Once I Arrive

by Marley

Innibos every year it builds up like a summer storm in the Highveld. You see the clouds, you feel the electricity in the air the wind in your hair. You know it’s coming especially if it’s been a hot humid day. Just like a storm Innibos build up, changed the energy around town, it rained with arts, music, laughter, good red wine and then just disappeared. Poof. Just like that.

This is this blogger daily reporting

With Jack Parow

Hey Tonight - MK Stage @ Innibos

What can a Lowvelder tell you about Innibos? It is the biggest event on our calendar, but it’s also a crazy fever that hits the town, and everyone ends up spending days at work hung over after a night of mid week partying on the festival grounds and around town. Many months of preparation go into hosting one of the country’s biggest festivals and here it is on our doorstep.

For a music fan (a rocker of note) the only stage out of the 7 worth seeing is the MK Kliphard Stage. Here is an opportunity to watch bands that you might not normally see, unless, like me you attend music festivals like STRAB, Up The Creek or Oppikoppi, or if you regularly venture down to Jozi, Pretoria or the Western-Cape.

With so many good people in the Lowveld who are still scared of the Blue Moon road or intimidated by a little bit of good music, then let me tell you: don’t knock down the MK stage before you have at least experienced it. I understand that South African music may not be everyone’s cup of tea, (unlike us at STM)  but there are bands and solo artists performing at the MK Stage this year that might tempt you to go down to your local music store to buy their music.

Charlie - STRAB 2013

By Marley

3 countries, 2 provinces and 1 Subterranean Rhythm and Blues festival.

STRAB you beautiful creature you. A place where blues and rock ‘n roll calls out to the sea nymphs of the Indian Ocean, and as they come to enjoy the music they seduce the humble music folk who are innocently enjoying the good music. It is a festival which sprouted out of a birthday celebration way back in 2003. And thank goodness for that.

MK Awards 2013

MK Awards 2013

by Marley

Award ceremonies are a very important part in any industry. Receiving a nomination for an award let alone winning one shows you that your hard work really pays off. Most people I've spoken to in the last few weeks about the MK Awards didn't even know there was an MK award ceremony.

Here’s a little history for you:

• The MK Awards have been running for the last 7 years (since 2006)
• MK stands for Musiek Kanaal (music channel) which is dedicated to South African music
• MK is a channel on DStv (SA’s ‘cable tv’)
• MK has grown over the years as a house hold name among fans and bands across the country and has many involvements in festivals and music events
• The MK Awards have grown from strength to strength since their inception and have become an important role player in the South African Music Industry

Mission To The Sun

By Marley

It was a mission to the sun...where the sun sets late during the summer.

Planning a trip is always exciting and nerve racking at times. Planning to go to Up The Creek aka UTC takes a few months planning. It starts with dates of the festival then the plane tickets and then how you get there to UTC and back.

The River
 - photo courtesy of Royal Lens Photography

Outta My Head

By Marley

Yes I'm going out of my head as I have so much to report back on that it will take two cups of coffee just to read this.

June was an extremely busy month with not only Blue Moon but also that big ass festival named Innibos having hit Nelsparta again. It was also my birthday and the blog got a new editor forthwith known as Mister Bean on account of his funny appearance. Welcome, dude.

Let's rewind back to June 1. It was the last weekend hanging out with locals No One's Arc. They went looking for greener pastures in the Mother City. They were joined by the Michael Stry Trio, Newton's 2nd Law and City of Heroes at The Free Concert that was hosted by Blue Moon and Riverside Mall. I missed Michael, but managed to catch a bit of Newton's 2nd Law, and I can definitely vouch for them. Keep an eye out. Meanwhile bright fairy lights and little stalls kept people busy. Coke was also handing out soft-drink vouchers. Meanwhile patrons of Spur and Mediterrean got a free show. City of Heroes are not only handsome, but throw together some decent in-your-face rock too, which is needed sometimes. Needless to say NOA had the crowd going, jumping up and down to stay warm and party like Armageddon was coming at dawn.

