Cape Town Natural

Wathiq Hoosain Quartet LIVE at Jazz Cafe, 31 January 2012

2012-01-10T20:11:00.000+02:00

Wathiq Hoosain Quartet LIVE
at Jazz Café, 31st January 2012

Wathiq Hoosain is a talented singer hailing from Cape Town. Despite his tender age, he is no stranger to the stage. Having graced audiences since the age of twelve with local bands performing across the country, he has wowed audiences with his incredible voice. In 2010, Wathiq spent a year studying abroad at the Norwegian Academy of Music in Norway. Since then, he has performed with various ensembles in France, Portugal and Spain singing styles from Jazz to Traditional Portuguese “Fado” as well as singing at the South Africa vs. Norway match in Oslo with the North Sea Big Band and Shannon Mowday.

He now meets up with his Quartet featuring leading musicians:
Benjamin Jeptha on bass,
Claude Cozens on drums
and Nicholas Williams on piano
in their first concert for 2012 in an intimate venue adorned as a cafe. The Wathiq Hoosain Quartet is a dynamic band that performs familiar Jazz standards to more contemporary styles that will leave you mesmerised.

The concert takes place on Tuesday the 31st of January at Noel Taylor Hall, Westerford High School in Main Road, Newlands at 19h00.
Tickets cost R100 and include a two-course meal.

For bookings please contact 0725003951/0832355977 or
email jazzcafebookings@yahoo.com

Posted 10 January 2012

CONRAD KOCH presents PUPPET ASYLUM - Baxter Golden Arrow Studio

2011-12-27T18:59:00.000+02:00

South Africa’s top ventriloquist, Conrad Koch, teams up with multi-award winning director Heinrich Reisenhofer to bring his highly acclaimed new one-man comedy show, Puppet Asylum to Cape Town. Using post-modern puppets that include the notorious political analyst, Chester Missing, this highly acclaimed extravaganza of world class comedy and cool puppetry effects runs for a season at the Baxter Golden Arrow Studio from 10 to 28 January 2012. Performances are at 20.15 Tuesday to Saturday.

Set in a special ‘loony bin’, Conrad has one last chance to get his crazy puppets released but only if he can get them to behave in front of a test audience. The problem is that his main puppet, Chester Missing of LNN fame, who is also Conrad’s outspoken BEE business partner, no longer wants to be a ventriloquists’ puppet; his ambition instead is to go solo and host his own TV talk show. Hilary, the ostrich, who despises playing second fiddle to Chester, is a ‘has-been’ alcoholic show-girl, desperate to make her own star come-back, and Ronnie, the cute but savage green monster, cannot control his impulses in front of people despite Conrad’s best efforts to teach him manners and curb his behaviour. The result is a spectacular and hilarious journey of verbal insanity that pushes the boundaries of ventriloquism and comedy.

Conrad Koch is one of South Africa’s most ‘in demand’ comedy talents and winner of the Speakers Inc Entertainer of the Year Award for 2010. He combines hilarious comedy with world class puppetry and has done so for over fifteen years to local and international acclaim. He has been featured on television throughout the world and is a frequent guest at some of South Africa’s biggest comedy events: The Smirnoff Comedy Festival, the Vodacom Comedy Festival, King Size Comedy, The 94,7 Heavyweight Comedy Jam, Blacks Only, SA London Comedy Festival, 46664 It’s no Joke and more.

Conrad started out at the College of Magic in Lansdowne, and in the early days honed his craft around the comedy clubs of Cape Town. He studied social anthropology and psychology at UCT and completed his masters, cum laude, at WITS. He is a practicing Corporate Anthropologist with extensive experience implementing culture change programmes for large organisations that include FNB, Goldfields, Sun International, SEA, and more. By continually conversing and making fun of issues facing everyday South Africans, he soon became intrigued by the inner workings of the human culture and is recognised as the world’s only Anthropological Ventriloquist - a label he wears proudly.

Puppet Asylum is produced by Podium ...The Comedy Merchants.

Tickets on Tuesdays cost R50, Wednesday and Thursday R80, Friday and Saturday R90. Book through Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, call 0861 915 8000, on line http://www.computicket.com/ or at the Baxter 021 685 7880.

Discounts are available for Students, senior citizens and block bookings of 10 or more R60 (Wednesday and Thursday), R70 (Friday and Saturday). Duration of the show is 65 minutes. PG 13L For charity and corporate bookings contact Sharon Ward 021 680 3962 sharon.ward{@}uct.ac.za or Carmen Kearns 021 680 3993 carmen.kearns{@}uct.ac.za

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27 December 2011

NEDERBURG NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECTACULAR

2011-12-17T13:01:00.000+02:00

Saturday 31st December 2011 featuring
JUDITH SEPHUMA and EDMONDO RAHME
with the CAPE PHILHARMONIC ORCHESTRA

Nederburg Wine Farm in Paarl is graciously hosting a spectacular New Year’s Eve outdoor concert with music by the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra (CPO), conducted by Richard Cock featuring celebrated songbird Judith Sephuma and international tenor Edmondo Rahme. It’s a concert for the entire family and a fund raiser for the CPO.

Bring your own picnic basket, blanket, folding chairs and glasses. No drinks allowed. Nederburg wine, bubbly, soft drinks and coffee will be on sale. Remember to bring something warm. Gates open at 19.30 and the concert starts at 21:30.

Tchaikovsky’s boisterous and exciting 1812 Overture will lead the audience into 2012.

Tickets cost R150 for adults, R75 for teenagers and free for children under six. Book at Computicket, Shoprite Checkers outlets, call 0861 915 8000 or book online www.computicket.com.

In the event of rain, the concert will be held the following day, Sunday 1 January at 19.00. Gates open at 17.30.

For more information please contact Ursula Badminton on 021 410-9809 or Luvuyo Kakaza 021 410 9966 at the CPO.

How to get there … Follow the N1 from Cape Town, pass the Paarl/Main, Cecilia and the Wellington/Jan van Riebeeck Drive exits. Take the Worcester/Sonstraal Road exit (R101), which is just before the toll gates at the Huguenot Tunnel. Turn left onto Sontraal road and continue for 4,5 km. The entrance to Nederburg Wines is on your left.

posted 17 December 2011

ROSE KORBER's 20th ART SALON, Camps Bay, Cape Town

2011-12-09T20:28:00.000+02:00

ROSE KORBER’s 20th ART SALON
16 December 2011 to 31 January 2012
Rose Korber Art, 48 Sedgemoor Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town

'The past two decades have seen an enormous shift in South African art, with our local artworks becoming more internationalised and our artists taking their rightful place on a world stage,' says noted independent Cape Town art dealer and consultant, Rose Korber. Celebrating her 20th annual Art Salon, Rose - herself an icon in the art industry - will be exhibiting works by many of these artists from 16 December 2011 to 31 January 2012.

The venue for the 20th Art Salon will be Rose Korber Art at 48 Sedgemoor Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Gallery hours are 10 am to 6 pm including weekends and public holidays. (Open also on Christmas and the New Year).

