When we think of Cape Town, the first things that often come to mind are wine, endless stretches of gorgeous coastline and Table Mountain. Dig a little deeper and you’ll encounter surfers, skateboarders and coffee-drinking hipsters. But rock ‘n’ roll has always had a place in Cape Town too; and its pulse beats just as strong and true as the multitude of other places and people of the city.
Here are a few ways of experiencing the rock ‘n’ roll heart of Cape Town, a journey which will ensure plenty of interactions with the locals and is ideal for rocking musicians and rock-lovers alike.
The Rehearsal
If you’re a travelling musician, Kill City Blues will make you feel right at home. This rehearsal and pre-production studio is located in Woodstock, a thriving creative corner of Cape Town.
The musician-managed venue is equipped with three rehearsal rooms and provides storage space. They hire out rooms by the hour at a good rate, with staff on hand to assist with technical setup.
But if you’re just looking for great rock and a cold beer, keep a lookout for any listening sessions the studio offers for a chance to hear some of South Africa’s latest rock music before anyone else, while getting the chance to meet local musicians.
The Food
Cape Town is renowned for its cuisine and offers an outstanding variety when it comes to choosing bars, bistros, cafés and restaurants.
If you’re looking for excellent burgers, mouth-watering pizza, live entertainment and one (or more) round of drinks, head to Dizzy’s in Camps Bay.
The groups grabbing a bite to eat at this corner bar may consist mostly of surfers, as well as actors performing at the theatre around the corner, but the vibe and the staff are distinctly rock ‘n’ roll.
The waiters and bartenders don’t stand for any kind of attitude – a fact which is stated outright with a poster that declares: be nice or go home – but treat them right and you will receive good service in return.
Their rock ‘n’ roll attitude is cemented firmly in place, because in an area swarming with fitness-fundis and local socialites, they keep their special brand of hardcore grit by refusing to conform.
The Shopping
A music-lovers’ paradise, Mabu Vinyl in Gardens is overflowing with music on vinyl, CD and cassette.
Added to this treasure trove of collectibles is a sizable selection of second-hand books; and unlike actual second-hand book stores in and around Cape Town, Mabu Vinyl’s books come with second-hand prices attached.
The store has been rocking and rolling for more than 10 years now. It was started by Jacques Vosloo, who co-owns it with Stephen Segerman, an ardent music lover who went in search of American musician Sixto Rodriguez – a journey which led to the making of the award-winning documentary Searching for Sugar Man.
Don’t be surprised to find Vosloo and Segerman in the store: friendly, helpful and forever ready to dole out music advice – and they know their stuff!
The Party
Painting the town red in Cape Town is a must; and Long Street, one long stretch of road in the heart of the city crawling with pubs and clubs, is usually earmarked as the place to party. But there are dozens of other party venues in Cape Town offering great music and better prices.
For the rock ‘n’ rollers, Mercury and The Shack are the places to see and be seen. The Assembly, around the corner on Harrington Street, is another rocking choice.
Although these clubs are versatile in the genres and styles of music they offer, anybody who loves rock ‘n’ roll is sure to find their place at any one of these. Catch a local act live at Mercury or Assembly, as they host musicians who travel from all over South Africa to rock out in Cape Town.
On the Road
Bellville, about a 15-minute drive from the city centre, has often been dubbed Bellville Rock City for spawning a slew of modern South African rock bands which include Ashtray Electric, Fokofpolisiekar, aKing and Foto Na Dans. You can catch these bands playing all over the city and South Africa.
If you head a little further out of Bellville, you’ll hit Stellenbosch, where the student hang-out Aandklas keeps the rock hard and the drinks cheap. And for a real road trip with rock ‘n’ roll as your journey and your destination, there are music festivals like Rocking the Daisies, which takes place on Cloof Wine Estate in Darling, just an hour’s drive from the city; and the wet and wonderful music festival Up the Creek, held just outside Swellendam, about two and a half hours from Cape Town.
A rock ‘n’ roll journey through Cape Town will open your eyes to a completely different experience of the city. You will have plenty of opportunity to meet locals and get more insight into Cape Town’s hotspots. And, of course, there will be plenty of great music along the way.
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Featured image by Christoph Lenz
