Cape Town band wows fest crowd

Award-winning Beatenberg perform hits at Chintsa

SOUTH African pop band Beatenberg proved to be hugely popular among East London music lovers at Chintsa’s The C Club on Saturday night.

Forming part of a long lineup of acts that thrilled and entertained patrons at the tequila festival in Chintsa, the trio performed hits such as Beauty like a Tightened Bow, Rafael and their new song, Stamina.

The award-wining band shared the stage with some of the Eastern Cape’s top indie-folk/pop artists, and although the evening’s proceedings ran at least an hour behind schedule, this failed to deter music fans.

The Chintsa club was jam-packed with music lovers and festival-goers.

Other acts included Dylan Thatcher, Chopper Paton, Dan Hugo and The Lucas Reunion from Port Elizabeth, as well as The C Club’s Jason Gladwin.

Kim Kendrick, 30, of Gonubie, told the Dispatch she always enjoyed festivals at The C Club as they promised great fun. “It was a fantastic event. It was not my first time at an event at The C Club, but this one was great fun. I am not too familiar with Beatenberg’s music, but I really enjoyed them and it would be great to have them back for another show.”

Kendrick, who is a good friend of Dan Hugo, said he was her favourite performer. “My favourite act of the night, though, was Dan Hugo, whose music I really enjoy,” she said.

Cape Town-based Beatenberg, is made up of lead vocalist Matthew Field, bass player Ross Dorkin and drummer Robin Brink.

With their laid-back tempo, they introduced a unique sound during the evening.

Mikaela Mc Intyre, 21, of Beacon Bay, really enjoyed seeing Beatenberg perform live. “They sound great live and it was a real treat to see such talent being brought to East London. I thought the whole night was incredible, and we had great fun.

“It is not often that we are treated to such great talents, and it was a great resident performer, overall experience,” she said.

Mc Intyre said it would be great to have the trio return for another show.

The C Club’s marketing manager, Jason Gladwin, told the Daily Dispatch yesterday it was hard to control set times, which often resulted in a delay, but he was happy with the turnout at the event. “It was an awesome night and a lot of people came out and supported us, which was great.

“It was Beatenberg’s first time in East London and we would be more than happy to have them come back.

“We were running a bit behind schedule, but with festivals like this you can’t always control times because if one person is late for whatever reason, it affects the rest,” he said.

“We are happy with the response from the crowd, especially because a lot of their [Beatenberg’s] sound is not upbeat and is quite jazzy; it is a different genre, but was well received.”

The C Club will be taking a month’s break from hosting acts, and will treat East London music enthusiasts to Prime Circle on December 23.

Other events lined up include the Parlotones on December 28, and Matthew Mole and Goodluck on December 28. —