What. A. Party.
That’s all that I can really say about the incredibly well-organised event, Rocking the Gardens in JHB, Emmerentia this past weekend.
The bands were spot on time, every hour on the hour a new band started from 12:00 – 23:00. There was food, drink, eco-conscious causes, cancer causes, smoking stands, gift stores, VIP areas (Thanks Mango-OMC and Cath!) and tons, tons more.
This is without a doubt one of the best rock festivals that I have attended in a very, very long time. It might only have been one day, but let me tell you that I made it worth while staying for the entire event.
The highlights in terms of musical performances were:
aKing
– without a doubt aKing is the leading live band in the country right now. You may not agree with me, but I cannot see how that would be possible. I have yet to be disappointed by this phenomenal South African group. Their stage bravado is epic, their command of lyrical brilliance is sublime and their musical prowess is just astounding.
Just Jinger
– an oldie but what a goodie. They played the headlining spot at 22:00 on Saturday evening which I believe should’ve/would’ve been reserved for aKing had they not had to leave to play another gig in Potch.
Gang of Instrumentals
– this group is without a doubt one of the tightest, happening acts in the South Africa. They got a crowd filled with rock-lovers to jump up and down to more hip-hop/rap based tunes and were brilliant all the way through.
Overall this is an event that I will most definitely go back to next year. There was not a single problem or issue. No overly drunk morons, no irritatingly tall people blocking our line of sight, no parking trouble, no lack of food, booze or drink, no wanting for anything.
I will go so far as to say that I think that Rocking the Gardens will very soon overtake Joburg day as the rock event of the year. Easy.
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