The new summer season of Paul Cluver concerts kicks off this weekend and the lineup looks very tempting indeed.

It’s not something I’ve experienced myself, yet, but is apparently an awesome way to spend a Saturday evening, relaxing under the beautiful canopy of trees surrounding the amphitheatre. Tickets are strictly limited to 600 per concert, making for an uncrowded, tranquil environment that appeals to me very much.

It is the most unique and awe inspiring setting for performances and it is only 45 minutes drive from Cape Town International. A towering Eucalyptus forest circles the intimate open-air arena which has been hewn from farm timber in its entirety. Performances are specifically chosen to match the natural acoustics of the venue.

Picnic hampers are available and the estate’s wine can be purchased at the concert (no BYO wine allowed).

Here’s that lineup:

10 Dec	PRIME CIRCLE  Prime Circle’s Jekyll & Hyde named as ROCK ALBUM OF THE YEAR 2011	R 325
16 Dec	THE PARLOTONES Be part of the most intimate concert of their Cape Town tour.	R 350
14 Jan	NATANIEL  Afrikaans opera pop.  Stage performer/singer/songwriter and story teller supreme – an evening of mirth & music awaits	R 200
4 Feb	FRESHLYGROUND  Be blown away by an original mix of indigenous African sounds & contemporary urban styles such as afro-pop and dance music	R 325
11 Feb	SPECIAL CONCERT – SHARE THE LOVE with the UK compere and international saxophinist Andrew  Young and band, in support of Imibala Sponsor-a-child charity.  Bookings open soon	R 200
18 Feb	ELVIS BLUE  A musician with a dream, a goal and an overwhelming desire to make music that matters	R 200
25 Feb	WATERSHED  One of the most popular export products the Rainbow Nation has on offer	R 325
10 Mar	VUSI MAHLASELA  Known simply as ‘The Voice’ Vusi Mahlasela is celebrated for his distinct, powerful voice and his poetic, optimistic lyrics	R 325

Gates open at 5pm (seating is unreserved), and concerts start at 7pm.  For more info, visit Paul Cluver’s website.