Jan van Riebeek het in sout geweek,
soos 'n sardien of styfbeen-bokkom,
met al sy trawante aan land gekom.
Hulle het geskop, geskiet en gemoer
en beskawing gesaai van die voet van die berg tot daar doer
waar 'n meisie met kraal en doek vergeefs na die liefde soek.
Daar's 'n plek waar ek wil wees,
sonder sondes, sonder vrees,
waar die son sak soos 'n muntstuk in 'n boemelaar se beursie,
terwyl vriende dans met messe in hulle hande.
Die onderste-bo koppie met sy voete in die hemel en hande in die hel
Al that is left of one of the greatest experiences of my life, is a white, untanned strip on my left arm where my Avontoer entrance bracelet use to be. And of course all the memories and kiekies.
What is Avontoer? Well, it is only the most awesome-est week long rock 'n roll tour all along the western coast of South Africa, that can never be topped. I understand that the people who went to the shows had a great time, but touring along through rain, mud, sunshine and dodgy bath rooms is, without a doubt in my mind, one of the greatest learning curves you can ever force yourself into. We toured with Van Coke Kartel, Holiday Murray, New Holland, Zinkplaat, Die Tuindwergies, No One's Ark, Loveglove Pyrotechnics and The Friendly Lemons.
Francois van Coke was basically devoured by the Tassies-induced crowd at Struisbaai. The Seerowers basically destroyed the stage every time New Holland called them onto stage with Shine on. Holiday Murray drew a tear with The sea finds me and only confirmed why they are my favorite band of 2011. Die Tuindwergies made folk-country (yah, I know right) something I would actually recommend - above and beyond their music, I recommend their live performances, though. Zinkplaat is the embodiment of the tour (many of the band members are closely involved in the organisation of Avontoer). Keep an eye out for No One's Arc and The Friendly Lemons, they might be new, but their appeal is as unexpected as it is overpowering. Yet another young band, The December Streets, also showed that Pretoria has another wave of rock 'n roll based on those youngsters taking over the scene and it's building to Tsunami-proportions. Last, but no way in hell the least, I have to mention Loveglove Pyrotechnics. Once you get over the initial shock of "what the fuck!", their tunes start singin' for themselves and you sigh of relieve - pure rock and roll: The kind that makes you want to fist-pump, nod your head and throw your rock horns in the air. I personally can't wait for them to visit Pretoria!
So, after having to listen to all these bands for two weeks, here are some songs you need to start learning:
