with the usual adult crowd there seems to be a large number of children, and families, coming along as well. "We want people to know that we want everyone involved, and that includes kids", says Alain. "We will strive to become 100% carbon neutral, and family friendly".
"Hot Water" was up first, a band that brings together a mixed-race group of guys, with a warm ethnic sound, that got the day off to a vibrant start. There entire set was filled with an array of instruments, and vocal talent, that even between songs had the crowd bouncing around. Even the young ones danced along happily as they ran around the tent weaving in-between the growing amount of legs and feet. "I wish we (Nungarin) were playing today", said Dom de Jesus (with a huge grin on his face) after what must have been his 5th or 6th beer. It's clear that he, along with his other band members, are amped for the coming festival, which marks their second performance at what's fast becoming the greatest festival in the country. Dom, along with close friend Warren Baynes, will be contributing to the festival by erecting a recycling stall. This project brings to the forefront "No Standing", Doms environmentally aware day job that hopes to bring full scale recycling into all the major franchises in the Western Cape.
It's easily noticeable how important the concept of saving the environment is to the organizers, and bands alike. As the sun made its decent "7th Son" made their way on stage, turning up the heat with their fast paced guitars and catchy choruses that boomed throughout the venue, which was then filled to the brim.
I snuck away from the mayhem to catch a quick word with one of SA's finest guitarists, Dave van der Linden, who jams with "Bed on Bricks". Need I say more! Dave was personally involved with both the previous Rocking the Daisies, and supports the festival fully. "The bands are great and it's a great event for the discerning joller", says Dave with beer in hand. Dave's all for enjoying life and living hard, and as we stood outside the entrance, watching more and more people creep inside, I found it hard not to laugh at some of the things he said. "This fest has far more of a Zen approach to partying", "It's all about having a happy soul". I took a moment to allow his philosophy to sink into my sub-conscious, realizing that I was talking not only to a sick guitarist but a man with a vision. Dave ends off by saying "music overseas has become a commodity", "SA is lucky enough to be one of the few places where it's not reached that level yet". I felt enlightened, and stocked to have had the chance to talk to such an awesome entertainer.
The venue had by then reached its full capacity. I bashed my way to the front eager to get a spot for the eagerly awaited headlining act, "Bed on Bricks"! The four (old school) musos made their way on stage to a thunderous applause, and screams from all around. Kids were lifted onto shoulders as the band came to life with the electricity they are so very well known for. There wasn't a face in the crowd that wasn't cheering them on, or in awe of these well-oiled machines that make up such a breathtaking ensemble of hard-core talent. I couldn't help but jump around like a mad man, falling all over the place like a boozed up hippy. I don't know how I managed to get any decent pic's as all I wanted to do was dance about. Even Tony Budden (Hemporiums big cheese) could be seen jamming with the hugest grin on his face.
The day came to an epic climax as Bed on Bricks finished their last song and "Mix and Blend" started their set. I was wasted, happy and ready to put down my gear and party the night away. I could only imagine what to expect from the upcoming fest, which kicks off on the 3rd of October, but with a teaser like this it could only be described as unbelievable.
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 | Lisa Jane 24th September 2008 14:31 |
| Very well Written Jas! | |