6th annual music festival caters to cultural cravings
By Julia Holmes
The vibrant Richmond Hill Music Festival “Fete de la musique”, hosted on Saturday, 20 June 2015, once again proved that Port Elizabeth is a city that is a) bursting with talent and b) occupied with residents who love to support local events!
Launched by the Alliance Française, International Language School and Cultural Centre, the festival is intended to “combine a contemporary French tradition with South African musical culture” says director, Charlotte Jarnet. “Fete de la musique” has not only evolved into an annual social tradition in cities throughout France, but is intended to facilitate the social interaction of local musicians and members of the public. Furthermore, Charlotte explains that “It is also an opportunity for the citizens of Nelson Mandela Bay to discover new artists and an interesting vehicle for musicians to entertain them”.
Hosted within an emerging suburb that is often termed the ‘heart’ of Port Elizabeth culinary, drink, and creative retail outlets, the festival was not only free of charge, but allowed patrons to, on foot, explore the trendy Richmond Hill area in the process. The festival has successfully catered to the cultural cravings of the Nelson Mandela Bay region for 6 years, gaining support from international stakeholders, as well as local, national, public and corporate sponsors.
The Alliance Française ensured that the masses were in line for a musical treat, arranging for the performance, on 2 main stages, of 13 local artists and 3 international artists. Complemented by a day of sunshine, and an eager crowd, the diverse artists included: The Nelson Mandela Metropolitan Big Band, Forget the Fall, Vudu Jazz , The Brothers, DJ Superman, Urban Legends, and Hey!Bang!Dead! The time frame of the festival, 12HOO-22HOO, allowed for all to acquire a musical taste, with patrons either popping in throughout the day, or picking a spot and “making a day out of it”.
Accustomed to Stanley Street, the festival’s shift to Raleigh Street initially caused mixed reviews amongst festival regulars, but, with Stanley Street eateries following suit and hiring local talent to perform in their restaurants, the festival’s vibe was undoubtedly felt throughout Richmond Hill. Restaurants incorporating such musical dynamics were Buenos Restaurant, Soho Fushin Lounge, and Zorba’s. For the rugby fanatics, their viewing of the DHL Stormers vs Brumbies match was not compromised by festival arrangements, as restaurants, including Buenos Restaurant, offer television facilities.
Overall, the Richmond Hill Music Festival is not only the ideal cultural occasion to witness local talent in action, but to gather the troops and experience Port Elizabeth the way we like it- buzzing!
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