The day has been pretty slow here. I’ve settled for reading blog posts to get me back into the swing of things (which has been made even more difficult by forgetting my reading glasses at home).

I think I can sum up this years ‘koppi in 3 words - “Another skitterende skop”. All the factors came together:

Weather: Much warmer this year. no need for gloves and arctic explorer gear.
People: the usual happy go lucky crowd.
Organisation: Very good. From the way the website gave visitors the info they needed, and built up a bit of a pre-event community right through to the ticketing, the kreef hotel and their flipping amazing showers, the bars (so glad Amstel beer left SAB as it was an SAB-free event, refreshingly!), i could go on.
Music: As usual, some old favourites mixed with some new, for me at least, treats.

New personal discoveries:
- Closet Snare (interview and live vid | myspace) [superb]
- Youngblood Brass Band (The times interview)
- Unit R (myspace
- Max Normal TV (myspace)

And some previously seen highlights:
- kidofdoom (nice lighting by Peter, especially those extra cool LEDs (see top pic))
- Desmond and the Tutus (previous mention on this blog) - opened quite early on saturday afternoon, but perfect for some lazy snoozing under the trees, as if they were playing in my lounge.
- The Rudimentals - saw them at the armchair theater about 4 or 5 years ago, still cranking out some seriously catchy ska.

For some reason, it was quite a lot more subdued for me this year. I think it was a combination of the usual group dynamic (which was generally very chilled out, maar lekker!) and not really knowing who/what was playing on the Sipho Gumede stage (my guide from Kreef hotel didn’t have that column). this is a pretty lame excuse but i do think that the event would benefit from a huge big board in the main area with a “what’s on now” guide.

all in all, i’m a better man for going.

Idea for next year - a broadcasting system with a range of about 1km to broadcast a RadioOppikoppi signal to the cars in the campsite. I think that would be sweet, inexpensive, and a cool opportunity to add more value to the festival goers options.