For more information contact Rose Korber or Valerie Botha on 021 438 9152, 083 261 1173 or 082 781 6144
roskorb{@}icon.co.za (plse remove curlies{} when using email)
http://www.rosekorberart.com/

Among the renowned artists exhibiting on the Art Salon and who are regular participants on international biennales, art fairs and 'blockbuster' shows on five continents are William Kentridge, Marlene Dumas, Sam Nhlengethwa, Zwelethu Mthethwa and Claudette Schreuders.

Other notable names that have become increasingly well-known both locally and abroad exhibiting are: Simon Stone, Robert Slingsby, Richard Smith, David Koloane, Robert Hodgins, Paul du Toit, Paul Blomkamp, JP Meyer, Deborah Bell, Diane Victor, Sanell Aggenbach, Kate Gottgens, Pamela Stretton, Penelope Stutterheime, Wendy Anziska, Kim Lieberman and Cynthia Villet. Prominent classical artists, John Kramer and Erik Laubscher - whose paintings are emblematic of the South African environment and landscape - will also be well represented on the show. New painters to watch out for are Georgia Lane and Liane Dutilleux.

Since its inception in 1992, the Art Salon has been a major annual event in Cape Town, bringing together - under one roof - a large showcase of quality artworks in various media and styles that give a comprehensive overview of the current state of South African art. : paintings, mixed media works, original limited-edition prints, photography, ceramics, sculpture and contemporary Shangaan beadwork.

Andrew Lamprecht noted academic and curator, who has his pulse very firmly on the contemporary and the newer artists, will be collaborating once again with Rose Korber this year.

The photographers on show are Stephen Inggs, whose iconic landscapes and object-based images are internationally recognised, Jurgen Schadeberg - known internationally for his depictions of black life in South Africa, since the 1950s and Jenny Altschuler already known in her field of figurative photography.

Sculptors of note include Kevin Brand, Willie Bester, Jaco Sieberhagen, Naomi Press and Anthony Lane.

The Art Salon has also become known for its exceptional annual selection of prize-winning, South African ceramists and this year is no exception. Among the leading ceramic artists exhibiting are Ian Garrett, Louise Gelderblom, Hennie Meyer, Clementina van der Walt, Carolyn Heydenrych, Wiebke von Bismarck, Ralph Johnson, Helen Vaughan, Rae Goosens, Melanie Hillebrand, Sarah Walters, Patsy Groll, Yvonne Martin and Laura du Toit. A special feature this year will also be a large selection of works by members of the renowned Ardmore Studio Ceramics in Natal, while two exciting new names to look out for are in Natal, while two exciting new names to look out for are prizewinners, Hylett Engelbrecht and Alessandro Pappada.

Commenting on another important aspect of the South African art scene, which has changed dramatically over the last few years, Korber adds: 'The recognition given to younger, groundbreaking artists has changed with talented art school graduates being snapped up by curators and major galleries almost before they graduate. This has led to a newer, fresher, more accessible terrain of art and ever-more visitors to our galleries and art museums to see the wonderful fruits of South Africa's creativity and a number of these young artists are to be included on this year’s Salon. Andrew Lamprecht, noted academic and curator, who has his pulse very firmly on the contemporary and the newer artists will be collaborating once again with Rose Korber.

Posted 9 December 2011

JAZZ AT THE NASSAU presents THE BOULEVARD BLUES BAND

2011-12-05T21:20:00.000+02:00

JAZZ AT THE NASSAU presents THE BOULEVARD BLUES BAND

RICHARD PRYOR - GUITARS
ROB STEMMETT - BASS GUITAR
DOCTOR JOHN - VOCALS
GREG SMITH - HARP & PERCUSSION
GRAEME ABBOTT - DRUMS

Sunday 11TH. December at 7-30pm - Ticket price R100-00
Booking - Cliff Wallis 021-761-2726 or 076-401 0008

Price includes snacks and after concert drinks + lucky ticket draws for
Champagne, T-shirts & DVDS.

NASSAU CENTRE, GROOTE SCHUUR HIGH SCHOOL,
PALMYRA ROAD, NEWLANDS.

published: 5 December 2011

Cape Town Folk 'n Acoustic Music Festival, 10 Dec 2011

2011-12-05T20:34:00.000+02:00

18 Top South African artists: Ard Matthews, Steve Newman, Farryl Purkiss, Rory Eliot, Brian Finch, Guy Buttery, Christine Weir and Julie Blundell, Janie Bay, Gavin Minter, Louise Day, Tombstone Pete, Andrew James and Steady Tiger, John Ellis, Diesel Vanilla, Machineri, Gary Thomas, Natasha Meister, Jack Mantis.

Cape Town Folk 'n Acoustic Music Festival
Saturday 10 December 2011, 19:00 at CTICC, Cape Town

Real Wired Music, the creators of Vintage Sundays and the Cape Town for Haiti Concert, brings you another extraordinary live music experience. Together with Sedgwick’s Old Brown Sherry and Marshall Music, the Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival will bring together 18 top South African artists of this genre in a sophisticated, concert-style setting. The line up sees a mix of great acoustic guitarists like Steve Newman, Gary Thomas and Guy Buttery with singer/songwriter stalwarts like Farryl Purkiss, Rory Eliot, Ard Matthews and Brian Finch. The look and feel of the festival will be in the style of a 70s Folk concert –all artists will perform solo or duo sets completely acoustically. Performances will be stripped down to the essence of the songs – guitar and voice.

Add to all this some blues sounds from Natasha Meister, Andrew James and Machineri, and some folk/pop by Janie Bay and Louise Day, and the evening is set to be an experience of the finest musical storytelling from the personal journeys of some of South Africa’s best songwriters and musicians.

The festival will consist of three sets with two half-hour breaks in between. There will be a cash bar and food stalls in the CTICC foyer.

Tickets:
Tickets are R180-00 on http://www.webtickets.co.za/event.aspx?itemid=4094160 or R200-00 at the door. The first 300 seats booked will receive a gift bag courtesy of Sedgwick’s Old Brown Sherry.

R5 of every ticket sold will be donated to the SPCA, Western Cape.

The Cape Town Folk ‘n Acoustic Music Festival would also like to contribute to a feel-good holiday season for all. We will have toy bins set up in the foyer for you to bring your donation of a fluffy toy. The toys will be delivered to the children at Baby Watoto Cape Town, as well as two other local children’s homes before Christmas.

DIZU PLAATJIES & IBUYAMBO and The Cape Malay Choir Board, 3 December 2011

2011-11-28T23:02:00.000+02:00

The Internationally Acclaimed Dizu Plaatjies Ibuyambo Ensemble
In collaboration with Kronendal Music Academy of Hout Bay
PLUS
The Cape Malay Choir Board
presents an evening of beautiful music.

Date: 3 December 2011
Time: 6:30pm for 7pm
Venue: Kronendal Primary School, 10 Andrews Road, Hout Bay

R95 Adults, R80 pensioners and students
Pre-Sale tickets available from Kronendal Primary School 8:30am to 2pm

All proceeds go to sponsored music tuition in the Hout Bay Community.

