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BY BILLY SUTER
SOUTH African music icon P J Powers will be among acts on the Legends Stage at this year’s Splashy Fen Music festival on the farm of the same name near Underberg.
The 30th edition of the festival takes place over the Easter long-weekend, from Thursday, April 18, to Monday, April 22.
Don Clarke, convener of the Legends of the Fen show, with his partner Dicky Roberts, has been crafting, managing and hosting the popular Legends showcase for three successive years. Adding to the rich historical relevance that Splashy Fen has both for locals and Fenners from afar, Legends of the Fen provides a casually creative platform for those who once played to the crowds at festivals long gone.
Paying tribute to 30 years of great quality South African music, it is a fitting tribute to those who have helped build the iconic festival into what it is today – particularly as the festival celebrates its Pearl Anniversary this Easter.
The showcase, starting at noon on Sunday, April 21, will open with a solo set from Jack Mantis. He will be followed by a Legend in the Making spot, a new feature that celebrates younger artists on the rise. This year Rorke will entertain with his guitar skills and songwriting abilities.
“Needing no introduction, Roly Struckmeyer and his three-piece band will then take to the stage, followed by the fabulous Hairy Legged Lentil Eaters who have become something of an institution at Splashy Fen – with their quirky act and wonderful music, loved by all,” says a Splashy Fen spokesman.
“After the ‘hairy’ boys, we introduce something quite different for the stage; The Meditators – an amazing reggae band from Durban that is fast growing its enormous reputation with a mesmerising brand of roots reggae.
“Finally, PJ Powers herself! Don Clarke has had an association with PJ for many years, starting with her massive hit of his reconciliation song, Sanbonani, back in the late ‘80s.”
“We will be performing our song, Hey-Na-Splashy,” says Clarke. “And we will definitely take up the opportunity to join PJ on stage for Sanbonani, as we promise to offer Splashy Fen fans something truly special once again.”
Booking for the festival is online at www.splashyfen.co.za for R890 per person for the full four-day festival, and day passes will be sold at the gates throughout the duration of the festival.
.....SoSuterBill..... 