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Vredefest 2013 3 Reasons Why Im Looking Forward to VredefestVredefest takes place again this weekend in Hatfield Square. Over the years Vredefest has become one of the premier events on the musical calendar in the capital city. The event kicks off at 5 PM on Saturday the 27th of April 2013. Entrance costs only R50 at the gate ( bargain for four bands). It has always been one of the mini festivals that I look forward to, hence why I’m featuring 3 Reasons Why I’m Looking Forward to Vredefest on the blog today.

Reason One – The Line-Up: Vredefest will feature performances by Die Tuindwergies, Bittereinder, Die Heuwels Fantasties and Teargas.

Die Tuindwergies have cemented themselves as one of South Africa’s most-loved bands over the last few years. The band released their second studio album last year and I’m pretty sure that we can expect some new music from them later in 2013.

Bittereinder are one of the best live acts in South Africa. I have never seen a bad performance by them. They’re gauranteed to get the crowd bouncing and dancing less than 2 minutes into their set.

Die Heuwels Fantasties released their third studio album last year and have become one of SA’s top selling artists since they released they burst onto the scene with their first album in March 2009.

Teargas is a hip hop act made up of three like-minded young men: Ntokozo “K.O.” Mdluli from Piet Retief in Mpumalanga and brothers Ezee “Ma-E” Hanabe and Bantu “Ntukza” Hanabe from Soweto. It will be interesting to see what happens when they make their way onto the stage at Vredefest this year.

Reason Two – It’s for a good cause: Vredefest is brought to you by the Vrede Foundation. The Vrede Foundation aims to generate awareness amongst Young South Africans (15-29) regarding Cancer. The foundation also aims to raise funds and provide financial aid for Young South Africans with Cancer who do not have medical aid.

The Vrede Foundation was set up as a result of Herman Pretorius’ Story. You can make a donation towards this cause. For more information about this for the Vredefest merchandise store check out the official Vrede Foundation website. If you don’t want to make a donation or buy merchandise attend one of the Vredefest concerts that are planned instead. Check out the official Vrede Foundation website at http://www.vredefoundation.co.za.

Reason Three – The Vibe: Call me old fashioned, but I love a good live band show in Hatfield Square. In the past few years this venue has become less popular with punters and social butterflies, but that isn’t a reason to stay away from it. It’s still one of the best live venues that Pretoria has to offer and you will not be paying through your nose for alcoholic beverages. After the show you’ll be able to rock out to the max in Aandklas or give your dancing shoes some exercise in Drop Zone.

There you have it, 3 reasons why I’m looking forward to Vredefest. I hope I see many you reading this article at the event this coming weekend. Don’t miss this one! Check out the Promo Video for Vredefest below.

Watch this space for regular updates in the Opinion and Music categories on Running Wolf’s Rant.

PS: This post is part of the A-Z Blog Challenge that I have joined for April 2013.

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Tuks FM 350x343 Tuks FM 107.2 Attempts World Record for the Longest Radio ShowGreat news! Pretoria-based Community station Tuks FM 107.2 is attempting the World Record for the Longest Radio Show. The current World Record is standing at 74 hours and 3 minutes and was set by a UK DJ earlier this year.

Alex Caige and Cassy Clarke (from the Bang Bang Breakfast show) will be settling in to Hatfield Square this coming weekend for the attempt.  The action starts on Friday the 15th of March and Tuks FM 107.2 hopes to stretch it to the 18th of March 2013.  The record is for the longest time to act as a DJ or a continuity announcer during a live radio broadcast.

Tuks FM 107.2 normally broadcasts from the University of Pretoria and is known for producing some of the best talent in the South African media industry, including Gareth Cliff, Liezel van der Westhuizen, Rob Forbes, Kim Schultze and Anele Madoda. The station started broadcasting in 1981.

The Tuks FM 107.2 duo attempting the world record have spent the last month putting together an awesome program that will include a celebration around St Patrick’s Day, a tie in with Idols, chats with former members of the Tuks FM 107.2 crew and visits by some of the leading bands and musicians in the SA Music industry. Both DJs hope to attempt this record again in 2014, even if it means challenging their own best.

The attempt is sponsored by Bioplus and their array of products should be just the thing that the duo needs to make it through the weekend. Tune in to 107.2 FM over this weekend and listen to some great music and to Alex Caige and Cassy Clarke attempting what could be a successful attempt for the World Record for the Longest Radio Show.

Tuks FM 107.2 recently strengthened their signal to 1 KW, so all you Joburgers can listen too. And if you live outside Gauteng: Tuks FM 107.2′s website was recently redone and features online streaming, so you don’t have an excuse.

You can follow @TuksFM1072, @AlexCaige and @cassy_clarke on Twitter for updates throughout the weekend. The official hashtag for the World Record for the Longest Radio Show is #TuksFMRecord.

I know that I’ll be showing my support for Alex Caige and Cassie Clarke this weekend and you should too.  Watch this space for regular updates in the Events category on Running Wolf’s Rant.

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On Friday night I made my way to Hatfield Square for the Party At Launch. It was a fun-filled affair featuring Bittereinder, Yesterday’s Pupil and Lady Lea. More than 3,000 people packed the square on the night before the annual Hatfield Carnival party.

I was particularly impressed with Bittereinder’s performance. It was definitely a night to remember. I also had the privilege to shoot them on the stage at Hatfield Square (something that doesn’t always happen to me). The crowd were insanely energetic and were bouncing around and singing along to Bittereinder’s awesome tunes.

I’m pretty sure that we’re going to see and hear a lot more from Bittereinder this year. Their single “Kwaad Naas” has received extended airplay on some of South Africa’s radio stations. These Pretoria boytjies have made waves in the SA Music industry since late 2010 and their definitely one of the acts to watch in 2013. If you haven’t seen them live and you get a chance, do yourself a favor, you will not be disappointed.

I snapped these photos of Bittereinder performing at the Party At Launch in Hatfield Square. Feel free to check them out.

What did you think of Bittereinder at Hatfield Square on Friday? Leave a comment and let the readers of Running Wolf’s Rant know. Feedback is appreciated and welcome here.

Feel free to share this post with your friends on Facebook and Twitter. Remember: Sharing is caring.

Watch this space for regular updates in the Photography and Music categories on this blog.

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