For more information call 082 3314062
http://www.kmahoutbay.org/
kma{@}intekom.co.za
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Dizu Plaatjies, the son of a traditional healer, grew up in Cape Town, South Africa where he is the founder and former leader of the group Amampondo in the late 80’s. He toured and recorded with them for 15 years, journeying across continents, festivals and stages.

The group took part in the concert given for Nelson Mandela's 70th birthday. A little later, the show Feel the Pulse of Africa brought them commercial fame in South Africa, as well as in Europe and the United States.

The post-Amampondo period began in 2003 with a solo album, Ibuyambo. On this disc, Dizu has fun mixing styles that are traditional or non-traditional, African or western. In the years that followed, IBUYAMBO toured all over the world and, at the same time, worked on a second solo album, "African Kings," which he recorded in 2008. This project relies essentially on an alliance of sub-Saharan traditional instruments with acoustic guitar, with a contemporary approach. The disc won the award for best African independent music album at South Africa's SAMA Awards in 2009.

In addition, in 2009, he benefited from an artists' residency in the Paris area to create a unique show, Umculowethu, in collaboration with two French jazz musicians. In similar vein, he spent part of 2010 recreating the Intsholo project with his musicians and a brass orchestra.

Something that never changes with Dizu Plaatjies is a constant search for new collaborations that enable him to enhance his repertory and inspiration. On stage, Dizu Plaatjies is accompanied by musicians dressed in traditional costumes from various parts of Africa, wearing body paint and playing a range of instruments including drums, flutes, mbira, Uganda harp and the kudu horns.

When not on stage, he has no time to get bored: he is an instructor in various creative workshops in the United States, Scandinavia and the Netherlands. Dizu is also the head of African Studies at the South African College of Music, University of Cape Town.

"Great melodies, good arrangements, haunting voice, a deep knowledge of his regional musical history and a willingness to incorporate pan-African musical influences," all make Dizu a standout musician, notes Canada's "Sunfest" MC Philly Markowitz.

The CAPE MALAY CHOIR BOARD was formed at no. 77 Whale Street, Cape Town in 1939 after an initial concert in 1938 in the Cape Town City Hall, organised by the late DR. I.D. Du Plessis (writer, poet, journalist) and famous rugby player, the late Bennie Osler with 8 choirs in total.

The idea was to establish a central organisation to foster and promote the traditional singing of the Cape Malay community. The ensuing annual choral competitions ensured that the standard of singing could steadily be improved and the traditional songs preserved. 72 years later it has gone from strength to strength, with more than thirty choirs on its roll call. Membership to the board is open to any individual, irrespective of their religious affiliations.

A short history of the Cape Malay Singing Tradition:

Although physically and culturally isolated from their country of origin, they sang songs conceived in bondage. Gradually the settler’s songs of love and life in Europe and of drama on the high seas were incorporated into their repertoire, including a number of songs written from historical happenings:
For example, the beloved "Hier Kom Die Alibama" cam about when, in July 1863 Governor Woodhouse of the Cape was informed that the Alibama was in Saldanha Bay, in hot pursuit of the enemy vessel, The Sea Bride. As the Sea Bride was forced into Table Bay, curious onlookers who lined the shores of Table Bay, Greenpoint, and who had never seen a steamer before were overjoyed when the Alibama defeated the enemy vessel and it wasn’t long before the victory tale became a folk song.

Present membership 38 choirs which makes the Cape Malay Chior Board the biggest multinational, multicultural organization of its kind. The uniqueness of the choirs are that they sing without the aid of a conductor.
The CMCB Choir
This choir is selected from members of various affiliated choirs of the board. The choir has made a major contribution to the promotion of public relations by performing giving freely of it services to many societies, not only locally but also in other parts of our country, including all sections of the community.
Instruments that are used:
Banjo, guitar, violin, mandoline double base and Ghoema drum are used in the comic song; Amplified instruments are very seldom used

The songs fall under four groups - the traditional wedding songs, Dutch folksongs of various kinds, moppies (comic songs) and ghoemaliedjies (picnic songs). The folksong is an important feature of the Cape Malay community and can be heard on many social occasions, especially at weddings, where traditional love songs are sung. These are the only songs in which a trace of the east remains, with the soloist singing in quarter tones and the choir joining in on the European tonal scale.

KRONENDAL MUSIC ACADEMY OF HOUT BAY

On November the 15th KMA Director, Ms Dwyn Griesel was awarded the 2011 Inyathelo Philanthropy in the Arts Award for the Academy’s work in Hout Bay.

In 2007 Kronendal Music Academy was formed to address the ongoing lack of cultural stimulation which faces the youth and the community as a whole in Hout Bay. KMA's main focus has always been to provide music education in as many forms and styles as possible to Hout Bay's under-privileged and economically challenged communities, while fostering a platform from which to initiate racial and social interaction and integration amongst the three very distinct communities in the area:

Imizamu Yethu informal settlement
The Hangberg fishing village
The affluent 'valley' residents

There are many professionals from various walks of life involved in the administration, funding and development of the Academy, and the nature of the organisation is that it requires a creative and innovative approach in order to secure a viable future for culture in Hout Bay.

Starting from scratch, KMA initiated individual music tuition, group activities, ensembles, workshops and community events, as well as a Youth Choir of 65 pupils. Since day one, all of its activities have successfully united members from the three areas and the Academy has become synonymous with integration development. At any given time KMA has a minimum of 40 individual learners in lessons with teachers who specialize in cello, violin, classical guitar, rock and jazz guitar, piano, bass, vocal training, recorder, drum kit, flute, clarinet, saxophone, trumpet and trombone. The methodology is designed to be fluid and adapts to the needs of the learners and logistical challenges of the community at large. We have managed to maintain our initial activities and develop to a point where we are also currently offering various ensemble projects, workshops, weekly community singing evenings and regular performances.

WORLD AIDS DAY GALA CONCERT 2011, Cape Town

2011-11-28T20:49:00.000+02:00

This year the greatly anticipated World Aids Day Gala Concert takes place at the Cape Town International Convention Centre (CTICC) on Thursday 1 December 2011 at 20:00.

Celebrating its 7th year, this formal dress event - with a touch of red - has a star studded line-up of guest artists that includes the director of this event Jimmie Earl Perry, an international recording artist, actor and the first UNAIDS Special Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa. He will be joined by the stunning Dutch X-Factor winner Sharon Kips, South Africa's pop sensation Vicky Sampson, Eddie Atherton, Wolfgang Riebe, Soli Philander (MC), Mike Campbell Rhythm Orchestra, Grammy Award winners Ladysmith Black Mambazo and a host of other inspiring and entertaining artists.

Presented by the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University in partnership with the Western Cape Government Health, this joyous celebration honours unsung heroes, salutes individuals and organizations who have contributed to the fight against HIV/AIDS. It also commemorates the 23rd World Aids Day.

Since 2005 the Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University has hosted this significant event. Prof Jan Du Toit, Director of the Centre mentions the invaluable successes the Centre’s intensive programmes have made through education and prevention in businesses, schools and communities, and how imperative it is to recognize the critical role that the vulnerable and marginalized population play in the epidemic.

