Real Live concert generates real live excitement

The second Real Live Gardens session, which took place on Thursday 26 April at the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was a vibrant event attended by 400 music lovers relaxing on picnic blankets.

Artists in a wide range of genres - Indie Rock, Hip Hop, Poetry and Drama - are invited to perform at Real Live Shop sessions every last Thursday of the month from 18:00 to 22:00 at Caloroso Café in Meade Street, George.

Caloroso Café, run by Kelvin Appelgren, sponsors this showcase event with the aim of giving back to the community. The Gardens sessions happen quarterly, with the next two planned for July and November. Real Live organising committee member Hein Scheepers said, "Real Live is an arts-based nonprofit platform which celebrates and empowers the local creative community and artists by hosting a monthly performing arts event."

The opening act was Hakkiesdraad Hartman, a George-based artist that is well established in the Afrikaans music scene and festival circuit. Appelgren, who coordinates the project, welcomed the young crowd. "The idea is to develop, expose and promote young talent with monthly showcases to an audience that appreciates our home-grown artistry, adding to local, cultural atmosphere and boosting the creative economy of the region."

Bands that played included Kloudink (George-based), The Saharan Coastguard and Andtheriddle.

There were performances by Matthew Rodriguez and Kate Vs the Moon, and Bradley Bath came all the way from Cape

Marelize Bester (11) speel met ghoempies by Lodyn du Preez (agter) se stalletjie. Du Preez se stalletjie is geborg deur Mannetech, ter ondersteuning van haar man, Frik du Preez, wat met nierversaking gediagnoseer is.

Martin Lombard laat waai met ‘n shofar (ramshoring) wat hy self gemaak het. Lombard se bure deel nie sy liefde vir die tydverdryf nie, maar heelwat kerke vra hom gereeld om demonstrasies te lewer. Die horing wat hy hier vertoon is ‘n koedoehoring....

Photos: Pauline Lourens Kelvin Appelgren (left), the sponsor of the Real Live Session, with the musicians he is promoting: Izak Schoombie, Hakkiesdraad Hartman, Bradley Bath, Charles Barnard and Rocco Volschenk.

Finn Rautenbach, manager of the Garden Route Botanical Garden, was thrilled about the good turnout.