The after party happened at Jock and my memory gets a bit foggy after that round, but Simi managed to drive us home and took a welcome crash on my pillows.

The next day my partner in crime informed me that she was not able to drive with me up to Hazyview for the Summerhill 4x4 Day anymore, so I started scrambling for a lift. Finally MB came through as my saviour and I had the honour to drive up with the guys of NOA. It was my first time at Summerhill and of course the atmosphere was very Lowveld. A trip to the bar revealed a good stock of wine and a bottle was shared between myself and the Captain. On the bill were Quintero, My Aching Monotone and, off course, No One's Arc. At first I didn't think that rugby jocks were going to stick around for them but they proved me wrong and the crowd had an awesome time.

In between that weekend and the time rolling up to Innibos and By Die Maan, gigs were few and far between, and humble in attendance. I stayed true to the Sunday Pappa's Pizza tradition now and my only weekend off was with my birthday where we partied like pirates. I took me a whole week to recover. Good
memories.

By Die Maan was where it was happening the weekend of 29 June. The line-up at Innibos's MK Stage was not so lekker but Blue Moon however threw together a show which kicked dust in their eyes. With the likes of Shadowclub, The December Streets, The Black Cat Bones (with surprise guest Gareth Wilson of
Southern Gypsey Queen), City of Heroes, City Bowl Mizers, Saintfearless and many more, there was simply no other place to be.

Personally, I was excited about seeing two long-lost seerowers who I were with on Avontoer. Off course, seeing the guys of December Streets and BCB was wonderful too. The Moon looked awesome with 4th Street Wines being one of the biggest sponsors. And the electrying atmoshpere promised a good show ahead.

The December Streets were one of the bands that were first timers at Blue Moon (although not the first time dealing with us crazies of BM). Their set was amazing, they played some of their new tunes of their new album (which is avalible online and soon in the shops). Poor Waldo (trumpet player) was
fighting a bad flu but he pulled through. The Black Cat Bones, off course, was off the wall and everyone joined in that party. I did see some of our new bar staff thinking it was one of the wierdest bunch of people they have ever laid eyes on. Well, you can't please everyone all the time. Saintfearless struck me
like a lighting bolt. I saw them at the Groot Gees Rock Fees in Stilbaai on 31 December 2011 and, man, were they good.

The party lasted till the early hours of the morning and I managed to sleep in my car for about two and half hours. The breakfast rush was up and running with most bands making an early start back to Gauteng and the Western Cape. Duty calls. In the Blue Moon kitchen it felt like Sunday morning and the second
breath of the weekend hit when we realised it was only Saturday. We had one more party night ahead.

After a shower and a fresh set of clothes at home it was already after 1pm. The orginal plan was to take a chill for the afternoon and then join the rest of the province at Innibos, I really wanted to see Die Tuindwergies and Heuwels Fantasties. After a quick trip to a mall to get some snacks and supplies to go
over to our good friends Damian, Linda and the Captain (who were leaving for Cape Town that Monday) it turned into a bull-blast party.

The sun set, Innibos's power tripped a couple of times and we managed to braai and throw back a few OBS shots. But Innibos never saw me on the Saturday night. Saturday night I was kissing my bed hallo after a full week of partying, art competitions, rubbing shoulders with celebs, seerowers, fair-wells, stinky dogs
and classical music being blasted at 6AM. Yup, sleep was quite welcome.

Sunday was a lazy day of recovery and Pappas was dead so just this once I broke tradition and went to a mate instead to watch the Sunday night movie. June flew past, it was on of those months that I will always remember and it was a month that felt it should have never ended.

So far in July I went to Dullstroom for the first time in my life for the Winterfest. I won't write too much about it, but what I will say is that I want to make the whole weekend next year. I managed to get caught up with the whole SGQ band and a very old familiar face to the Blue Moon family, Albert Frost.
Thanks again to Pedro Barbosa of Mrs. B who hosted two rockers for dinner, let us sleep on the floor of his rented B andB room and showing us an amazing time in Dullstroom.

