Silver Mountain Music Festival 2025

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Come and shake off those Friday the 13th blues with an unforgettable evening of music! The Charl du Plessis Trio is here to blow you away with their innovative fusion of classical, jazz, and contemporary styles that have captivated audiences across South Africa. Featuring Charl du Plessis on piano, Peter Auret on drums, and Werner Spies on bass, this trio brings a unique and dynamic sound that appeals to a wide range of music lovers. Charl, a Steinway Artist and the first person to play a grand piano on top of Table Mountain, leads the trio with his extraordinary talent. Peter Auret, one of South Africa’s most sought-after jazz drummers and a three-time SAMA-winning recording engineer, brings his rhythm mastery to the stage. Werner Spies, a versatile bassist and educator, rounds out the trio with his musical depth and expertise. Don't miss out – join us for a night of exceptional talent and musical fusion! Follow this with a meal at any of the excellent restaurants in Swellendam. Swellendam NGK Hall, Adults R220, Children under 14 R200.

Step into the sacred landscapes of Barrydale and embark on a transformative journey with Corne Brink. This guided nature connection workshop invites you to immerse yourself in the rich indigenous wisdom of Kannaland, honoring the deep relationship the Khoi and Attaqua peoples share with the land, nature, and plant spirits. During this special experience, you’ll engage in meditation, storytelling, and a sacred plant ceremony with Mphepho, a plant revered for its healing properties. Together, we will reconnect with nature’s teachings and tap into our own inner wisdom. The workshop will also reflect on the plight of the critically endangered Barrydale Redfin, a unique creature found in the Barrydale area and the work being done to protect it. This is a moment of stillness, offering you the chance to reflect and center yourself, as part of this year’s Silver Mountain Music Festival, celebrating music, culture, conservation, and community. Join us for this profound experience – a journey that goes beyond the ordinary, into the heart of nature and ancestral wisdom, Barrydale Adults R150, Children under 14, R100. 

Join us for an inspiring talk on the healing power of indigenous plants and how they are used to create natural tinctures. Discover the fascinating world of Yamu Botanicals, a company dedicated to growing and harvesting rare, organically grown medicinal herbs to formulate products that promote a healthier and better future. Yamu Botanicals is committed to supporting both the environment and the communities where their products are made and sold. From healing teas and loose herbs to incense and incense wands, Yamu Botanicals crafts a range of products that harness the natural properties of indigenous plants for well-being. Come learn how these organic, plant-based products are not only good for you but also contribute to sustainable, community-driven initiatives. Don’t miss this opportunity to explore how nature’s gifts can heal, restore, and enrich your life. Follow this with a meal at any of the excellent restaurants in Barrydale, Barrydale, Adults R150, Children under 14 R100. 

Get ready for the highlight event of the Silver Mountain Music Festival—an unforgettable afternoon set in the Sawmill on Strawberry Hill Farm. This exceptional concert features the one and only Tim Moloi, one of South Africa's most extraordinary singers. Tim will be joined by the Empower Drumming Academy and Marimba Band, a vibrant community-based organisation from Heidelberg, committed to empowering local youth through music and the arts. The concert will showcase the acclaimed Dave Reynolds Trio and the Silver Mountain Music Orchestra. Together, they will take you on a musical journey through time, with an eclectic mix of pieces ranging from the timeless compositions of Bach to beloved South African standards, as well as contemporary popular tunes. This fusion of old and new, classical and modern, will offer something for everyone. As part of this extraordinary afternoon, you'll also have the chance to indulge in a tasting of local wines and enjoy a light meal while you soak in the beautiful surroundings. This concert is a celebration of music, culture, and community. Don't miss out on the centrepiece event of the Silver Mountain Music Festival! Strawberry Hill Farm, Adults R380, Children under 14 R320. 

Join us for another exciting, and eye-opening fireside talk with Mike Fabricius, as he shares the incredible wonders of the natural world captured through wildlife trap cameras. Discover the secrets behind setting up these cameras and how they help us understand the hidden lives of animals around us. Mike will showcase stunning images, from majestic Cape leopards and elusive caracals to tiny mammals and birds, all captured in their natural habitats. As the Reserve Manager of Grootbos Private Nature Reserve and Chairperson of Conservation at Work Mike brings years of expertise and a deep passion for wildlife photography to this unique presentation. Don’t miss this chance to dive into the hidden world of wildlife and learn how these fascinating cameras bring us closer to nature. Strawberry Hill Farm, Adults R150, Children under 14 R100.

