Café Blanca’s closing party ended on a high note on Friday, with the venue temporarily transformed into a nightclub, with three bars and top headline acts.
Café Blanca’s closing party ended on a high note on Friday, with the venue temporarily transformed into a nightclub, with three bars and top headline acts.
Chris Maxwell, Café Blanca’s owner, came up with the idea to turn the laid-back spot into a trendy, mainstream affair for a great crowd of Friday night party-goers. “I wanted to turn Blanca into a club for a night,” said Maxwell. “I was influenced by the holiday I had in Cape Town and I decided to bring that party lifestyle back to Grahamstown.”
The event saw Cape Town techno giant DJ Chris Jack spin the decks inside the former Maxwell’s Restaurant, while the busy bar staff served an array of cheap cocktails, shooters and beers from three separate bars. DJ Jack said he loved the small-town atmosphere.
"It is more intimate here than in Cape Town or Joburg. With huge crowds, you don’t get to interact as much. In small towns it is more personal and people party harder for you,” said Jack.
Jack’s experimental, open-minded approach to techno and electro started with his partnership with Nick Supply, years ago, and now he regularly features on 5fm’s Ultramix at six. On Friday,
Jack’s energy and spirit was felt by all. “It’s rare to find a place where you can play your style so freely,” said Jack, “As a DJ, you have to play anywhere and be versatile. You have to make it accessible and read the crowds.”
DJ Chris Jack’s popularity and experience was felt by all, with crowds doting on every track. Under new management, Café Blanca’s premises will be transformed so that the venue is not as dependent on weather.
Plans are under way to retain Blanca’s relaxed vibe under the venue’s new name, The Grotto Mojito – the cocktail cave.
