NELSPRUIT – Established in 1999, this weekend marked the end of the legendary bushveld concert and party venue, Blue Moon.
Local supporters who regard this venue as part of the Lowveld’s history, turned up in their hundreds to witness what they could only describe as a sad celebration.
The curtain has fallen after
13 legendary years. The first event that was held there was with Jason Powell Food on July 1, 2000. The first private function was that of the Nelspruit Chamber of Commerce in October of the same year. The first band that played at Blue Moon was Akkedis, with an entrance fee of R20.
Coca-Cola has supported events at Blue Moon since its inception because of its close connection with the youth and music and has helped bands like Prime Circle, The Parlotones, Dan Patlanski, Beeskraal, Van Coke Kartel and many others. Coca-Cola joined in the last serenade to the Lowveld with bands like ISO, December Streets and for the very first time, Matthew Mole.
This Final Waltz kicked off with the well-known local band from White River, Café Wha?. Afterwards those with little or no introduction, kept the party going right throughout the weekend. Some felt that among all, Black Cat Bones was one of the top performers.
Many say that no value can be put to a place like this: the memories are worth much more.
Thus, Blue Moon has only been closed as a music venue and will still be available for venue rentals and private functions.
Its uniqueness will be missed by many fans, and as it turns out, by many legendary bands, who see it as their birthplace, and for many others it was their favourite live rock venue.
