The BedRock Newsletter Archives - Issue No 4

B E D R O C K
(The Band In The Sand)

- Disturbing The Peace Since 1994! -
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www.bedrockband.com
sandmaster@ananzi.co.za/PO Box 1225 Oranjemund Namibia
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No 4/2006 12 November 2006
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HEADLINERS

1. Editorial – We Feel Good!
2. Ahoy – It’s “Leeu Loop” Luderitz!
3. Tales (& Whispers) From The Gigging Circuit
4. Gazing Into 2007’s Crystal Ball – What’s In Store?
5. BEDROCK Merchandise
6. Associated Websites
7. Subscribing/Unsubscribing

1. EDITORIAL – WE FEEL GOOD!

As the year starts to draw to a close, the band are able to look back at what has been a pretty solid consolidation period, building on the comeback foundation laid in the second half of 2005. Although we did not play that many “live” gigs due to a quiet first six months of 2006, a number of the gigs we did play were of some significance. The celebration of our 12th anniversary immediately comes to mind, as does Rob Smart’s farewell gig at the cavernous Power Station! The inaugural Hockey Club Music Festival was also a auspicious occasion. Our next big gig is set for Luderitz on the weekend of 8 – 9 December, 2006, so, if you’re within striking distance, why not join us for the weekend? (More about that further on).

As the regulars will know, we’ve built up a bit of an end-of-year tradition by staging a laid-back afternoon gig at the “Place Of Happiness” in Oranjemund. I’ve no doubt that we’ll follow tradition again this year and, although a date’s yet to be set, watch out for news of when this’ll be. For those who haven’t been to one of these afternoons, they take the form of an unstructured afternoon’s music with a bring ‘n braai with friends and family in a unique desert setting. Nothing much happens but it’s always a most enjoyable and chilled out afternoon.

We’ve also been very chuffed during the course of the year at the number of “new faces” who have been drawn to our gigs. A number of these folk have recently arrived in town and haven’t wasted any time sitting bored at home! Together with this aspect has been the fact that our gigs are continuing to draw people of all ages, creeds and cultures. The support from the youngsters is very encouraging as it means that the whole family can have fun with us – and that’s what the enjoyment of rock music should be all about. Not only have the newcomers to town and youngsters come to our gigs, but they’ve entered the spirit of things with gusto. When we say “with gusto”, we mean they’ve even, without any hesitation, taken up the “Party Animal Of The Night” challenges!! They’ve had no intention of being overwhelmed by the established group of Party Animals!! So, to all you folk who have been drawn to the magic of the Bedrock culture during the year, WELCOME, WELCOME and WELCOME again!! We look forward to seeing you regularly at our forthcoming gigs.

Apart from retaining and building our local fan base, Bedrock’s tentacles are continuing to spread elsewhere, too! I recently had a request from a chap called Oliver Hudner who is a professional French photographer. He is engaged by many top bands and artists to do their “official” photo shoots. Anyhow, Oliver found his way to the Bedrock site as a result of coming into contact with Dan Shout when he was doing photographic work for Johnny Clegg in France recently. In so doing, Oliver lent his ear to the sound samples of Bedrock’s recordings and was blown away by “Crowd Invasion” from our “So, Where’s The Party?” album. He immediately contacted me and ordered two Bedrock CD’s!! One would have imagined that, with all the big bands’ shoulders he rubs against Bedrock would have been the last thing to have interested someone like that – just goes to show how wrong one can be!

Kenny Ramage also offered up a couple of Bedrock CD’s in a staff quiz held at his employers’ in Cape Town. Needless to say, the response to the quiz was overwhelming as music nuts fought for access to the highly sought after Bedrock mellows!! Okay, it might not have been quite like that but the prizewinners will, hopefully, enjoy their prizes and become Bedrock fans.

Looking ahead to 2007, we’ve a number of exciting events penciled in, including a new CD. Now, won’t that just be great! We’ll also be gigging aplenty so watch the website and, of course, this Newsletter to make sure you stay abreast of all that we’re doing. If you feel like dropping us a line please feel free to do so at: sandmaster@ananzi.co.za

2. AHOY – IT’S “LEEU LOOP” LUDERITZ!

One of our gigs of this year promises to be next month’s double-nighter at the German Club in Luderitz on the weekend of Friday, 8 December, and Saturday, 9 December, 2006. We will be participating in what is essentially a music festival and we’ve been given to understand that we’ll be one of five bands, or music performers, on the bill. Bedrock, as usual, will be adding the rock ingredient to the recipe and it sounds like there’ll be something for everyone. Rumour has it that Robbie “Leeu Loop” Wessels will be making an appearance so that is guaranteed to be a lot of fun. We, of course, have our very own “Leeu Looper” in the form of, Heiko Doedens, so we could be heading for a bit of showdown when these two get going!

