Woodcrock pays homage to legendary hang-out
Ten kilometres south of Mbombela lies Blue Moon, a nationally known place where parties were held and lifetime memories were made.
Many locals were part of stories starting with, “This one time at Blue Moon”, the type of tales that are told over and over again. Party animals complain the city’s social life has become stale after the popular hang-out closed its doors in March 2014.
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A few weeks ago, a music festival rocked the foundations of Blue Moon are again. Woodcrock 11 attracted festivalgoers from all over South Africa.
What makes the show extra significant is that it was held to celebrate the 60th birthday of local, Conrad Peyper. The birthday of his fellow musician and old-time “resident sound fundi” at Blue Moon, Conrad Jamneck, was also celebrated.
Peyper does something of everything that is cool and extraordinary. He has wheeled and dealed with property, has a finger in the Mieliepop Festival pie and tours the country while managing bands. Jamneck is the lead singer of the Fake Leather Blues Band.
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He is also involved in the Subterranean Rhythm and Blues (STRAB) and Up the Creek festivals.
Woodcrock 11 started as a private function. Blue Moon groupies and a chosen few were requested to attend. “Please only invite your cool friends,” the invitation read.
The line-up was packed with the best South African acts. Partygoers, dressed in 1969-inspired attire, rocked to the beats of Wonderboom, No One’s Arc, Saarkie and Jack Hammer.
Local bands like Gibraltar and Piksteel also entertained the crowd. The Fake Leather Blues Band and The Black Cat Bones were also part of the occasion. Guests could camp out on the Blue Moon terrain, ensuring that the party never stopped.
Those who were part of this memorable weekend said it reminded them of Blue Moon and that memories were relived in an epic way.
