Booze-free concerts for U18s
JOBURG - Drinking bubble tea with a short straw and listening to live bands sounds like a good idea to the City Buzz team.
No, it isn’t the debut of a new drink, but rather, the launch of a series of U18 concerts that will no doubt take the country by storm.
Local bands and solo musicians Shortstraw, P.H. Fat, Al Bairre, Nomadic Orchestra and Gangsterdam have come on board with bubble tea makers, Happy.Me, and juice bar, The Goodluck Bar, to bring the youth of Joburg – for now – a super fun and age appropriate concert.
The event, titled Tea Party, will be the first of a series of shows dedicated to showcasing popular live music for under 18s in a safe and fun environment. This one-of-a-kind shindig takes place on 26 September.
Karla Smit of Red Flag Design and Marketing, explained the reason how the idea for the youth-appropriate shows came about. “They [bands and musicians] don’t feel comfortable with younger people being present at the bigger events where alcohol is being sold,” said Smit.
This special event will be held at The Sheds@1Fox, a new and trendy market spot in the city.
Parents need not be concerned for their child’s safety as they will be able to escort their teens and enjoy the show from their own designated area where they can experience The Sheds and its diverse entertainment, such as the marketplace and great food stalls – and rest assured that no alcohol will be served during the event.
Caroline Hillary, also of Red Flag Design and Marketing, further elaborated on the issue of under 18s who would do anything to see their favourite band. “The bands got wind of a number of teens sneaking into clubs to see their favourite bands live, so this event will provide a safe environment for them,” said Hillary.
“Maybe more artists will see this and want to join as well,” she continued.
