Peter Rorvik
THE Tuesday weather map depicted a pair of cold fronts heading up from the Atlantic, with rain and cold expected at Splashy Fen. Well, it got cold but, unlike last year, it didn’t rain. In fact, there were some glorious sunny spells at the festival last weekend– people swam in the river every day, and walked in the fields and hills. Outdoor activity, along with the joys and challenges of camping, is what makes this festival so unique. Splashy Fen is a busy jol with much to do and see.
And, of course, there was plenty of music to hear. A free stage for amateurs as well as professionals operated all day in one of the campsites (an emerging artist to look out for is the silky-voiced Ros Thompson). From midday till sundown, bands played on the open stage beside the river, with the surrounding hillside providing a natural amphitheatre. After sunset, the big-buzz performances took place in a big marquee near the flea market.
Thursday night featured skollie rocker Bill Knight and an exhilarating jam between guitarist Nibs van der Spuy and violinist Anton C Blazeby. Pedro Espi-Sanchis, better known for his children’s stories, really cut loose on the hose-pipe.
The last act of the night was the Simba Morri Band, with guest percussionist Dan Choirboli. Their extended cooker of a set had the Fenners up and dancing.
Friday night was rock night, and featured a solid debut performance from new outfit Arapaho. Famous Curtain Trick are looking more polished at every outing — Michael Whitehead’s guitarwork was particularly outstanding. Dog Day Afternoon had two guitars stolen in Durban just a few days earlier, and the Dogs were snarling mean.
By Saturday, over 6 000 revellers were enjoying the occasion. Geoffrey Tracey and the University of Durban African Music Ensemble presented a stunning array of indigenous music. Dave Leadbetter’s fine piano and trippy guitar provided a major mood-change before the special guests from Scotland, The River Detectives, played their clean and tight folk-rock.
A highlight came on Sunday with a tearaway set by the Heather Mac Band, featuring Edi Niederlander on guitar, Ilna Hofmeyr on bass and Steve Howells on drums. Heather Mac’s dynamic delivery and heart-and-soul songs radiate as well as generate inspiration.
One of the top acts of the festival was in essence more drama than music. Ellis Pearson and Bheki Mkhwane performed on the grass at the foot of the amphitheatre and showed themselves to be consummately skilled at drawing participants into their skits.
This year some muzos complained that the half-hour sets at the open stage were too short. Perhaps it is time to reconsider the existing format, and instead of presenting so many artists (this year there were 58 in all), hone it down and have some major headliners instead.
But there is no doubt Splashy Fen will remain one of South Africa’s great music festivals. Hippies, groovers, new agers, farm folk, campers and ordinary people all contribute to the colourful vibe of Splashy Fen.
The experience was summed up in simple terms by a song by the Strutters, which won them a Washburn guitar: ”I am so happy … to be at Splashy!”