By Marley
Buried deep in the ancient old mountains near Kaapsehoop lays a piece of old history. When you follow this road, you follow the rabbit (boards), down into the forests that you always wonder about. You are a bit scared and you are a bit excited because you don’t know where the road leads. And this is when you take up your own Alice in Wonderland experience – only this time you are heading to the latest venue (invite only) The Dump Hot Spot.
(photo by Small Town Music Blog)
For those who don’t know the Geographical history of Kaapsehoop valley, there was asbestos mined in the area for many years, in fact, the asbestos mine was opened in 1905 and closed down in the ’90s. A fire destroyed most of the structures and the landowners let the bush take over again. But then Charl Fourie (of Bohemian Groove Café) had a vision. Along with his wife, Andrea and a couple of helping hands they cleared the bush and ground. What they found was a little treasure. A stage later and the Dump was born. To give birth again to a second venue that will hopefully be as loved as the beloved (and late), Blue Moon.
(photo by Small Town Music Blog)
As I set off in the dark to find The Dump, I had an idea of where to turn off. The experience to get there was truly unique and I didn’t settle to be cold. No sir, the beer will be at least cold in my cooler box. Since there is no bar at this venue you are allowed your own booze. Just clean up after yourself of course. I was met by Charl at the entry of this mysterious place, I was given a member number and off I went a hill that reminded me of Blue Moon. I was taken back about the open space and my mind worked overtime on the potential here. On my left were the stage and sitting area, on my far right was Charl’s workshop and the bathrooms. On closure inspection I found Andrea near the old furnace (aka oven) busy making pizzas on order. Always smiling, she greeted us with her warmth and the smell of melting cheese in her mobile pizza oven.
(photo by Small Town Music Blog)
Since this was a trance party I’m happy to report that STM’s very own, Ashleigh (aka DJ Ashroom), was on the decks and she created a vibe. I was impressed, once again, by the set up from Impact Promo. The stage’s floor was still dirt and the plan is to lay concrete ASAP. But that didn’t stop the amazing DJ’s on the line-up. The small crowd made you feel welcome and it was anything from glitter bombs to Metallica t-shirts there. There is still a lot of work to be done at the venue but the idea is there and I’m happy to report that there is potential.
This is not going to be a “fly by night” or “six months having a closed down” board. No, the idea of The Dump is a wonderful, musical experience for many years to come.
(photo credit Small Town Music Blog)
The Dump is for like-minded people, people who love and live music and don’t care about the BS that surrounds us on a daily basis. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this new little gem. If you want to find out more about The Dump then follow them on Facebook.