‘We need to invest in models of service delivery that reach these and all population groups and ensure equitable and quality services that are able to provide sustainable support to the most affected communities,’ says Professor du Toit.

‘For this reason we wish to acknowledge the Western Cape Government Health, our partner this year. Together we are able to heighten the awareness and implementation of the United Nations’ Millennium Goals of HIV education to minimize infections, prevention and treatment to all citizens of South Africa.’

Since its formation 10 years ago The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management unit for teaching, research and community interaction has developed the most comprehensive and largest HIV/Aids management training programme in the world and the Educational Theatre and Arts division has attained unparalleled success with education, awareness, prevention and voluntary testing across the country under the leadership of Prof du Toit and Prof Jimmie Earl Perry.

In 2004 while performing in Germany as Pontius Pilate in Jesus Christ Superstar, American born Jimmie Earl Perry was re-introduced to Prof Jan du Toit who enlightened him on the Africa Centre’s academic programme, the shocking facts of the pandemic in South Africa and shared his vision on how the Arts could make a great impact on the Africa Centre’s community mobilization programme. The result was Jimmie leaving his successful showbiz world the same year to take up the position of Visiting Professor and Director of Educational Theatre and Creative Arts at the Centre. Now proudly a South African, this multi-talented artist, who boasts Andrew Lloyd Webber as a former employer (12 years), is living his dream in service of others - opening minds through the arts in order to understand and accept HIV/AIDS as a reality and the responsibility of every human being in fighting the pandemic.

Amongst other artists featured at this Gala Concert are Vuyiseka Dubula, Nombeko Mpongo and Toni Zimmerman, three HIV positive women who have defied the stigma of Aids and are successfully living their lives helping others; Janelle Visagie and Arline Jaftha (Opera); an extraordinary group of young Jazz artists that include Sandile Gonstana, Chad Zerf, Amy Campbell, Spha Mdlalose, Vuyo Sotashe and others; a 20 voice strong youth choir directed by Lynette Petersen and Larry Joe who made headlines when he recorded his debut album ‘Crazy Life’ in Douglas Prison a year ago.

This impressive programme of classical, pop, adult contemporary work is also a platform for committed artists to perform in a professional environment in support of this cause. Along with Jimmie Earl Perry (director and producer) and the hilarious Soli Philander as host, they all bring an upbeat and dedicated presence to this one night only concert which is not to be missed. It is sold out every year - book now!

Tickets cost R120 and available from Computicket, Shoprite, Checkers outlets, and on line www.computicket.com or call 0861 915 8000.

Kyle Shepherd Trio in Concert 26 November 2011

2011-11-15T21:20:00.000+02:00

The Kyle Shepherd Trio with Shepherd on piano, Shane Cooper on double bass & Jonno Sweetman on drums perform Live In Concert on Saturday, 26 November 2011, at UCT College of Music with a Special Guest appearance by Mark Fransman on horns.

Tickets: R80.00 (R50.00 for Students & Pensioners)

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
To book online, follow the link
http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/?page_id=614
OR Email: info{@}kyleshepherd.co.za or Call 072 351 5204
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VENUE DIRECTIONS
The College of Music is located off Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch i.e. on the Lower Campus of UCT, behind the Baxter Theatre.

MAP Link

MORE INFO ON KYLE SHEPHERD...
Shepherd, who has just returned from a very successful Dutch Tour with the highly acclaimed ‘hiphopera’, AFRIKAAPS, leaves South African shores again at the end of November 2011 for a series of Trio performances in Japan!

Shepherd, who is widely recognized as being one of South Africa’s most influential artists and composers is set to announce the release of his third album shortly. This follows the release of two critically acclaimed Albums namely, 'fineART' (2009) and 'LIVE' Trio Album 'A Portrait of Home' (2010) both of which earned him SAMA (South African Music Award) nominations; 'fineART' for 'Best Traditional Jazz Album' and 'Best Newcomer' and in April 2011, 'A Portrait of Home' for 'Best Traditional Jazz Album'.

In his review of the Trio album, international music critic, Marcus O'Dair | The Arts Desk UK, commends the work of the Trio. "A Portrait Of Home sees Shepherd, together with Shane Cooper on double bass and drummer Jonno Sweetman, creating music of subtle yet tremendous power. Though the technique of all three is undeniable, this is no antiseptic chopsfest: it is music of genuine passion, meditative and stately but always emotionally engaged. It has groove at its very core, with hummable, stripped back melodies on top – and not just in the 'head' sections that traditionally top and tail jazz arrangements."

Shepherd's ensembles have performed nationally and internationally. Notable performance credits include The Bird's Eye Jazz Club (Switzerland) in 2010, the 2010 Århus Jazz Festival (Denmark), the 2010 Riverboat Jazz Festival (Denmark), the 2010 Joy of Jazz Festival, the 2010 Pan African Space Station and the 2009 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/

Cape Town Goema Orchestra – Table Bay Concerto in G Major

2011-11-13T10:51:00.000+02:00

Cape Town Goema Orchestra – Table Bay Concerto in G Major
Saturday 26 November and 3 December 2011, 20:00
SABC Auditorium, Beach Road, Sea Point

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra will perform the world première of Mac McKenzie’s latest composition The Table Bay Concert in G-Major ahead of the city’s renowned New Year minstrel carnival.

Locals can kick start the festive season with this celebration of Cape music and hear new goema compositions by other up and coming composers of this style.

“This showcase of Cape music will do Capetonians proud”, says McKenzie, the leading modern voice of goema and its most prolific composer.

He has spent most of this year writing and refining his new work: “The concerto is a chronological account of Table Bay as I imagine it: my impression of its evolution from the time just before the arrival of European settlers, through the time of colonialism, up to the present. I’ve borrowed from various forms such as European hymnody, classical forms and street music – what I sometimes call tsotsi music – and assimilated them into goema. The goema is the heart beat of the minstrel carnival.”

In July this year McKenzie performed sketches of the score in Switzerland with members of the Casal Quartet and other South African musicians, including Paul Hanmer and Feya Faku. The performances were so well received that the Swiss organisers have commissioned an arrangement of the work for a 25-piece orchestra, which he will direct in the coming European spring in cities and festivals across Switzerland.

“The 20-piece Cape Town Goema Orchestra is a synergy of diverse musicians and people, from highly experienced classical, jazz and traditional music instrumentalists, to young church and street musicians, all connected to the rich culture and soundscape of our city. It’s a truly unifying force in our country that celebrates and takes our music forward with vision and passion”, says McKenzie.

The orchestra performs under the banner of McKenzie’s Cape Town Composers’ Workshop operating out of Bridgetown. It will also debut works by guest composers Chantal Willie, Derek Gripper, Mandla Mlangeni and Aykes Swartz.

Performances take place on Saturday 26 November and 3 December at the SABC Auditorium in Beach Road, Sea Point at 8 pm.
Tickets cost R100.
For reservations call 072 500 2204 or email: mailto:composers.workshop.ct@gmail.com
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"Captured" with flutist Monique Van Willingh

2011-11-13T00:43:00.000+02:00

An invite from Monique Van Willingh

Date: Saturday, November 19, 2011 · 8:00pm - 9:30pm
Venue: South African College of Music - University of Cape Town (Chisholm Recital Room)

A concert consisting of my originals and some standards
Featuring
Nick Williams (piano)
Romy Brauteseth (bass)
Marlon Witbooi (drums)
Lou-Anne Stone (saxophones)
Basil Rad (saxophones)
Monique Van Willingh (flute)
and a string quartet.

