After weeks of agonisingly searching for that perfect lilo, Up The Creek is finally upon us and if you’re one of the few thousands making your way to Swellendam this weekend, I’ve taken the liberty of pinpointing a few acts that you’re not going to want to miss.
aKING (Thursday 23:00 Jägermeister Stage). Because they’re still churning out gorgeously introspective, poetic lyrics with solid arrangements to match and because Laudo Liebenberg’s voice is still one of the best in the bizz.
Piet Botha and the Lyzard Kings (Friday 12:00 Sedgwick’s Stage/Sunday 13:00 Hunter’s Stage). Because these guys pretty much personify what Up The Creek is all about and because Piet has had a few legendary moments on the festival’s stage. Remember his cover of Nine Inch Nails’ ‘Hurt’? Goosebump stuff.
Basson Laubscher (Friday 17:00 Hunter’s Stage). Because the spirit of Hendrix is strong with this band. Basson works a fret board and a crowd like a person possessed by the classic days of rock ‘n’ roll.
Al Bairre (Friday 22:00 Jägermeister Stage). Because they’ve been lying low for a while (except for the extensive East Coast tour), most probably biding their time and cooking up something spicy in the twin’s kitchen. Plus, I’ve ever only seen them deliver energetically and no-holds-barred-ly, performance-wise.
Gateway Drugs (Friday 2:00 Hunter’s Stage). Because they just released the title track off their upcoming new album, which means new songs and a chance to grip your favourite person, throw your left hand up in the air and party like its 1989.
Manouche (Saturday 11:00 Sedgwick’s Stage). Because there’s nothing like a little bit of gypsy jazz to really get the party started and I’m almost positive that it’s been proven to be impossible to not break into a Balkan two-step when this five-piece get going.
Shortstraw (Saturday 22:00 Jägermeister Stage). Because they’re fresh off the release of their album and I’m dying to see how they structure their always-solid set list to include a few of those cracking newbies.
Hot Water (Saturday 23:00 Jägermeister Stage). Because when they played at Kirstenbosch a few weeks ago, this happened.
Black Cat Bones (Saturday 00:00 Jägermeister Stage). Because they’re a true lucky packet group and because they’ve promised to close down the stage on Saturday night with something extra special.
Sawagi (Saturday 2:00 Hunter’s Stage). Because it’s quite rare for Up The Creek to host an international band and I’m keen to see what they’re cooking up with buddies Shortstraw. A festival moment never to be forgotten? Perhaps.
Check out the full line-up below.
Also, please note the important safety notice from Up The Creek: Creekers, we have an important request that affects your safety and also the local farming crops! Last year we had a number of car accidents to deal with, one with very serious consequences. PLEASE DRIVE SLOWLY ON THE DIRT ROAD. We’d rather you get there in one piece, than not get there at all! The road is currently being graded and it is therefore more dangerous than previous years as there is a lot of loose gravel on the side of the road. The potential to lose control is much higher than usual. The local farmer has also put out a plea to us requesting that cars drive much slower as the volume of dust, kills his crops!
