By Marley
We are in the start of a new decade of the millennium and 2020 already saw the “20 20 vision” jokes. But Small Town Music is here to bring you 2020 in a wrap, festivals you can attend. Events in the Lowveld you need to see and more.
New music;
In 2019 a few albums saw the light of day including The Hellcats, Francois van Coke, The Shabs, Saarkie, Crimson House and more. When one listened to these albums you couldn’t believe it was all South African produced and made. This shows that our industry is growing stronger and stronger by the day.
Who can we expect some new music from? Rumours of Spoegwolf is releasing some new material at the beginning of 2020. We can’t wait to see what South African bands will be bringing to the stages.
Festivals galore;
(photo: Small Town Music)
For any music journalist, the one thing we can never get enough off is attending good music festivals. With the fall away of Oppikoppi and Mieliepop (to much public social media protesting) it is giving a chance to other festivals to attract the rest. STRAB in Mozambique is very popular a THE destination festival to attend. Make sure to book your tickets early because they sell out very quickly. Dates for STRAB 2020 are 27 May till 31 May 2020.
(photo: Small Town Music)
Misty Waters in Secunda was one of the best festivals I attended last year. The festival is in the heart of Secunda and you would never expect to find such a collection of good music there. But it was do-able for both people living Gauteng and Mpumalanga without breaking the bank too much. Their dates for Misty Waters 2020 are 30 April till 03 May 2020. Get your tickets early.
(Photo: Facebook)
Up The Creek is turning 30 years old this year. Yes, kids born in 1990 is 30 in 2020. UTC is one of the most colourful festivals you can attend and well worth every mile to get there. Imagine taking your favourite lilo (mine is my flamingo), driving around the Breede River listening to some fine music. For the past 30 years, UTC has grown in popularity and with good cause. Check out their 50+ band line up for 2020. Up The Creek is taking place 06 – 09 February 2020.
Follow our calendar as we update you on all your festival dates.
Lowveld local entertainment;
Our Lowvelders know where to go for the best steak, beer, burgers and to relax. But many still don’t know about The Dump – and what a place it is to join. A small venue is hidden in the Kaapsehoop valley. Joining one of their parties is a must do if you are over the age of 18 of course. Don’t expect your local sokkie treffers.
The Lowveld Oktoberfest was another first timer event in 2019 that took the Lowveld by its horns. Filled with beer, good food, good music and good people, it saw a beer fest that was family-friendly. What I liked about it was the relaxed atmosphere and really can’t wait to see who they will get in next. Their next fest is yet to be announced but you can buy early bird tickets for Lowveld Gin Fest 2020. The Lowveld Gin Fest will feature Spoegwolf live on stage.
Blue Moon – if you have been following Small Town Music you would know that this where the blog was born from. And in 2019 we didn’t just see 1 event there but 2 in fact. Woodcrock 13.1 in August 2019 and The Narrow in November 2019 was as welcomed as an ice-cold beer on a hot summers day. Two of my teenage dreams was granted – interviewing Cutting Jade and The Narrow. We can’t wait to see what Blue Moon has to offer in 2020 and it’s a place to explore your youthfulness, no matter your age.
The annual Sabie Tube Race of 2019 was filled with rain, mud and laughter. 2020 the STR is back with a different theme – Haiwaiin. Let’s hope there are no floods this year. Their line up is pretty sick with like Chunda Munki, Van Pletzen, Timo ODV and DJ Rademeyer. From 31 January till 02 February 2020 you can drift down the Sabie river in your tube or jol like it’s Elvis’s last show. Tickets are officially open
2020 – The Party Karate
Small Town Music is turning 10 years old this year and I’m super proud of that. Keep your eyes peeled for some good things to come this way and of course what is a birthday without the birthday party?
Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to keep updated on what we are up to. What we do over the weekends and where you can find the jol