Tickets are R50 & R30 for students or pensioners.
These can be bought at the door. You can also e-mail me at monique.vanwillingh@gmail.com for bookings/directions.

POETRY AFRICA 2011 Cape Town

2011-10-09T23:35:00.000+02:00

POETRY AFRICA 2011 Cape Town
Saturday, 15 October 2011, 19:30
Cape Town International Convention Center(CTICC)
R70, Book at Computicket(tel: 083 915 8000)

A high-quality mix of poets and musicians come together for the Poetry Africa tour, which this year travels to Blantyre, Malawi (8th October), Johannesburg (11th), Harare , Zimbabwe (13th), and Cape Town (15th) before culminating at the main Poetry Africa festival in Durban from17 to 22 October.

Organised by the Centre for Creative Arts (University of KwaZulu-Natal), and supported by the National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund (principal funder), Mimeta, and Hivos, Poetry Africa on Tour is an effort to celebrate the beauty and power of poetry with ever-wider constituencies, cultures and countries.

The touring line-up to Cape Town includes critically-acclaimed writer of poetry, fiction, nonfiction and plays Kwame Dawes, who was born in Ghana but spent most of his childhood and early adult life in Jamaica. He is also an actor, playwright, producer, an accomplished storyteller, broadcaster, and was the lead singer in Ujamaa, a reggae band. Winner of a Pushcart Prize, Dawes has produced a prolific sixteen collections of poetry.

Shailja Patel's US publishing debut, Migritude (2010) - a striking portrait of women's lives and migrant journeys - went to number one on Amazon's bestsellers in Asian Poetry. This Kenyan poet, playwright, political economist and activist has received numerous awards and fellowships and her work has been translated into 15 languages. Named in 2011 as one of Fifty Inspirational African Feminists by the African Women's Development Fund, she is a founding member of Kenyans For Peace, Truth and Justice, which helped pull Kenya back from the brink of war during the 2008 elections.

Always a popular performer is iconic South African poet, MC, actress, television presenter and producer Lebo Mashile. She was in 2006 awarded the Noma Award for Publishing in Africa for her first poetry collection, and has been involved in innovative cross-media collaborations such as that with choreographer Sylvia Glasser and Moving Into Dance Moiphotong.

From neighbouring Botswana comes poet, writer and voice-over artist Tjawangwa TJ Dema. Chairperson of The Writers Association of Botswana, she is the founding member of the Exoduslivepoetry! collective, who have coordinated Botswana's sole annual poetry festival since 2004.

Musical dimensions enrich the tightly packaged Poetry Africa programme. Winner of a string of major awards, Senegalese rapper Didier Awadi is the most visible figure of Francophone West African hip-hop, and previously toured in Southern Africa with his legendary outfit Positive Black Soul. Awadi's hard-hitting lyrics and consciousness-raising protest songs voice the hopes and fears of Africa's young generation today. Awadi is accompanied by guitarist Tibass Kangu from the DRC.

Defying the tradition that women in Zimbabwe do not play the mbira, Chiwoniso has emerged as one of the defining experts in the art, accompanied by her incredible singing. Chiwoniso was a core member of the multi-country all-women band Womens' Voice, and has her own acoustic group Chiwoniso and Vibe Culture.

Then there is the brilliant Chris Abani. Abani's first novel, Masters of the Board (1985), about a Neo-Nazi takeover of Nigeria, got him arrested, and his play Song of a Broken Flute (1990), resulted in a sentence as a political prisoner. Currently a Professor at the University of California, and the recipient of major PEN awards, Abani's most recent book of poetry, Sanctificum (2010), is a sequence of linked poems, combining religious ritual, the Igbo language of his Nigerian homeland and reggae rhythms.

Special guest from the Netherlands is poet, performer and composer Jaap Blonk, world-renowned for his highly original sound poetry - a whole new language that evokes a new way of listening, and thinking! Blonk was the founder and leader of innovative bands Splinks (modern jazz) and Braaxtaal (avant-rock).

Gabeba Baderoon is author of three well-received collections of poetry, and recipient of the DaimlerChrysler Poetry Award amongst others, while the charismatic Sandile Dikeni, also with three poetry collections to his credit, makes a welcome return to the scene following a car accident a few years ago.

One of the tour objectives is the development of partnerships and exchange with cultural organisations in the respective centres, and the principal partner organisation for this project is Cape Town is the African Arts Institute.

Contact details:
Centre for Creative Arts +27 31 2602506 or cca{@}ukzn.ac.za
African Arts Institute +27 21 4659027/8 or info{@}afai.org.za
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Cape Cultural Collective - Poetry Anthology Launch on its fourth anniversary, Friday 23 September 2011

2011-09-15T22:52:00.000+02:00

The Cape Cultural Collective will, later this month, launch "At Truth’s Edge", an anthology of poems written by nine of its poets.

The launch takes place at the District Six Museum on Friday 23 September at 7pm. The event will also celebrate the fourth anniversary of the Cape Cultural Collective.

The contributors to the book are Primrose Mrwebi, Khadija Tracy Heeger, Amanda Nodada, Romeo Maasdorp, Chris Ferndale, Zenariah Barends, Bernedette Muthien, Glen Arendse and Candice Prinsloo. The anthology contains 45 poems covering a range of subjects.

The programme will include poetry readings and music by CCC resident band JAHM and Friends. Performers will include guitarists Mark Jannecke, Mansoor Jaffer and Wayne Bosch, bass guitarist Wayne Barthies, flautist Garth Erasmus, saxophonist Joel Benjamin, percussionist Glen Arendse and belly dancer Michelle Hendricks.

Poetry books will be on sale at the special launch rate of R60. Entrance to the event is free.

Figures from the arts and culture world, including celebrated poet James Mathews, who has written the foreword, will be in attendance as well as people from communities who have been part of the development of the Cape Cultural Collective over the years.

"The launch of the poetry book is another milestone in the CCC journey," said core team member Kay Jaffer. “We are proud of our poets for bringing this project to fruition”.

The CCC is a non-racial, non-sexist and intergenerational arts and culture group that focuses on all the performing arts. The work of the CCC has included cultural programmes, community concerts, fundraisers, support for a xhosa poetry book and a TV documentary, and now, the publication of a poetry book.

Hundreds of musicians, dancers, poets and other artists have performed on CCC platforms over the years. The CCC has been built on solid partnerships, particularly with the District Six Museum, Eastern Acoustics Sound company and Greymatter Finch.

For further information contact:
Amanda Nodada on 082 970 1701 or amanda.nodada{@}gmail.com
Kay Jaffer on 082 2023131 or kayjaffer{@}gmail.com
Zenariah Barends on 082 441 0433 or zenariah{@}greymatterfinch.com
Please remove the curlies{} when using the email adresses

4SF(Four Sounds Foundation) Sunday Jam, 28 August 2011

2011-08-25T22:40:00.001+02:00

4SF (Four Sounds Foundation), was started to continue the legacy of the legendary Cape Town music group, the Four Sounds. One of their aims is to support young musicians.

