This year’s must-have New Year’s party in the mother city seems to be a “get away for a few days and party” festival and it can’t just be because of proposed changes to liquor by-laws in town.
Last year’s Rock the River SA proved so successful, organisers have increased the number of available tickets to 1 000.
Jon Monsoon says they’re still limiting tickets to retain the small, intimate feel. “We’ve created a very unique vibe. We want it to feel like you’re at a friend’s small house party,” he explained.
This year’s festival runs from Friday to Sunday, on the Berg river (80 minutes from Cape Town, 20 minutes from Wellington, directions on www.rocktheriversa.co.za).
Featured will be ska, reggae, punk, dub, folk, blues, rock oldies and metal, plus The Black Orchid Beaties (burlesque show), a Guitar Hero competition, food, alcohol for sale, safe swimming, an ATM machine on site and, most importantly, clean bathrooms and showers.
Tickets: R180 (pre-sale) and R250 (at gate) will include a camping fee. Bookings: www.rocktheriversa.co.za or Computicket (083 915 8000).
lElectronic music rules at the Rezonance NYE Festival, in the Franschhoek Valley.
It features more than 70 international and local acts pumping out psytrance, minimal, drum ’n’ bass, techno chill, progressive dub and much more, including live acts such as Goldfish and Napalma.
This festival runs from Friday to Sunday and pre-sale tickets of R320 are available from www.webticket.co.za. Check for outlets at the website www.rezonancefestival.com or pay R350 ticket at the gate.
lThere’s psychedelic arts and music at Boomerang up the West Coast. The Monte Cristo Family Resort in Porterville will feature 34 hours of non-stop music from local and international artists. Gates open at 6pm on Thursday and close at 10am on Sunday. Check out www.boomerangfestival.com for tickets: R195 for a weekend pass (pre-sold), or R125 for a last-day pass.
lMake Love Not War is the New Year’s Eve party for hippies at La Med, Clifton. From 8pm. Tickets: R300 from www.webticket.co.za
lA New World Beat Odyssey starts at 8pm on Harrington Street’s parking lot. Expect themed and tented dancefloors and bars featuring Toby2shoes, Jan van Beatmix, DJ Darwin and others who will provide the beats.
Tickets: R170 (pre-sale) or R200 (at door) from webtickets.co.za or selected outlets. For info see www.balkanology.co.za
lMechau Street in Cape Town CBD will be closed off for Vaudeville – Fez’s music/rave/dance party. The street party starts at 6pm and should feature hula-hoop fire dancers, tap dancers, 5FM’sRoger Goode, Dino Moran, Gareth Devore, Chris Jack, Nick Supply, Pascal & Pearce, Kyle Phonics and Gio Ricca. Tickets: R300 to R500 from Computicket.
l5FM presents the 5 NuWave New Year’s Eve Concert at The Canal, V&A Waterfront from 7pm. Just Jinjer, Zebra and Giraffe, aKing, Crashcarburn, Dance, You’re on Fire plus 5FM’s Rob Vember, Anele and Elma Smit. Tickets: R200 or R350 from Computicket.
lA glass of champagne will greet you at the door (opens 9pm) at Club Voom Voom, cnr Hout and Loop sts, cbd. DJ Tyrone Paulse of Good Hope FM hosts DJs Fred Spider and Infrared from France. Cost: R150. Tel: 021 426 2011.
lGood Hope FM presents the Glitz and Glamour New Year’s Eve Party at Club 91, Main Road, Claremont. Expect hip hop R&B, house, electro, dubstep and more on two dance floors. Doors open at 8pm. R120 at the door, R105 to R350 at Computicket. Tel: 083 290 2469.
lGrammy Award-winner for Best World Music Album, Johnny Clegg is joined by local band Loading Zone at the Kirstenbosch Botanical Gardens at 7pm. Tickets: R 240. Tel: 021 799 8783/8620.
lTrudy Rushin and Rudi Byrnes play Myoga Restaurant, Vineyard Hotel, Newlands. 8.30pm to 12.30am. R985 (nine-course meal). Tel: 021 657 4545.
lThe Graham Burton Band plays the Commodore Hotel, Portwood Road, V&A Waterfront. 8pm till midnight. R650 includes dinner, dance and fireworks. Tel: 021 415 1000.