On The Lawn RiverSide Sessions – February 1st, 2025

Reviewed by Barry Viljoen

Photos Supplied By France the Planet

 

 

After the event last year was delayed, the highly anticipated On The Lawn River Side Sessions finally took place on February 1st at the picturesque Syringa Park, a lush addition to the Avianto Estate. Nestled just on the outskirts of the Cradle of Humankind, the venue provided an ideal setting, surrounded by serene views and equipped with a diverse array of restaurants to satisfy all tastes. The only thing missing on this beautiful day was a bit more shade, as the sun beat down on the crowd.

Lundi Khoisan kicked off the event as the energetic and lively MC, bringing her trademark enthusiasm and infectious zest for life to the stage. The crowd was ready for what was to be a day filled with musical magic.

First up was Maddy Behrens, a singer-songwriter I had yet to hear of, but whose ethereal brand of folk music immediately captivated the audience. Her performance was nothing short of spellbinding—an enchanting start to the afternoon.

Next, Arno Carstens took to the stage, bringing his eclectic energy and a blend of old and new tunes. His set spanned from his solo work to fan favourites from his New Porn days. The crowd was thrilled as he also revisited some Springbok Nude Girls hits, joined by Martin Rocka of Martin Rocka and the Sick Shop and Warren of Plum, making for an electric performance.

Ard Matthews followed with a slightly stripped-down set, showcasing his expansive catalogue from his Just Ginger days, along with his solo projects. His emotionally charged delivery had the crowd hooked from the first note.

Ross Learmonth, fresh from releasing his solo album, delivered an energetic set that included both his new tracks and the iconic hits from his time with Prime Circle. His passion was palpable, and his backing band elevated the performance to new heights.

By the time Crash Car Burn took the stage, the crowd was eagerly anticipating their return. Having not seen them live for years, I was excited to see them deliver some crowd favourites. They kicked off strong with two fan-favourites, but unfortunately, the weather had other plans. As the first signs of lightning appeared, the show was cut short for safety reasons—leaving the crowd disappointed but understanding.

Kudos to Breakout Events for putting together such a seamless and enjoyable event. The day was smooth, comfortable, and well-organized, featuring not only these spectacular local artists but also several notable attendees, including members of Wonderboom and LunAE Lane and radio podcast presenter France The Planet. Though the weather cut things short, the On The Lawn RiverSide Sessions proved to be a wonderful celebration of South African music.

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