4SF is hosting an event on Sunday, 28 August 2011 at Barans on Greenmarket Square, Cape Town. If you are a musician, take along your instrument and yourself to Barans. The remaining members of the Four Sounds will be at the event. The organisers would like this to happen every last Sunday of the month at this venue.

Please contact the numbers in the attached poster, for more details?

"Conversations" - 25, 26 & 27 August 2011 at the Nassau Auditorium

2011-08-24T19:49:00.000+02:00

"Conversations", a musical showcase of local artists will take place on 25, 26 & 27 August at the Nassau Auditorium, the intimate venue at Groote Schuur High School in Newlands.

Three nights of great entertainment from Big Band sounds on Thursday, to Mozambican Kwasa Kwasa on Friday, wrapping with mellow Smooth Jazz on Saturday night…there will be something to suit all tastes! The shows will feature artists such as Airborne, Matthew O’Connell, Darren English, Jaco Maria, Wynberg Girls High Big Band, Bergvliet High Big Band, Donveno Prins, Frank Paco, and more. Well-known South African artist and sculptor Gavin Collins, will also be showcasing his latest music-inspired touring exhibition of paintings each evening. Tickets available at Computicket at R130 each.

Line up:

THURS: Donveno Prins featuring Wynberg Girls High Big Band and Bergvliet High Big Band

FRI: Frank Paco, Allou April, Dan Shout, Muriel Marco, Tony Paco, Nick Williams and more. ( This evening Frank will also be having Matthew O’Connell as a guest artist as well as featuring a student from the Bergvliet High Big Band with his band.)

SAT: Airborne featuring Matthew O’Connell, Darren English, Jaco Maria and Zayne Adams

Gavin Collins will be showcasing his latest work, “ Energy of Music” every evening

The Ethan Smith Quartet Live in Concert - Sat 27 Aug 2011

2011-08-18T17:35:00.000+02:00

The Ethan Smith Quartet Live in Concert
featuring
Eathan Smith (Sax, Flute)
Kyle Shepherd (Piano)
Brydon Bolton (Double Bass)
Claude Cozens (Drums)

Saturday, 27 August 2011, 20:00
College Of Music(UCT), Behind the Baxter Theatre
Admission at the door R80/R50 Students on presentation of a students card
Booking /Enquiries: Please call 082 449 4653

The Quartet will perform Smith's original compositions. Influenced by Jazz, South African, Middle and Far Eastern traditional styles, the Quartet generates an energy that initiates organic explorations, moving Smith’s compositions into fresh and inventive territories. “We are beginning to establish a great togetherness, a synergy. Because of the creative impetus of each member in the band, there is this sense of constant shape shifting, this constant ebb and flow between form and formlessness within the music – which makes for exciting listening." says Smith.

Smith, winner of the 2009 FMR / Pick 'n Pay Music Award in the Jazz category made a very favourable impression when he went on tour with the Kyle Shepherd 'fineART' Quartet in June 2010 to perform in Switzerland at The Bird's Eye Jazz Club and Denmark at the Aarhus and Riverboat Jazz Festivals.

Tony Cedras Jamming with The Reza Khota Quartet

2011-08-13T14:56:00.000+02:00

It was so good to see multi instrumentalist, Tony Cedras, jamming with The Reza Khota Quartet at Blakes on 3 August 2011.

a graffiti in woodstock - DISCOVER THE DIAMOND INSIDE YOU

2011-08-02T22:21:00.001+02:00

a graffiti in Woodstock, Cape Town

The Best of Ekapa Underground Hip Hop presents The Ladies in Hip Hop

2011-07-25T20:28:00.001+02:00

Event: The Best of Ekapa Underground Hip Hop presents The Ladies in Hip Hop
Venue: The Purple Turtle
Date/Day: 4th August 2011/Thursday
Time: 9pm – 2pm
Cover Charge: R20,00 (Mahalla before 9pm)

This August, the team at Best of Ekapa Underground Hip Hop and siSTAR cypHER bring you Ladies in Hip Hop #3. The third installment of what is destined to be a growing movement in Hip Hop culture.
B.O.E runs with the purpose of promoting the hip hop industry and also uniting the huge hip hop community dispersed around the Western Cape and to satisfy the hungry hip hop masses. The event is held weekly, at Purple Turtle, 31 Shortmarket Street, Cape Town, South Africa.

The project has taken on the initiative to dedicate one Thursday of the month to the mothers of our nation, humbly presenting “Ladies in Hip Hop”, which aims at celebrating women pursuing hip hop culture, and availing an opportunity for growth, and exposure to both those in attendance and those who take the stage.

This time around, we go big, in partnership with all encompassing hip hop out fit, siSTAR cypHER, hosting a Woman’s Month Special, showcasing quite a number of artists. Acts that have been confirmed
are as follows:

Black Athena (from Project Breakfree)
Andy Leigh (from Mellow Vision)
Sister G (from The Bush Doctors)
Ashleigh (from siSTAR cypHER)
Lithal Li
Swifty (formally from R.I.P)
Shami Shamrock
Lorin-Lee Henderson
Coco Putuma
DJ’z Kato & Que

We are welcoming and awaiting more artists and DJ’s to step up and bring their best, contributing to what is set to be a night to remember.

For more information please do not hesitate to contact:
Ashleigh ‘Testimony’ Davids: houseoflithium{@}gmail.com or Rozzano Davids at distorshine{@}gmail.com

please remove curlies{}, when using the email addresses

SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS FOR AIDS AWARENESS Concert 2011

2011-07-23T12:36:00.000+02:00

The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University present

The South African Artists for Aids Awareness Concert 2011
Sunday 31 July At 18.30
Baxter Theatre, Main Road, Rondebosch
A powerful classical, pop, adult contemporary and jazz programme
Entertainment for the entire family

Continuing to encourage and enlighten people of their responsibility to the reality of Aids, the Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University, headed by Prof Jan du Toit is excited to present The South African Artists for Aids Awareness Concert at the Baxter Theatre on Sunday 31 July at 18.30. It is directed by recording artist, actor and UNAIDS first Goodwill Ambassador to South Africa, Jimmie Earl Perry.

Hosted by the engaging Soli Philander, this joyous concert celebrates its 5th year with artists that include the Mike Campbell Rhythm Orchestra, Vicky Sampson, Karen Kortje, Janelle Visagie, Wilmot Fredericks, Rouchelle Liedemann, the Voices of Love Ensemble, Zip Zap Circus, Wolfgang Riebe, Hilton Andries and many more special guests.

Not only is the event a powerful classical, pop, adult contemporary and jazz programme with surprises to keep feet tapping and hearts pumping, it carries a vital message in support of eliminating the epidemic and the stigma of HIV/AIDS throughout the world.

