Jazz on the Rocks

The West Coast jazzes it up

Things get jazzy at Tittiesbaai from Friday 2 March until Sunday 4 march.

It’s about families, camping, braaing, natural beauty; night skies filled with stars…and of course jazz.  The West Coast will be the place to be. It’s casual and chilled, and there’s a harmony between both people and nature that’s seldom seen.

Tittiesbaai, the perfect location
The stage is built on rocks in the sea! Now in its 2nd year, Jazz On the Rocks is a live music festival that gets bigger and bigger.  Originally held at Oudekraal, this is the second year that the event will be held at Tietiesbaai in the Cape Columbine Nature Reserve. And when you see it you’ll know why.  It is an absolutely beautiful venue!  Where else can you swim, kayak, sunbathe or fish listening to some of the coolest jazz in the world? 

Clarence Ford, Jazz on the Rocks founder, says that the Tietiesbaai camp site within the Nature Reserve has already been sold out.  But don’t panic, there are lots of accommodation options in the area.  Tiettiesbaai is close to Paternoster (the crayfish playground in the Western Cape), Langebaan (with its casino) and the little fishing village of Vredenberg.  Everything from camp sites to luxury accommodation.

If you haven’t been to Paternorster before it’s highly recommended – from panty bars to gourmet restaurants.

Eco friendly event
Those who will be staying in the area, regardless of where, qualify for a weekend pass with purchase them via the website below.

‘The Saldahna Bay Municipality has vision’ said Ford. ‘They saw the potential for growing tourism and, at the same time, teaching people the importance of keeping a pristine location, pristine!

A special treat for young and old is a nature trail conducted by one the Nature Reserves’ rangers.  The swimming is safe – lifesavers on jet skis constantly patrol the bay – and the music ends at midnight.  Leaving the rest of the evening for people to enjoy the night sounds and watch a sky that is breathtaking.  Stars us ‘townies’ never see because of all the lights reflecting in the sky.

Day visitors may choose to drive up to Paternoster on their own steam as parking has been allocated outside the Reserve, and an efficient shuttle service will operate from the parking area to the stage on the beach.

Times and tickets: For those driving, the programme for day visitors will end at 18h30. The last shuttle will leave at 20h00. Limited Day passes will be available from Computicket at R165 per person.

The local community will provide delectable West Coast Sea Food to visitors. Visitors are encouraged to buy food from these vendors for a holistic West Coast experience. Needless to say you will in the process vindicate our efforts of encouraging an entrepreneurial spirit in this poverty stricken community.

Luxury bus
Alternatively, a luxury air-conditioned bus service has been organized to depart from Grandwest at 5AM on Saturday 3rd March 2012. The bus trip enables a carefree day for the entire family on the beach and will return back to Grandwest from about 20h30. The bus trip is available from Computicket at R125 per seat. A day pass, R165, will also be required to make use of this service. Only 300 Bus tickets are on sale and are moving fast.

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