By Marley
“It’s a bright June afternoon…
lyrics of “June Afternoon” by Roxette
Some folks are on blankets, slowly daydreaming
And reaching for their food…” –
It was truly a beautiful morning arriving at the Lowveld Botanical Gardens in Mbombela on Sunday 12 June, picnic basket and blanket in hand, ready to see Jeremy Loops, Brian Wilkinson and Coenie Naude live on stage.
No water, cold drinks, or private liquor was allowed through the gates. This is understandable but the water to me was a bit needed, I drink lots of it. Walking through the curving paved path underneath the giant indigenous trees, the sound of a marimba band eggo’d through the trees. The Casterbridge Music Academy’s marimba band welcomed the visitors with happy music, warm smiles and voices to an already excited filled day.
Arriving at the lawns in front of the amphitheatre, the colourful flag roof was what made me feel we were not in the Lowveld but at a whole different venue. Finding a spot, snacking on some of our food it was off to find the bar. They had a token system in place which seems to work for this kind of event. Lovely food stalls from pregos to doughnuts and coffee were available. Lots of families from small babies to happy kids, to teenagers and young adults, were full of smiles.
(photo credit: Small Town Music)
Opening the day was Coenie Naude, one of the artists we have been following since seeing him at the Lowveld Beer Fest a few years ago. This young man has just recorded his first album which will be released in July this year. What was new as well to his act was a whole band. Coenie certainly gained a lot of experience and confidence on stage. The band just brings a whole new level of energy as well, we can’t wait to see this journey further.
Brian Wilkinson with his rasper voice was up next as a one man experience. A well-known face at your local pub perhaps on a Friday night, he certainly had people singing with to some of the covers he performed. He didn’t disappoint anyone sitting down with their gin and tonics, enjoying the build up.
(photo credit: Small Town Music)
In the Lowveld there tend to be a “sit down and watch” movement, not with Jeremy Loops in the house. While everyone was looking to the front of the stage awaiting the man, he came from the back of the crowd, running through everyone while saying “Mbombela, are you going to sit down or stand up?!” Well, that got everyone standing and storming the stage to where Jeremy welcomed us with song and dance. The kids are always the best ones in front of the stage as their parents stand a bit back to give them the experience.
(photo credit: Small Town Music)
Jeremy had the same energy as he always had. I haven’t seen him since his last performance in the Lowveld at the Barnyard in White River in 2018. It was like picking up a good book and re-reading it again. He had us jumping, and singing recorded a loop of the crowd singing, drank a shot of tequila, shook hands and interacted with the world around us. His smile had us at the first note. Performing songs like “Down South”, “Waves”, “Mortal Man” and “Til I Found You”. He told us the story behind the song “Better Together” which was a collaboration with Ed Shereen. Who he got to meet at an after show party and well, it’s quite a story. He also shared his story of the song with Ladysmith Black Mambazo called “This Town”.
(photo credit: Small Town Music)
All in all this day ended with the crowd wanting more and more but the show had to end, much like the day. We had fun, we had good feelings all over us like we were blessed by a higher power. The Thirsty Bartender, who organised the Picnic Sunday series. A lot of hard work went into these events, including this one, and we want to thank them for that.