Since its formation 11 years ago, at the request of the Presidency, The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management is a unit for teaching, research and community interaction and has developed the most comprehensive and largest HIV/AIDS management-training program in the world. In addition, the Educational Theatre and Creative Arts division has attained unparalleled success with education, awareness and voluntary testing across the country.

Jimmie Earl Perry states: ‘The first South African Artists for Aids Awareness concert, partnered with the New Apostolic Symphony Orchestra and Choir was held on February 22, 2009 at Silvertown Auditorium with the theme “Here’s to the Heroes”. It celebrated unsung individuals in our communities who were doing exceptional work in the HIV/AIDS field.

Through creative arts such as music, dance, theatre, photography and comedy, the aim is to continue inspiring more people to help turn around the HIV/AIDS epidemic, and the Africa Centre salutes the artists performing in this concert for their dedication and support.’

Tickets for this one night only concert cost R75 and may be purchased from Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, Baxter Box Office 021 685 7880 and on line http://www.computicket.com/ - Entertainment for the entire family.

AROUND THE BLUES FORM - workshop for jazz musicians

2011-07-09T21:50:00.000+02:00

AROUND THE BLUES FORM
A free workshop for jazz musicians

Paul Bothner Music is hosting unique workshop presented by these three top French artists.

Topics to be covered will include:
Singing and Hearing the form, the changes
Different aspects in the study of improvisation
Playing a head and creating different grooves

WHEN: 7:30 pm, Tuesday 12 July 2011
WHERE: Paul Bothner Music, Richmond Centre, Main Road, Plumstead

About the artists:
PATRICK FRADET - Electric & Electronic Guitarist, improviser, composer, teacher
http://www.patrickfradet.com/

DANIEL BEAUSSIER - Composer, teacher and multi-instrumentalist skilled in a variety Brass & Woodwind instruments,as well as bass guitar, guitar & keyboards
www.myspace.com/danielbeaussier

VINCENT JACQZ - Vincent plays piano and trumpet and is actively involved in music education in France.

For more information, call: 021 761 4828

JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC MASALA

2011-07-05T21:17:00.000+02:00

JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC MASALA
Hot Jazz Vocals, Dazzling Youth Jazz & a Kalahari Stew at Swingers Jazz Club
Kalahari Connection, Déborah Tanguy, Amanda Tiffin
With Sandile Gontsana, Vuyo Sotashe, Settlers Jazz Band

Sunday 10 July 2011, 17:00
Swingers Jazz Club, 1 Wetwyn Road, Wetton, Cape Town
Cost R70

Jazz & World Music Masala will take place at Swingers Jazz Club in Wetton on Sunday 10 July 2011, starting at 5 pm.

Parisian jazz vocalist and scat specialist Deborah Tanguy will make a brief return to the city to highlight a celebration of jazz vocals not seen in recent times in the city.

This concert marks the debut of Kalahari Connection, a global collective of Cape based musicians, each bringing their unique flavour to a band that celebrates a rich music variety descended from the Kalahari and the first peoples. The group features Bongani Sotshononda (Marimba), Dizu Plaatjies (Various African Instruments), Alice Zhang (Chinese Flutes), Barry van Zyl (Drums), Alistair Andrews (Basses) and Ronan Skillen (Tabla and Indian Percussion) in a tantalizing mix of Jazz, African and Indo-Chinese music.

Renowned songbird, pianist and musical theatre personality Amanda Tiffin will double up on piano and vocals, along with two of the city’s most promising jazz vocalists Sandile Gontsana and Vuyo Sotashe.

The Dynamics from Settlers High School will add dazzling youth jazz to the evening’s entertainment.

Tickets cost R70. For bookings call 083 390 4529 or pay at the door. Dining is optional. Swingers Jazz Club is located at 1 Wetwyn Rd, Wetton. Tel: 021 762 2443.

Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series July 2011

2011-06-25T15:55:00.001+02:00

Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series July 2011
Date: 7 – 9 July 2011 at 19:30
Venue: The Fugard Theatre, Sacks Futeran Building, District Six, Cape Town
Price: R120

Silent Revolution Music in association with the Standard Bank Jazz Festival, Grahamstown and Eastern Cape Jazz Promotions presents the first Winter Jazz Series, at the Fugard Theatre Studio in Cape Town from 7 – 9 July. The three nights will each have 2 shows, starting at 19:30

The Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series line-up at the Fugard Theatre Studio features many of the artists that would have then just returned from the Standard Bank Jazz Festival in Grahamstown, including four Standard Bank Young Artist Award (SBYAA) winners for Jazz.

The Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series opens on Thursday 7 July at 19:30 with Soweto Kinch, featuring Soweto Kinch (Sax) from the UK, Kesivan Naidoo (drums) – SBYAA Jazz 2009, Shane Cooper (double bass), Dave Ledbetter (guitar) and Bokani Dyer (piano) – SBYAA 2011. At 21:00 the Emily Bruce Quartet will feature Andrew Lilley (piano), Charles Lazar (bass), Heinrich Goosen (drums) and special guest from Sweden Fredrik Norén on trumpet.

On Friday 8 July at 19:30 Melanie Scholtz and the dirty trio (Kesivan Naidoo (drums), Shane Cooper (double bass), Bokani Dyer (piano) and Melanie Scholtz (vocals) – SBYAA 2010), will perform with special guest Mark Fransman (sax) – SBYAA 2008. At 21:00 Andreas Schaerer (vocals), Bänz Oester (double bass) from Switzerland will perform with special guest Mark Fransman (sax).

The Gavin Minter Septet will be on stage at 19:30 on Saturday 9 July, with Lee Thomson (Trumpet and Flugelhorn), Dan Shout (Alto Saxophone and Clarinet), Buddy Wells (Tenor Saxophone and Flute), Kevin Gibson (Drums), Andrew Lilley (Piano), Charles Lazar (Double Bass) and Gavin Minter (Vocals). The final performance of the weekend at 21:00 features Tina Schouw (vocals/guitar), Kevin Gibson (drums), Wesley Rustin (double bass), Lodi Paul Inga (guitar), Mark Fransman (piano/accordion/clarinet) and Gavin Minter (percussion).

The partners for this first Silent Revolution Winter Jazz series are Kawai piano, Pro Helvetia, the British Council, Standard Bank and Eastern Acoustic.

Tickets for the Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series are R120 per night (including 2 performances) and bookings can be made through http://www.computicket.co.za/ , or by phoning the Fugard Theatre Box Office on 021 461 4554 - doors open at 7PM

Age is a beautiful phase - celebrating the work of James Matthews

2011-06-17T22:15:00.002+02:00

Age is a beautiful phase
Date: Wednesday, 06 July 2011
Venue: Cape Town City Hall, Darling Street, Cape Town
Time: 19H00 - 21H00
Cost: Free, but booking compulsory here

The British Council in partnership with vocalist and composer Melanie Scholtz is putting up an event to celebrate the works of notable South African poet, James Matthews. Melanie has taken 13 of James Matthews poems and has converted them into songs and this evening will serve as a tribute to James's work outlining the creative writing sector.

Backing Melanie will be a quartet made up of British saxophonist Soweto Kinch, Kevin Gibson(drums), Andrew Lilley(piano) and Brydon Bolton(bass).