Join us for an exciting exploration of South Africa's botanical wonders with two stunning new books! Firstly, Geoff Nicols' comprehensive guide to South African Indigenous Plants showcases 2,400 local species, helping gardeners transform their outdoor spaces. The book covers everything from climate and garden styles to wildlife attraction and maintenance. Secondly, Nick Helm's Ericas of the Fynbos delves into the fascinating world of ericas, with 170 of the most common species from the Cape Floristic region. The book features detailed descriptions, key ID features, distribution, flowering times, and stunning photos, making it an essential tool for flower enthusiasts, gardeners, and hikers. Both books offer valuable knowledge and inspiration for nature lovers and gardeners alike. Don’t miss the chance to discover these botanical treasures! Includes a cup of the best Swellendam brew, Clock Peaks Coffee. Swellendam Schuur, Adults R150, Children under 14 R100. 

Join us for a heartwarming celebration of youth and talent as we bring together two outstanding youth groups for an unforgettable concert! This special event showcases the powerful voices and rhythms of the Zolani Youth Choir from Ashton and the vibrant Empower Drumming Academy from Heidelberg. The Zolani Youth Choir, under the direction of Odwa Mvunge, was born out of the need for cultural activities for the youth in the Zolani area. The Empower Drumming Academy, under the leadership of Junayne Baatjie, uses music as a tool for positive expression and empowerment. Their Marimba group will showcase the spectacular results of two days of intense collaboration under the direction of the renowned Dave Reynolds. Together, these talented youth groups will present a powerful combined performance, demonstrating how music can inspire, unite, and transform. Don’t miss this uplifting and inspiring evening of music, culture, and youth empowerment! Follow this with a meal at any of the excellent restaurants in Swellendam, Swellendam NGK Church Hall, Adults R220, Children under 14 R100. 

Get ready for an unforgettable evening of music, wine, and storytelling at the Olivedale Music and Wine Pairing event! Over the past few years, these evenings have gained a reputation across the country for their unique blend of captivating stories and eclectic music choices. Join the Silver Mountain String Quartet as they team up with brilliant percussionists for an evening of delightful performances. Carl van Wijk, our expert storyteller and winemaker, will enchant us with the fascinating tales behind Olivedale's exquisite wines. As you sip on these exceptional wines, you’ll be treated to an immersive experience where each wine is paired with carefully selected music, creating the perfect harmony. Whether you’re a wine connoisseur, a music lover, or someone simply looking for a unique and enjoyable evening, this event promises to delight and inspire. Includes cocktail snacks by  Skeiding Guest Farm, Don’t miss this chance to indulge in the rich flavors of Olivedale wines, enjoy enchanting music, and learn the stories that bring it all together. Olivedale Private Vineyards, Buffeljags Adults R360.

The Grootvadersbosch Conservancy is hosting an insightful discussion on the biological control of invasive weeds, featuring two leading experts in the field. Biological control uses natural predators, pathogens, and competitors to manage pests, offering crucial solutions to protect our indigenous species. Dr. Alan Wood, a Specialist Scientist at ARC-Plant Health Protection, has over 30 years of experience in researching biological control, working on 19 invasive plant species and introducing five biocontrol fungi to South Africa. Dr Iain Patterson, an Associate Professor in Zoology and Entomology, focuses on the development of biocontrol agents for invasive plants like cactus weeds and tropical trees. His research looks at plant origins, host specificity, and improving safety and risk assessment for releasing new agents. Don’t miss the chance to learn from these experts about the innovative biological control strategies shaping environmental conservation in South Africa and how you can get involved to assist. Strawberry Hill Farm, Adults R150. Children R100

Join us for an extraordinary musical journey featuring SAMRO award-winning composer Dave Reynolds, one of South Africa’s most celebrated steelpan players, alongside the leading jazz marimba and vibraphonist Bongani Sotshononda, and talented bass player Sean Sanby. This trio brings together a unique fusion of African rhythms, soulful melodies, and acoustic textures that will captivate and move you. Dave Reynolds, renowned for his international acclaim and collaborations with legends like Hugh Masekela, Paul Hanmer, and Andy Narell. Joining him is Bongani Sotshononda, a master of the marimba and vibraphone, whose work has wowed audiences in Europe and South Africa. Together with Sean Sanby on bass, this powerhouse trio will perform original works that blend African rhythms with classical and acoustic sounds in an unforgettable chamber music experience. The performance will also include a light lunch and a glass of wine, making for the perfect afternoon of music, food, and connection. Be part of this extraordinary musical experience! Adults R360, Children under 14 R300. Greenlands Farm Table between Ashton and Swellendam.