A Johannesburg first: Rise and Shine Music Festival Posted on 12 March 2013 On Saturday I was lucky to attend the first Rise and Shine, Joburg’s first eco-friendly acoustic music festival. It felt a bit weird to be trekking to Sandton for a festival, but I was pleasantly surprised. The festival was held at Sandton Central Park, a green oasis in the heart of Sandton perfect for a chilled out acoustic festival. The lovely little grassy knoll, dotted with large shady trees, was just the right size to feel intimate while still giving the thousand-plus festival goers enough space to party or chill out in the shade. It also conveniently located a 10-minute walk from the Gautrain station, so no need to stress about transport. With the ethos of a collective community outing, Rise and Shine was organised in association with Greenpop.org, who pledge to plant a tree for every 50 people that attended the festival! True to its greenie roots, the festival started with a hatha yoga session at 8. Not being much of a rise and shiner myself, I didn’t make the yoga session or the early bird bands – Phoenix Smith, Shotgun Tori, Chiba Fly and Yo Grapes. I did manage to get there in time for the soulful set of Nakhane Toure, whose folky tunes were a great start to the morning. Next up was Some Grew Young, followed by old-time favourite Tidal Waves who got the crowd dancing. Naming James followed with a great set and then it was time for the much awaited Jeremy Loops to make his magic. The pic above is from the Jeremy Loops set! The festival ended at 6 promptly with Shadowclub, in which was probably my personal favourite set I’ve seen them play. Good tunes all around. Good times. All in all it was a gorgeous Joburg day with amazing music, yummy cocktails, and beautiful people everywhere. I admit, there was definitely a hipster vibe, with all the cool kids in town looking pretty fly in their festival gear sipping on happy coconut cocktails. I couldn’t stop taking photos! I think they convey the vibe much better than words do. What’s not to love about a festival that has inexpensive craft beer, people coming round with R10-a-glass wine, and a stand with bubbles and parasols! Lets just say, I may be tempted to rise early for that 8am yoga class at the next Rise and Shine! Related Posts The Marine welcomes festival goers at the Fynarts festival 30 May 2023 Hermanus will be hosting the 11th FynArts Festival from 10 to 19 June 2023. The programme includes... read more 7 countries that celebrate Easter differently to South Africa 2 April 2023 Here's how some nations are observing the Easter holiday in colourful, epic and sometimes head-scratchingly... read more The Laailou Music Festival is coming to Paarl this November 21 October 2022 There's a new Afrikaans festival on the block! The TopWineRoots Laailou Music Festival is gearing... read more PREV ARTICLE NEXT ARTICLE
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