The Sound Kiln is a music festival and outdoor experience the likes of which Grahamstown has never seen before. Organisers promise a meditative vibe for those who just want to get away from the Festival madness as well as a stellar selection of local and national music acts for those who want to party the wintry nights away.
The Sound Kiln is a music festival and outdoor experience the likes of which Grahamstown has never seen before. Organisers promise a meditative vibe for those who just want to get away from the Festival madness as well as a stellar selection of local and national music acts for those who want to party the wintry nights away.
A dedicated group of well-connected and music loving students are currently making this vison a reality at Three Chimney’s Farm – a 160 year-old brickyard already synonymous with the highly successful tunnel parties. While the tunnel has drawn a mostly student crowd the kiln is very family friendly with acoustic sets, food and drink stalls, drumming, massage, fire poi, clothing and art and crafts on offer throughout the day. As the sun sets campfires are lit and the music takes a deeper, faster tempo.
The students behind Sound Kiln drew their inspiration from South Africa’s best known outdoor music experiences. While they aren’t attempting to compare to great names like Vortex, Earthdance or Splashy Fen the Sound Kiln is anticipated to be a success – with many guests from Cape Town and Durban already confirmed. Energetic organiser Jen Bam says that although her crew is apprehensive they remain extremely excited about the Kiln’s potential and are calling it "bigger and better" than anything that has graced Grahamstown before. Expectations are high, with plans for an annual Sound Kiln already underway.
The first day opens at 10 am on 6 July with well known local acoustic artists Dave Knowles and Dreamweaver, with more established names like Gary Thomas of Cabins in the Forest taking the stage later in the day.
An eclectic mix of jazz, reggae, ska, funk and rock will keep every member of the crowd on their feet while punk artists Shots Fired are expected to heighten the energy. Recent visitors The Magic of Pegasus introduce an electronic music pulse reminiscent of an 80s meets Club Kids vibe on day two. Local electro and minimal DJ Joe Ashburner takes the crowd through ’til dawn followed by some local drum-and-bass and Iggy Vermaak’s funky trance. The fragmentary beats of reggae-inspired Dub Step open the second night followed by Chamber Concept who warms up the crowd for "the beat conductor himself" : Sibot. Niskerone and Lunar play Wednesday morning with Gunny, Rubix Qube, Biorhythm, Scarab and Xatrik from The Village taking the crowd through the last sunrise on 9 July.
Sibot, whom organisers describe as "a big legend internationally" and the recently confirmed Tascha Baxter are just a tantaliser for the full Sound Kiln experience. The rustic Three Chimneys, managed by The Farm Folk consisting of organiser Rob Davies and his family, offers a surreal environment. The soaring chimneys of the brickyard are reflected in the clear lake beneath, while sculptures and teepees dot the landscape. Three Chimneys has hosted many successsful and safe parties before and high standards of security will be maintained by vigilant organisers, guards and life-guards.
You can reach The Sound Kiln by taking a 15 minute walk or a 10 minute donkey cart ride from New Street. The weather should be crisp so dress appropriately. Dance and chill areas are tented (so don’t worry about the rain) and if you would like to retreat indoors, heaters, couches and hay bales will be waiting for you inside the tunnel. Plenty of space is available for parking and there are ample camping spots situated around fire places. Pre-sold tickets are available at L.A.Nslide, the Old Gaol, Cow Moon Theory and Under the Arch. Day passes are also available for those who are enjoying the Arts Festival too. For more information, find the Sound Kiln on Facebook or email thesoundkiln@gmail.com.
