The Waiting Room is filled with an eclectic mix of individuals, many of whom, I observe to photographer and co-reveller for the night Kathalijne van Zutphen as we enter the bar, are dressed as if en route to an embroidery convention.
The Waiting Room is a popular, cosy venue above Cafe Royale on Long Street, Cape Town. Go up the rickety stairs and you’ll find yourself in a small bar stuffed with arm chairs and couches. The large balcony opening off to the one side lets in the warm summer night air. It’s after nine but no one minds that the band we’re here to see is running late – this is Cape Town after all, and we’re very busy buying beer.
Kathalijne and I squeeze onto a couch under the window alongside a girl in a floral dress and horn rim spectacles. She’s just one of the ‘sweet, geeky’ types that make up this friendly crowd. I’m half expecting a trio of whimsical garden gnomes to start singing but when Miss Texas 1977 takes to the stage it’s a tall, lanky man with short hair wearing a tie (Gene), and a pretty girl in a black dress with a short fringe (Julia) that comprise the band.
Lead singer Gene welcomes us and then with the words “Folk and Roll” they start their set.
My impressions: the music is a combo of folksy guitar and rather melancholy voices that blend together beautifully. The ambiance created by the tunes and lyrics is a little eerie at times but manages not to be depressing. A couple of their friends (Adam Hill, Abbey Hatcher and Lauren Fowler) join them for a few numbers; a ukulele and tambourine are played and it’s definitely nothing like any other local band I’ve seen or heard – which is a very good thing.
Gene brings his American roots to the sound while Julia’s voice adds a perfect sweet, sad balance to his slightly twangy lead.
Fans, friends and family lap it all up and are granted an encore. Kathalijne buys me an AWESOME Miss Texas 1977 T-shirt designed by Kalk Bay based designer and crafter
Lauren Fowler, we get more beer and settle back in to one of the couches while the crowd mingles and drifts in and out of the Waiting Room.
It’s another Monday night in Cape Town.
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