Namibia rocks anyway
22 June 2020 | Art and Entertainment
Namibia rocks anyway
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
WINDHOEK
Despite it raining cats and dogs, the Camp Rock Music Festival, which took place from 28 February to 1 March, was a huge success.
South African artists Anton Goosen, Francois van Coke, Spoegwolf and the Radio Kalahari Orchestra, as well as local acts Vaughn Ahrens, Jacob & Taylor and John Rock Prophet took festivalgoers on a musical journey.
Namibians couldn't wait until next year for the next event, so from 3 to 5 July, Camp Rock organisers Camping in Namibia and Steinheim Farm will host After Camp Rock - The River Rocks.
“Many people could not attend the first Camp Rock or the heavy rain kept them away. Many asked for a Camp Rock after-party. And why not?
“We wanted to exchange ideas for Camp Rock 2021 anyway, so we decided to combine the two. The River Rocks is a small, intimate version of Camp Rock,” said Evane Storbeck, Camping in Namibia owner and the mastermind behind the festival.
Informal vibe
The after-party won’t feature a beer tent or stage, Storbeck said, instead opting for a more informal vibe with good rock music, a bonfire and a bring-and-braai.
There will also be plenty of toilets and showers with hot water, she added.
The event is not only an attempt to support the local tourism industry, she said, but local artists, who have been left without an income by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent regulations, too.
Four local singers will entertain festivalgoers at the after-party. PD Stoman, Vaughn Ahrens and Jacob & Taylor are all returning, while Riaan Smit will be the big draw for the event.
Smit is the lead singer of several groups, including Crimson Blues and Brothers Remedy.
His music is described as a "combination of gypsy blues and alternative folk".
Safety first
The 4x4 route will also be offered again, Storbeck said, while adding that all possible steps have been taken to ensure the safety of festivalgoers.
Only 50 people will be able to attend the event per day.
"The campsites are far apart, masks are mandatory and hand sanitiser will be freely available.
"We hope the regulations around group meetings will be lifted slightly after 30 June, but for now, we are preparing for 50 people," she said.
Location
Located 45km outside Windhoek on the C26 road, Steinheim Farm is close enough for the ideal weekend getaway.
“Perhaps now is the perfect opportunity to leave the worries of 2020 behind for a weekend and to experience the basic joy of good music and company again,” Storbeck said.
Tickets are N$500 per person for two nights or N$300 per person for one night, and are available on PayBuddy.
For those interested in the 4x4 route, it’s N$200 per car. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit Camping in Namibia's Facebook page.
Camp 1
CAMPING AND MUSIC: After Camp Rock - The River Rocks is slated for early next month at Steinheim Farm. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Camp 2
ENTERTAINER: Vaughn Ahrens is one of the singers on the line-up. PHOTO: FILE
MICHAEL KAYUNDE
WINDHOEK
Despite it raining cats and dogs, the Camp Rock Music Festival, which took place from 28 February to 1 March, was a huge success.
South African artists Anton Goosen, Francois van Coke, Spoegwolf and the Radio Kalahari Orchestra, as well as local acts Vaughn Ahrens, Jacob & Taylor and John Rock Prophet took festivalgoers on a musical journey.
Namibians couldn't wait until next year for the next event, so from 3 to 5 July, Camp Rock organisers Camping in Namibia and Steinheim Farm will host After Camp Rock - The River Rocks.
“Many people could not attend the first Camp Rock or the heavy rain kept them away. Many asked for a Camp Rock after-party. And why not?
“We wanted to exchange ideas for Camp Rock 2021 anyway, so we decided to combine the two. The River Rocks is a small, intimate version of Camp Rock,” said Evane Storbeck, Camping in Namibia owner and the mastermind behind the festival.
Informal vibe
The after-party won’t feature a beer tent or stage, Storbeck said, instead opting for a more informal vibe with good rock music, a bonfire and a bring-and-braai.
There will also be plenty of toilets and showers with hot water, she added.
The event is not only an attempt to support the local tourism industry, she said, but local artists, who have been left without an income by the coronavirus pandemic and the subsequent regulations, too.
Four local singers will entertain festivalgoers at the after-party. PD Stoman, Vaughn Ahrens and Jacob & Taylor are all returning, while Riaan Smit will be the big draw for the event.
Smit is the lead singer of several groups, including Crimson Blues and Brothers Remedy.
His music is described as a "combination of gypsy blues and alternative folk".
Safety first
The 4x4 route will also be offered again, Storbeck said, while adding that all possible steps have been taken to ensure the safety of festivalgoers.
Only 50 people will be able to attend the event per day.
"The campsites are far apart, masks are mandatory and hand sanitiser will be freely available.
"We hope the regulations around group meetings will be lifted slightly after 30 June, but for now, we are preparing for 50 people," she said.
Location
Located 45km outside Windhoek on the C26 road, Steinheim Farm is close enough for the ideal weekend getaway.
“Perhaps now is the perfect opportunity to leave the worries of 2020 behind for a weekend and to experience the basic joy of good music and company again,” Storbeck said.
Tickets are N$500 per person for two nights or N$300 per person for one night, and are available on PayBuddy.
For those interested in the 4x4 route, it’s N$200 per car. Book early to avoid disappointment.
For more information, email [email protected] or visit Camping in Namibia's Facebook page.
Camp 1
CAMPING AND MUSIC: After Camp Rock - The River Rocks is slated for early next month at Steinheim Farm. PHOTO: CONTRIBUTED
Camp 2
ENTERTAINER: Vaughn Ahrens is one of the singers on the line-up. PHOTO: FILE
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