If you are in Cape Town on 20 July get your sexy ass over to Zula Bar in Long Street for No One's Arc first gig as a Capetonian band with Captain Stu (That'll be going down in the record book of epic parties, for sure). In Nelspruit Glaskas is returning to have another party, yes the boys from Pretoria will be releasing their brand new album on the 27th of July at Owersig Hall in Nelsparta (it's close to that place we "shall-not-name"), you can call Niel on 072 117 6477 for more info.

In the month of August keep an eye out for that dude in the long hat wat van hard partytjie hou - Jack Parow. He'll be performing with Gazelle and RadioKalahari Orkes at Blue Moon on the 3rd of August (tickets on sale right now at Look & Listen Nelspruit in Riverside Mall, Grove Superspar and www.ticketbreak.co.za).  Then on the 9th of August (yes it's a public
holiday) Blue Moon presents The Parlatones in their Picnic in the Garden series with supporting acts Saarkie and Ice Project, tickets are on sale right now at Look and Listen Nelspruit in Riverside Mall, The Grove Superspar and on www.ticketbreak.co.za. This will be a great event in celebrating all our beautiful woman from South Africa with a little sunshine, a little good music and most importantly family time.

And for what its worth I don't think there will be any problems with the sound this round, if it there is I will drink 30 shots of tequila...over the course of an evening.

If you live close to Graskop or you are in the mood for a different party then get up to Camibiro restaurant for some tequila, rock and roll and good quility people. Sundays in Kaapchehoop provide acoustic music from local muso's (R 25 entrance fee) at Bohemia Groove Cafe. Pappa's Pizza in Nelpsruit on Sundays,
off course, still provides free live music and it seems this is getting more popular everytime I go there. Kokkepelli's in White River also offers live music on Sundays (they have good red wine). AgterStoep have small gigs in the form of Open Mic nights and live music Friday nights and a great atmosphere.

So don't tell me after reading that line-up you don't have anything to do in the area.

Speak to you soon, rockers!

Peace
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Top of the Dogs...

...Nah not really more like my Top 10 of favourite videos I stumbled across on YouTube, been posted to my Facebook or something that I have been hiding in the treasure cove that is my hard drive. As the year is fast coming to an end and so is my countdown to Avontoer (to which I shall inform you soon) I thought since we all counting down something why not share some of my favourite YouTube videos with you...

No 10: Mr Cat and The Jackal - The devil always wants to dance

Mr Cat & The Jackal is from Cape Town, I saw them live for the first time at STRAB this year and absolute felt like a pirate on a rum drinking spree...oh wait I was doing that anyway...I love their music.

You can buy their CD at Look & Listen (it's where I got mine) and take a listen. I've seen MK playing this video quite a few times. Check out their cool website, like their FB page & follow them on Twitter. They have some decent gigs coming up this December so make sure you check them out

No 9: The Parlotones - Push Me To The Floor

Oh how I hear my friends swearing at me now for picking the Tones but face it, Kahn and the boys make good music, since 2003 they have graced my ears and yes I do have their CD's among my collection. The reason why I pick this specific video is the raw acoustic version of one my favourite Parlatones songs. Like he said it's about a one night stand to be honest I don't do one night stands but its a general feeling of the lyrics that I share with him here.
Of course you can follow Kahn on Twitter, like their page on Facebook and check out their website. They got their own wine out as well which I haven't tried but hey worth checking out I suppose

No 8: The Tidal Waves - Kia Ora

The Tidal Waves, super nice guys straight out of Jozi. Their connections with Nelsparta runs deep and we have partied like hippies at Woodstock every time they have played here. This is one of their older songs but their music is well worth checking out. Reggae will always remind me of summer and since it is summer right now in SA this a perfect tune to make you want to go down to the beach, light a smoke and watch the tide come in.
Tidal Waves are performing at that big ass Bike Show down in Cape Town where Seether is also going to perform so make sure you go give them a shout, to Tidal Waves. Otherwise give their website a look, like their page or follow them on Twitter


No 7: JR feat DHF & Jack Parow - The Show Goes On

Despite Jack Parow mug on the thumb nail this is an awesome song! This song went through my head all year round behind the bar at our quite times. Times when good friend Dirkie was in a serious bike accident earlier this year, when your soul needed rest and your body some good vibrations. JR is one of the top names in SA Rap and I'm yet to see him live. I have always enjoyed Die Heuwels Fantasties and Jack Parow I've seen live about 3 times now. The last two mentioned will be guest artist on the 6de MK Avontoer and Jack said he is bringing a full band with, can't wait to hear it.

