Jazz festival 'a chaotic success'
2005-09-26 09:48
Durban - They flocked to Midmar Dam in their thousands on Saturday for balmy weather, braais and superb jazz - and were not disappointed despite the chaotic organisation.
The funky sounds of the cream of South African jazz rippled across the waters and revved the crowds into a festive frenzy for a marathon session that lasted over 13 hours, ending at 04.30 on Sunday.
The dam and its grassy banks provided a magnificent backdrop to the sounds of the legendary Hugh Masekela, as well as Steve Kekana, Jo Nina, Jimmy Dludlu, Freshlyground, Vumile Nojikelele, Selota, Zola with Dog Shebeleza, Shwi Nomntekhala and Ntando, among many others.
The organisation of the Midmar Dam Heritage Day Jazz Festival was at times chaotic, with the event kicking off almost four hours late.
Freshlyground 'four hours late'
One of the main acts, Freshlyground, was meant to perform at 20:00 but only appeared on stage at 02:00, apparently after being picked up late from the Golden Horse Casino by the organisers.
At one stage during the evening, the exit became completely blocked when incoming vehicles queuing to enter the Blackhurst Peninsular, where the concert was being held, became gridlocked while the parking officials stood by and argued about the situation. Some of the festival-goers turned back at this point and missed the event altogether.
As the evening progressed, performers had to contend with a number of revellers attempting to climb up on stage. While wowing the crowds on trumpet, Hugh Masekela took evasive action and pushed one such reveller back, forcing him off stage. The man fell on a barrier at the front of the stage.
However, apart from this incident the crowd of up to 10 000 was extremely well behaved and there appeared to be many groups of women who had come to dance the night away, said Matt Jackson, Ezemvelo KZN Wildlife hospitality manager.
"Jazz folk are more than welcome because they are there to enjoy themselves and they are well behaved," he said.
The Midmar Dam Heritage Day Jazz Festival is set to become an annual event but next year it is to be staged at Orient Park, on the other side of the dam, Jackson said.
This year's venue - which is also the starting point for the Midmar Mile - takes a heavy knock when used by such a large crowd, he said.