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KNYSNA NEWS AND GALLERY – Nearly a year on from their lauded first performance in Knysna, Canadian duo Neon Dreams returned and rocked the town to the core last week on 26 April.
This time they were accompanied by fellow Canadian trio NEW CITY and UK artist Casey Lowry. The former warmed up the crowd with a lively performance, and despite few being familiar with NEW CITY's music, everyone jived along to the end of the set.
As the night started to cool the show heated up as more ticket-holders streamed in.
Casey Lowry kept the crowd on their feet to dance and sing along, spurred on by his energetic presence on stage and in all probability his familiar local libation of what looked like a good old brandy and Coke.
PHOTO GALLERY: Neon Dreams rocking the town
But, the climax of the show was still to come. With an eager crowd now sufficiently warmed up by the curtain raisers, Neon Dreams guitarist, lead singer Frank Kadillac and drummer sometimes-turning guitarist Adrian Morris took the stage by storm from the get-go.
They had a tough act to beat, as in 2021 they put on a show that few could forget.
But even if those present at last year's gig might not have thought it possible, the duo's dreams displayed in neon were even brighter than those in 2021.
It was once more a show that left a lasting impression, brimful of many of their hits, including their latest single Little Dance which was written, recorded, and produced in Cape Town.
Crowd members whip out their cellphones to capture the final moments of the show.
As is their custom, they signed off the show with the song that kicked it all off for Neon Dreams in South Africa - Life Without Fantasies - which fans know word for word.
Casey Lowry accompanied the duo on the ukulele for the song.
It proved a fitting conclusion to a phenomenal show that, once again, topped anything they'd presented on tour so far.
"This is the best show we've had yet, the crowd was absolutely insane and so amazing," Kadillac said, speaking to KPH after the show.
"It was so energetic, I could feel it in my heart throughout the show. It was an even bigger crowd, still sold out, my ears are still ringing."
Over the past year, the duo has called Cape Town their second home and they've fallen in love with the country.
"It feels like we have family members all over, it's beautiful," Kadillac said. It's been special for Morris too.
"The night before last was our last night in Cape Town for a while and I had to say goodbye to some people who are very close to me now, people that I've called best friends and family for the past year," the drummer said.
Casey Lowry was also a ton of fun when on stage. Photos: Blake Linder
They were also treated to a trip through the Knysna Heads on the morning of their show. "It was incredible, so beautiful and absolutely amazing," Morris said, and Kadillac added that if he could choose, Knysna would be his third home.
"The people here are amazing and the scenery is next level ... this would be my summer home," he said.
The duo still have four shows left on the SA leg of their tour, and another six in Canada for what will be a very special homecoming.
"It's going to be very emotional. We've been gone for so long I sometimes forget what home looks like, so I'm looking forward to it. It's going to be so special," said Kadillac.
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