No 6: aKing - You and I

Ahh aKing, what a great band on and off the stage. I love their lyrics and melodies, their lyrics have caused me to post it as status updates because they sum it right up. His voice makes most girls melt, the boys like him cause he is a awesome guy and yes in general this band have come a long way. "You and I" are off their new album "Red Blooded Years" and is now available. This song is beautiful, it is a truth to say that it takes one person to heal all in you.
They also on tour and you follow them on Twitter, like their FB page or go to their website

No 5: The Shadow Club - Drunken Love

Confession here about this band, I only heard of their name about 3 months ago. And when I Google their stuff this video came out first, I love it. The song reminds me of some old The Doors record some of our fathers might have in the dusty vinyl cabinet and would love to see them live. See if you can spot Flash Republic and Zebra & Giraffe in this video with them.

They got a MySpace page and a page on Facebook

No 4: The Black Cat Bones - Old Pappa Joe

Now what will this count down be without a little voodoo and some black cats? Yes you have read numerous times that I write I about the craze boys that is The Black Cat Bones. Kobus with his long hair and long beard can't be missed at all but man their show will leave you breathless. I have really lost count on how many live I've seen them live nor have drank with them. You can't keep up they are all over the place!

"Old Pappa Joe" is one my all time favourites and I know in 2012 I'm going to see them again and take a better listen to their new music.

Of course you can get their new CD at their shows, buy them tequila and roar with them! FB, Twitter and their web site is there for the clicking and liking

No 3: Ewald - I'm Not Your Hero

Aaa some good Nelsparta music in form of Ewald of My Aching Monotone (previous band NoCane). 2011 have been a big year for Ewald both professionally and personally, I'm really proud to call him friend. I put him at number 3. I love all his music one of my favourites "I'm not your hero" (I'm also in one of the pictures in this video) and also "Lief vir Afrikaans", "I believe"...just see all his videos.
He currently performs at random gigs in and around Nelsparta but mostly you can catch him live and acoustic at Pappas Pizza every other Sunday night.

No 2: Captain Stu - Siamese Twin

I will never forget where and how I met the lead singer, James of Captain Stu. It was a fresh hot Cape morning in Swellendam earlier this year at Up The Creek. Mimi only called "Hey Captain Stu" and this long haired delicious looking man greeted her back. Then when I watched them first time I had a Rum and cola in the one hand, standing in the Breede River in the hot sun dancing. They were also on Live@5 earlier this year and I enjoyed it so much. "Siamese Twin" is their brand new video and worth checking out if you want good SA music. They live in Cape Town and I'm sure that they will be around doing what most bands will be doing in the summer, gigs.
Their website is informative, Facebook addicts and Twitter of course and sorry ladies can't give out their phone numbers...that you have to get yourself ;)

And now, ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls over the age of 18...this is what you have been waiting for...the one that made a fire and burnt my fingers the minute I type in the title, one you need an ambulance for after a live show....drum roll please

*drum roll*

No 1: No One's Arc - UFO

A little predictable I know but it was hard okay and this blog is dedicated to the locals, so local is number 1! This video kicks all videos asses that I've seen on MK, MTV and VH1 put together. Catch That Rabbit has certainly captured the energy that is No One's Arc and put it on film. After a decade together the band has settled and their new music is awesome! If you have not seen this band live then put it on your bucket list, grab your rock on and see them on Avontoer this year (again) happening up and down the Western Cape coast. They are playing with Prime Circle at the Kirstenbosch Gardens on 31 December and for the locals they will be performing at the Ali Campbell (UB40 front man) show on the 17th of December. If you are in Joburg they will be at Tanz Cafe on the 15th of December. Twitter, Facebook and website all there you just need to go follow it, like it and play it! Most importantly share it!
Now isn't that how we roll? Fuck yes it is!