(For the uninitiated, the “Leeu Loop” (literal translation – Lion Walk) is a recently developed dance routine pioneered in a Vodacom television advert on South African television. Robbie Wessels, an Afrikaans singer and entertainer, is the fellow who performs it in the television advert. The “Leeu Loop” is enjoying the same sort of response as the Macarena or the Y.M.C.A. routine did at one time – a bit of a craze thing going down at present. It probably won’t last but everyone’s having fun while it does!).

3. TALES (& WHISPERS) FROM THE GIGGING CIRCUIT

I guess the pick of our gigs this year so far has to have been our 12th anniversary bash. This was held at our traditional home, the Don in Oranjemund’s CBD – what there is of it, at any rate! The occasion was made particularly special by the fact that Dan Shout, who made his debut with the band on saxophone as a fourteen year old some years back, was able to make the trip home to guest with the band. As previously reported, Dan is a permanent member of Johnny Clegg’s backing band and, so, time at home is at a premium as they have such a hectic touring schedule overseas. It was just great that our birthday bash happened to take place whilst he was on a bit of downtime. Anyway, the evening was a fantastic one with plenty of support from our loyal supporters. To read all about it, check out the DIARY page on the site.

Also in the DIARY you’ll see that we’ve had fun again at “Op My Stoep”, another great local venue. There’re reviews, too, of a couple of other gigs, especially at the Don where a good party is always guaranteed. There’ve been some fresh faces amongst the “Party Animal” recipients which is always good to see. Trust me, the competition for these accolades is really tough these days! Finally, we thoroughly enjoyed ourselves at SAJV’s Christmas function last Friday night. Thanks to Wilna and Tom for allowing us to provide the entertainment for the second year in the row. This write-up will appear in our next DIARY page update.

Finally, a plug for our fellow rockers in town, SnoBlind. SnoBlind have been around for quite a few years but have, generally, restricted themselves to the local sports club scene. The Hockey Club is recognised as their base, apart from the odd foray at the Bowling Club. As with Bedrock, they’ve also struggled with recruiting and retaining members but their persistence is starting to pay dividends and now, finally, they will be staging their first gig at The Don on Friday, 01 December, 2006. Their present line-up is Warren Weidemann on drums, Riaan du Plooy on lead, Polla Pretorius on bass, Michelle Long on backing vocals and percussion and Dave Long on lead vocals. So, let’s all get along to The Don on the 1st December to give the guys and doll of SnoBlind plenty of rockin’ support for their Don debut. We’ll see you all there. At last Bedrock will be able to enjoy a gig at the Don and indulge in a bit of table top dancing and “dopping” themselves for a change!

4. GAZING INTO 2007’s CRYSTAL BALL – WHAT’S IN STORE?

Plenty of plans for next year with gigs provisionally lined up in Luderitz, Keetmanshoop and Windhoek. If things go according to plan, we’ll get the new CD out as early as possible in the new year. That will allow us to take it “on tour” with us. We will be spending December and January/February very much concentrating on this task. That won’t stop us from gigging, of course, as that is what being in a band is all about. Anyway, let’s not say too much more at this stage – you will be informed once our various arrangements have been finalised.

5. BEDROCK MERCHANDISE

Don’t forget that BEDROCK music and merchandise make stunning gifts – so, if you’re still at a loose end as to what to get that special person in your life, look no further. CD’s, caps and supporters’ shirts are all available through our website – just drop us a line at sandmaster@ananzi.co.za.

6. ASSOCIATED WEBSITES

Dan Shout’s booking agency for any function which requires “live” music or professional photography: www.shoutmc.com

Enjoy blogging and seeing what other people are observing, and thinking about, in their own worlds? Check out Dan’s blogsite at: www.shoutitallout.com

Want to keep track on the activities of Bedrock’s most successful “graduate”? Follow Dan’s activities and travels as a member of Johnny Clegg’s band at: www.johnnyclegg.com

If you’re an ex-Rhodie or Zimbabwean check out the Rhodie Music website for plenty of memories of yesteryear at: www.rhodiemusic.com

Did you go to Hamilton High in Bulawayo? Check out what’s going down in recording the school’s history and memories at: www.hamiltonoldboys.co.za

7. PLEASE UNSUBSCRIBE – OR UPDATE YOUR ADDRESS

Finally, please could I ask you to “unsubscribe” if you no longer wish to receive this Newsletter. You can do this by going to the Bedrock website (www.bedrockband.com) and carrying out the “Unsubscribing” function – or by following the links to this Newsletter. By the same token, if you have changed your e-mail address please re-subscribe after deleting your old information. Your co-operation is most sincerely appreciated.

‘Til next time – KEEP ROCKIN’ ‘N BOPPIN’. ‘Til next time!!

www.bedrockband.com