.jpg)
.jpg)
The Hangout’s ethos is captured in its name: an invitation to gather around good music, easy conversation, and, thanks to The Troyeville’s well-loved restaurant, really good food. For Allerston, the measure of a successful evening is disarmingly simple – that people leave smiling.
"Every weekend is unique and special. It’s like coming to recharge your battery or collect your vitamins for the week ahead." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
Not pinned down by genre, the series moves fluidly across styles and moods, reflecting the breadth of South Africa’s musical landscape. Past performers are an eclectic mix of emerging and established acts, ranging from Afro-psychedelic collective BCUC to alternative rock mainstays Tree63. The freedom to programme widely speaks to Allerston’s expansive musical sensibility – one guided less by labels than by curiosity.
We caught up with Allerston to talk about early influences, rooftop magic, and why no two Sundays at The Troyeville ever feel the same.
*Published February 2026.
Who is Kerry-Anne Allerston?
Just a girl from Joburg who loves music, fun, and good times.
What’s your earliest music-related memory?
My dad used to play the piano and guitar to me when I was very little, and there was always music playing in our house, so my love for music started very young.
For someone who hasn’t been yet, how would you describe The Hangout and the feeling you’re trying to create there?
I want people to come for one of those all-day lunches filled with beautiful music, friends, family, and good food. The kind of lunches where you laugh, chat, and really connect. And to make it even better, you get to dance and sing too. I want people to feel safe and happy. You can come alone or with a crowd and just have a really special time. No Sunday is ever the same. Every weekend, the genres differ, and you can discover incredible new talent as well as celebrate our stars.
"Switch off the telly and get to a live show." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
Music is central to The Hangout. What guides your choices?
I want to create a space where I can shine a light on up-and-coming artists. It’s very important to me to give new artists a platform where they can not only play, but play to a sold-out audience, grow their fan base, and reach more people. I also enjoy putting together line-ups that are a little different and not too predictable. I’ve been incredibly lucky to feature some huge acts on the rooftop who wouldn’t usually play to small, intimate crowds, which makes The Hangout at The Troyeville really special.
What makes The Hangout different from other music or social spaces in Johannesburg?
I think we have something quite unique. The talent on our live music calendar is phenomenal, and the sound and lighting are brilliant, with Justin Bernardo and Rene Rossol heading up that dream team. Sound and lighting are so important to a show, and it’s perfection every week. The menu is fantastic, with really great price points, and the views of the city are absolutely beautiful.
"When people leave smiling and can’t wait to come back, that’s success to me." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
What kinds of connections or moments have stood out to you since being involved?
We’ve been so lucky to fill our magical space with the best audiences. The guests and the waitrons have become friends. It’s wonderful seeing the staff enjoying the day and the music as much as the fans and artists do. That makes me so happy. I also curate line-ups with connection in mind, so possible collaborations, future gigs, and amazing friendships can grow from them.
Running an independent space is never easy. What have been some of the biggest challenges, and what have they taught you?
The most important thing is creating a beautiful line-up that people want to see, and building a space where artists want to play. It’s very important that artists are respected, have a really good time and get to perform to jam-packed venues and warm, beautiful crowds. Artists also need to be paid as well as possible. Even though The Troyeville's rooftop can’t cater to huge audiences, I try to pay them as much as we can and cover as many costs as possible.
Have you seen any unexpected collaborations or projects come out of The Hangout?
Just last week (Feb 8, 2026) we had the incredible Stelth Ulvang from The Lumineers performing one of his breathtaking sunshine rooftop sets. He performed with the spectacular South African artist and friend he works with often, Ryan McArthur from The Shabs. They are dynamite together. Bonj Mpanza from The City joined them for an impromptu jam, as did Ryan’s dad and Jay Bones. It was perfection. Every weekend is unique and special. It’s like coming to recharge your battery or collect your vitamins for the week ahead.
"I curate line-ups with connection in mind, so possible collaborations, future gigs, and amazing friendships can grow from them." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
What are you most excited about for The Hangout this year?
We’re bringing in more super-cool parties on other days, like Pride celebrations, dance club DJ events, and fun markets.
How would you like to see the space grow or evolve in the future?
I just want to keep doing what we’re doing. We have a phenomenal, loyal following, but I’d love more people to experience what we’ve built over the past 19 months. I’d also love for people to see more of the city and for the perception of how dangerous it is to become a thing of the past. There’s something special about partying at an iconic venue like The Troyeville, watching live music with our beautiful city skyline as the backdrop.
"I’d love for people to see more of Joburg and for the perception of how dangerous it is to become a thing of the past." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
What does a successful night at The Hangout look like to you?
When people leave smiling and can’t wait to come back, that’s success to me. If they leave a little stiff with a blister or two on their feet, even better. I want people to leave with happy hearts. I’d love for both patrons and artists to walk away feeling fulfilled, lighter, and happier than when they arrived, having discovered new music and maybe even made new friends.
If you could change one thing about the music scene in Johannesburg, what would it be?
I wish more people supported the live venues we have left, and that we all supported each other a little more. The scene is small, and we need to keep lifting each other up, showing up for one another’s gigs, and promoting each other’s projects as much as we can.
"Joburgers are a little crazy, a lot resilient, friendly, kind, and strong." – Kerry-Anne Allerston
The Troyeville also has a fabulous restaurant. What’s your go-to menu order?
I love seafood, so I always go for the calamari and prawn combo.
Check what's coming up next at The Troyeville here.
Rapid-fire round: Joburg
What brought you to Joburg and what makes you stay?There’s a buzz and a special energy about Joburg. My amazing family, my incredible friends, and the people of this city keep me here. There’s kindness, love, and compassion. And the music. We have some of the best artists in the world right here, and we don’t support them enough. Switch off the telly and get to a live show.
10 songs on your playlist that are either about Joburg or make you think about this city?
My Joburg playlist changes daily, but today my top 10 includes:
1. The Black Cat Bones: Don’t Wake the Scarecrow
2. Fuzigish: Badass Beautiful Friend
3. Andra: Cockroach
4. Shadowclub: Intergalactic Hookup
5. Jasper Dan: The Soil (City of Gold)
6. BCUC: Yinde
7. Fokofpolisiekar: Hemel Op Die Platteland
8. Hellcats: Feeling Good
9. Piet Botha: 'N Suitcase vol Winter
10. Radio Kalahari Orkes featuring Chris Chameleon: Staan My By
Who is one Joburg personality you would honour with the Freedom of the City if you could, and why?
Cindy Alter from Clout. She is a national treasure who has overcome more than most in her lifetime. She’s a superstar, a fighter, and an inspiration.
The perfect weekend in Joburg includes…
A walk in one of our beautiful parks, then catching a movie or browsing art and merchandise at The Bioscope at 44 Stanley. An afternoon flipping through vinyl at Vinyl Junkie in Blairgowrie or Mr Vinyl at 44 Stanley. Strolling down the Melville, Parkhurst or Norwood high streets. Jumping on the Fordsburg spice trail or visiting Sawubona Music Jam in Soweto. And of course, wrapping up the weekend with live music at The Troyeville on Sunday.
What makes someone a Joburger?
A little crazy, a lot resilient, friendly, kind, and strong.
Three words that describe this city.
Hope. Kindness. Good vibes.
Comments