That's it! There is GOOD South African music out there, I just handed my Top 10 to you, some missed it by mere centimeters but it is up to you decide what you want to hear. Keep on supporting local music because if ain't for fans there ain't no music.

Peace & Love

Ambulance

No I really don’t need an ambulance but if you read this blog on a regular basis you will know I will always pick a song title. Today it’s a new one from No One’s Arc “Ambulance” – for now you can only hear it at one of their lives shows at this stage. Like the STRAB at Blue Moon of two weekends ago, at 1 am I still don’t know where I got the energy from. Maybe because I can express myself truly in music perhaps, I told a friend recently that others smoke, others use drugs and others drink a lot, I listen to music day in and day out. I am late with this post so please bear with me here ;)

Happy birthday to my friend Roelof Loots for his birthday on 25 October, hope it was a good one! Also happy birthday to my cousin in Aussie land, Stacey, miss you lots my cousin. And also before I go on any further and huge thank you to every one who hugged, slept, stood, drank, eat under the Wonderboom fig tree next to the N4. If you have no idea what I’m talking about please check out this (link here). I know I didn't get my full hippy on, duty called during the week but it doesn't mean I sat in silence! It just shows you Nelspartans still cares about our nature heritage without moving before they got what they wanted! Well done Christine, Cal and the rest of the crowd who continued to stay put and not moved! You can sign the petition as well here please no matter we need your signature.

I also want to thank each and every person who did attend the weekend, I know money must have been super tight and you guys still rocked out. Play out and pass out in the sun, sounds like STRAB to me. To those who still don’t know what STRAB is click here and find out. You really going to kick yourself for not coming or it’s just not commercial enough for you like Oppikoppi. I want to say a big thank you to the artists who hanged out around the pool, the house, the stages and the bar. Without you guys this weekend wouldn't have been so much fun especially Tori, Kobus, Andre, Jessi, Robynne and Mimi. The 3 cows of our cow herd also made the weekend Alice, Gomez and Sunny were very popular and watched the acoustic stage with love.

Friday slowly dragged itself to our doorsteps with a full sunny day. I was happy since the whole week leading up to the weekend it was raining on a daily basis. After a lovely hair cut (and in a new style for me) I pack MJ and Alice and took a nice chilled drive to the second home I've come to know and love over 10 years. The dirt road for the first few kilo’s looks like it’s ass but never the less it brought me home. After checking in with name on the guest list under “A-Team” Sally helped me set up my camp. I got one of those pop up tents, on the picture you throw it in the air and it pops out, no this one smack me on the head first then did a ninja kick in the tree and then fell down without popping up. Sally was standing there giggle ling like some freaky squirrel, and then I got the tent open. Next was the “pomping” of the mattress and this is where Sally was having fun, every time one of us say “pomp” we start laughing ending up me stopping mid way of “pomping” to take a breath. After 15 minutes of laughing and “pomping” the mattress was nice and stiff, into the tent it goes. Now this tent is really small like one man or in this case one woman tent. After the sleeping bag was in, Alice got another “pomp” we went to greet friends Kobus and Jessie at the swimming pool. Alice immediately became a hit with Kobus and Jessie gave her kiss on the snoet. The shift calls were coming in and the 3 of us made our way up to the Moon.

Arriving I was greeted by Justin Swart, who busy setting up with his fellow bands mates as they were the opening band. The place was near empty except for a few muso’s that hang around, Conrad Jamneck of STRAB at the sound board. Greeting Pete, Alice was in the bar with me for the first time. I had to taste that the R&R was correct but since we can’t get the Moz rum here uncle Moby Dick had to do. Watching the Post-colonial Paperweights (Justin Swart and his band) do sound check I had to prepare for my next artist interview. Yes watch this space I will be posting another local muso interview really soon. After the interview was handled off, a few pictures were taken and shots were cheers to we waited for the masses to come. The sun set, 6pm rolled by and we started the show.

