No, this wasn’t STRAB (which happens on a beach in Mozambique), but LILO on a “beach” in Benoni. Cielo Beach Bar played host to this alternative music show, with a massive beach, private swimming pool, cocktail and craft beer bars. For someone who has not been to the coast in more than 4 years, this was close to that real beach feel. Like our MC for the day, Baas De Beer said: “if you stand with your bare feet in the sand, close your eyes and pretend that the noise of the traffic in the background was the sound of waves, you were set.”

The day started off with some awesome tunes from Stephane Marais. Sadly, the crowd was still minuscule this early into the day. They certainly missed out. Marais treated us to one of the best covers of Budapest I’ve ever heard. Next up was Josie Field and Laurie Levine. When these ladies sing, I feel things that I don’t feel very often. Josie’s blues infused rock vocals connects perfectly with Laurie’s folk style.  Together these two ladies created a unique and intimate set.

Jaryd Smith wooed the ladies with his bearded glory and catchy folk beats. The first time I saw Bad Peter live was at a Park Acoustics last year, and I completely fan-girled over this acoustic duo with their Indie Folk sound. They once again didn’t disappoint. They certainly are a band that has to be experienced for yourself.

The Tipo Tinto ran out by this time. But luckily there were plentiful craft beers on tap to mark National Beer Day. Strait-Jackal kicked off their first set of the weekend at LILO (their next was the following day at Park Acoustics). Their eccentric sound brought the crowd in and kept them entertained all the way.

December Streets always knows how to get one into a dancing mood. They brought the crowd to their feet, singing along to their hit song, Addy. They performed a new song, their cover of Robin Schulz’s Sugar, and tracks from their album, “This Is”. Shortstraw was certainly the highlight of the day.

The East-Rand came out to see these meddling kids. I was jamming along to “Bikini Weather” in my bikini while the sun went down over the waters. This was bliss, *no ignorance needed*. They crowd sang along to favourite hits like “Couch Potato”and “Keanu Reeves” and danced to newer hits like “Bowsie” and “T-shirt”.

Speaking of T-shirts, Gad De Combes wowed the crowd with his backhand throw while supplying a few lucky spectators with some Shortstraw merch. PH Fat closed off the party. The crowd jumped along, went all out crazy. Their set was the perfect end to an epic day.

Benoni sure knows how to throw a rocking beach party. Cielo was a great venue, and will hopefully play host to many more days like this in the future. Next time I’ll just have remember to take along some sunscreen!

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