You can catch the Postcolonial Paperweights on Facebook or either follow Justin Swart or Faantie Martiz (bass player) on Twitter. They going on tour on December so make sure you catch them live then.

Next up was local’s Voetstoots and as always they delivered. Thanks Stefan for reading the blog as well my friend, I appreciate your support in full! When can we hear some news of an EP or album coming out?

The party was very slow and not a lot of people showed up for the great line up, however we waited for The Tidal Waves. It was good to hear their reggae/rock sound ego through the mountain again. They are certainly one of these best upcoming bands right now, if you haven’t seen them live you catch them on (Live)5 on 5FM on 12 November 2011 (next week Saturday) at 5pm. After the show Conrad band was up and yes the man can sing and make music all at the same time. I had a lovely chat with Jinx, Sammy and Charlie of Tidal Waves. They going some places and are going to be one of the band performing at the Seether concerts this December in Cape Town so make sure to catch a pretty decent local line up with our international local guys from Jo’burg. The Fake Leather Blues band is always a classic to see live especially if they are the last band to play, make sure you got some Jaagmymeester close by for the whole band.

A stroll down to the swimming pool with a bottle of red wine and few friends was a lovely way to catch up with the loud music pumping through your head. After the wine was gone (not the rum) it was back to the top sitting around the fire having a chat with Sammy, Mimi and Charlie and this is where I loved and left my friends at 2am, time for bed the next day was a craze Saturday.

Saturday morning the whole A-Team and Simi mom was awoken to someone alarm WAY too early. My friend Mimi didn't switch off her alarm and after waking her we were all pretty much awake and she falling back to sleep. I still want to know how she does it, anyway at 7am it was time for beer breakfast, and I heard that this is like a “camp rule”. Anyway Eddie started making us a lekker breakfast, I got some coffee with Anna Mart and Anthony on the balcony of the main house over looking the dam (we call it Tortuga) breakfast called my name and the A-Team (minus Simi who was way on top of the mountain with friends) had some grub. Then it was off to the swimming pool for some wake up and fun, we had a Rambo enactment, sun screen being passed around, tattoos being showed off and babelas measurements being taken.

I felt the sun was getting a little too hot for my liking and got almost everyone out of the cool water and out of the sun. Getting dressed for the day it was time for the acoustic show and took Alice up with me. At the original STRAB in Mozambique they have the bar stage where muso’s can acoustically perform with a back drop of the ocean behind them. In this case Arcade Empire was the stage sponsor with back drop of the Nelsparta valley behind the fans. Some R&R’s made it to my dry lips and Alice got to see her two friends, Sunny & Gomez, which caught a lift with Lee. There was also a new blow up face in form of a tequila drinking dolphin, yes once you've seen this crowd you will understand. They are pillows, mattresses, drinking buddies, photo posers and made friends with some awesome people.

The sun and rum caught up with me and I went for afternoon snooze, it was still a long way till 1 am. After the snooze I didn't feel any better thanks to heat and a nice refreshing shower was the doctor orders. All dressed up and behind the bar it was still hot at 6pm and the crowds also start to show up. It wasn't as busy as usual but never the less the spirit of STRAB was now in full blast.

Still all our energy levels were low and surely building up as the night went on. The Southern Gypsy Queen came on and the first shot of adrenaline was in. Tammy, Grant and Paul really delivers as always, with their tattoos, skinny jeans and trade mark sound they got almost the whole crowd in front of them. After them it was The Black Cat Bones, they realest their new album a few weeks ago and they played most of the new songs, wow. As always they got us moving and grooving between the bar, the deck and the stage. They did play one of my old favourites “Mojo” and got me more energetic, second shot of adrenaline. Then No One’s Arc was busy getting ready behind stage, after getting some water for them and being the band aid it was time to get our funk on.

What was kick ass about this show was that because of the time they went on, our bar was pretty much empty and the A – Team for once could enjoy a full No One’s Arc show without keeping one foot in the bar. With Gooph checking his mic he slowly rap his part in “Breaking Habits” and the biggest fans, yes Simi and I, said it back to him giving him that trade mark Gooph smile of his. Hot as the devil left open hell door this time of the morning we had the Halderman’s standing in front as well waiting for the rock show. And as on que the opening song was “Rock Show” and Mimi dedicating it to us A-Team. Thanks Mimi we love you! The show was energetic as always and Sally said it was one of the best shows for her. I personally think it’s because it’s their favourite venue to play at, its home. Despite the little crowd in front of them (and this is what I love about this band) they still give you the same performance as if it was thousands in front of them. Bongs made used of the box that was on stage for some reason, blowing his trumpet up in the air, legend stuff I say. Somewhere a top hat appeared and turns were took between us to wear it and now after the release of their “UFO” video it made me notice all the things they also did in the video. After their show it was time for an ice cold glass of water, followed by a ice cold R&R. Greeting the boys as they travelled back home for some well deserve sleep it was time for me and Alice as well to go to bed.

Sunday morning not waking up to alarm but rather the heat was not fun. We all were dead tired and the search for coffee became an endangered species. I found Sally and Mimi in the kitchen busy making coffee for all who wanted and then I hear they haven’t slept yet. They were giggling like a bunch of hyenas after a massive night out. Sjoe where they got the energy from I don’t know but they were wide awake. I joined them at the now burnt out bonfire with Kobus guitar case laying by my feet, Jona a good friend of Eddie and I, sitting laughing still at the time spent with the people there. I was just happy I didn't pull that trick as I would have been grumpy as hell. Hearing more and more voices from the house and the now dodgy looking swimming pool I head back to the tent for my clothes and another shower.
Eddie made us breakfast again, Mimi went to bed and we slowly but surely started to pack up our tents and camp site. In between the swimming pool, house and parking lot we greeted new made friends, old friends and comparing our sun burn from the previous day. Huge thanks to Shotgun Tori for the autograph! I hope to see you soon again.

After breakfast and Eddie leaving us girls, I slowly packed up MJ, gave a near flat Alice another good “pomp” Mimi arose for breakfast. After this it was time to slowly make our rounds and Anthony said we should stay at least for the rugby world cup final, “Ag okay let’s go then” was my words to Mimi and we drove up to the bar instead of walking.

A quick cold drink and talking about the original STRAB it was time to greet everyone. Adriaan you still a legend my friend, as you say “Die kat kom weer”.

After dropping off my sweet friend Mimi, Alice decided to hang out with her for a few days and me leaving for home. I caught the last bit of the rugby and congrats New Zealand you did well.

Between the Mountain and the Tree it seems like we all had a good time in the sun. You can check some photos up at Mpumalive to see what you missed – one craze party. The next Blue Moon is on 10 November Freshly Ground and 26 November Locnville. I myself personally I can’t wait for next weekend but I can’t really tell you what I’m doing (it’s all legal I promise). Then watch out for the November issue of the Get It! Magazine, there is a photo of me in there…somewhere

Also if you want to see UB40 live at the Mbombela Stadium on 17 December make sure you early for some tickets when goes on sale this week on Computicket! It's going to sell very fast so keep an eye out for any annoucements on their website

Avontoer is really coming to me faster and faster! The December Streets and No One’s Arc have announced that they will be part of the bands touring on Avontoer again! Yes! See this happy band aid/fan/see rower/woman shaking her tail feathers! E-shay it is..? If you still wondering what the dog I’m talking about why don’t you check out DPK website

Last thanks for all the compliments regarding the blog and enjoying reading up on Mimi the rock starlet. I really hope that I can pull in more muso’s as it if wasn't for them working so damn hard at their music, us fans would have one boring life in this town of ours. You can email me at themusicfan@webmail.co.za if you want me to come see your band or got any suggestions or complaints.

Till later Nelspartans (and world!)