The evenings activities will be opened by The Tribe Of Benjamin and a dance piece by Heal the Hood.

Note, although it is a free event, it is essential to book at the link below. Also note that if you booked, but cannot make it to attend the event, there is a facility at the same link to cancel your booking so as to give others the opportunity to attend the event.

Book Here: http://britishcouncilblogs.org/africa/events-2/?event_id=51
For more info contact Harriet.duPlessis@britishcouncil.org.za or call 021 460 6673 during office hours.

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011 - IAN SMITH conducts the DELFT BIG BAND

2011-05-26T22:29:00.000+02:00

ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011

IAN SMITH conducts the DELFT BIG BAND

Soloists

Adelia Douw, Matthew Ehrenreich, Sandile Gontsana, Danya Pearce, Mark Williams and Lorenzo Blignaut

Saturday 4 June 19h30 and Sunday 5 June 16h00
Artscape Theatre

Artscape’s Youth Jazz Festival celebrates its 9th year with legendary Jazz Trumpeter, Ian Smith conducting the Delft Big Band. Young soloists, who are already making waves in the jazz arena, will join the band in an evening of superb music. They include Lorenzo Blignaut (19), Adelia Douw (17) Vocals, Matthew Ehrenreich (18) Sax, Sandile Gontsana (26) Vocals, Dayna Pearce (20) Clarinet and Mark Williams (22) Guitar. Because of the exceptionally high standard, and the demand for tickets, there will be two performances this year in the Artscape Theatre on Saturday 4 June at 19h30 and Sunday 5 June at 16h00.

With a focus firmly on the development and education of young jazz aspirants, Artscape in preparation of the festival each year, designs a mentorship programme together with top South African jazz icons who prepare these musicians for the jazz arena they are about to enter. Artscape also provides the platform to showcase the work.

In 2003 Artscape Audience Development and Education included the Youth Jazz Festival as an extension of their annual Classical Youth Music Festival, which began in 1971 - to give young instrumental soloists and singers the opportunity of performing with a professional orchestra. The 2011 Youth Jazz Festival is following the same concept with Ian Smith and the Delft Big Band.

Under the directorship of Ian Smith, the Delft Big Band started in August 2008 as an initiative by the Department of Social Development and NGO Cape Outdoor Adventure Service and Training. This development programme is targeted at vulnerable youth from high schools in Leiden, Rosendal, Voorbrug and the local community. Through this programme, which has early intervention as a core element, music is used as a vehicle to equip the youth with valuable life-skills.

More than 100 learners from these areas participate in the programme of which more advanced musicians make up the Delft Big Band. This band has already performed to great acclaim at a number of high-profile events including the Sekunjalo Edujazz and the Cape Town Big Band Festival at the Baxter, where they received standing ovations. Other concerts include the Community Jazz Festival in Gugulethu for the Amy Biehl Foundation, and various performances, at the City Hall, which included The Brass Band Pops and concerts with the American Palm Springs Band. The band recently combined with the SA Army Band in concert at the V and A Waterfront Amphitheatre, performed at the Arts and Culture Conference at the CTICC and more high-profile government and NGO events. They also performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival in April 2010 and six of the youngest members recently visited Sweden where they received huge accolades for their incredible skills and performances.

Ian Smith recently received an award from the Department of Culture Affairs and Sport, Western Cape for his contribution to the Performing Arts in Music. It was mentioned at the awards that through his expertise as a teacher of music, one of the highlights of his skills transfer is the Delft Jazz Band.

In the pic above- Youngest Band Members with Ian Smith, who recently went to Sweden

Marlene le Roux, director of Artscape Audience Development and Education said: ‘The Arts is a natural catalyst to ensure that young people develop the ethics of self-discipline while gaining confidence as they build and believe in their ability. Not only does the Jazz project develop musical skills, it gives assurance to future audiences for this genre. The Delft Big Band is an outstanding project, as these young people don’t have music as a subject at school level. They display sheer determination, in difficult circumstances and demonstrate they can achieve above all odds. Through music, the world opens up for them. This project is building positive future citizens who recognise through hard work they can put their dreams into action.
Artscape salutes Ian Smith for his contribution to the Jazz industry and welcomes the Delft Big Band and soloist to the 2011 Festival.’

It is advisable to book your tickets in advance to avoid disappointment. On Saturday 4 June the festival is from 19h30 to 22h00 and Sunday 5 June from 16h00 to 18h30. Book through Artscape Dial-a-seat 021 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets and on line http://www.computickets.com/ - Tickets cost R75. Seating is unreserved.

For more information contact Tarnia van Zitters on 021 410 9803 tarniav@artscape.co.za

JAZZ IT UP - Township Afro Jazz Live Concert 4 June 2011

2011-05-25T23:13:00.000+02:00

JAZZ IT UP
Township Afro Jazz Live Concert
Monthly Events: SESSION 2

Hosted by Mark Mathebe
Guest DJ - Evan Milton (Fine Music Radio)

BANDS:
Jazz Connection and Soi soi
Mbira Dzakare (Zimbabwe)
Roger Khoza
Maphelo and many more....

DATE: 04 June 2011
TIME: 15h00 - 22h00
VENUE: Gugulethu Sports Complex, crn NY 1 and NY 2
TICKETS: R30, VIP R80
buy 2 tickets & get 1 free (available at Gugulethu Super Spar)

Entrance R50 & VIP R100 at the door

DSTV on site - Strict Security - Bring Camp Chair - Beverages & Food Available
No drinking allowed outside premises

brought to you by BLACK STAR ARTS PRODUCTION
blackstarartspro@yahoo.com / jazzelokshin@gmail.com

info:
078 6652 167 Thando
073 1974 085 Max
073 9714 200 Brutus

GOLDFISH: LAST SA PERFORMANCE BEFORE EUROPEAN TOUR 28 May 2011

2011-05-25T21:04:00.000+02:00

GOLDFISH: LAST SA PERFORMANCE BEFORE EUROPEAN TOUR

Brazil, Amsterdam, Ibiza, Norway... Sounds like a dream vacation around the world? Actually, it’s just a few of the stops on Goldfish’s upcoming overseas tour, which sees our favourite afro-jazzy-groovy-housey local live act set their bags down on the party island of Ibiza for Europe’s Summer Season, and rack up some serious fan love- and flyer miles- as they hop, skip and Get Busy Living hard at iconic clubbing destinations around the globe.

Dom and Dave aka ‘The Fishies’ as we know them, set off in June until October and play in not one but two of the Top 5 Clubbing venues in the world as voted by the readers of Dj Mag. Green Valley in Brazil is a jungle wonderland-themed dancing experience with a reputation for a strict booking policy that means, only the hottest of the hot music entertainment bellows through the speakers of the 8000 capacity venue at the foot of a giant valley, surround by lush rainforest!

And Pacha in Ibiza, the infamous cherry-lined clubbing Mecca that consistently presents a sublime- and frankly, over the top amazing- showcase of the electronic music industry’s top muso’s. Goldfish have headlined massive nights alongside Faithless, Erick Morillo and Sander Kleinenberg for 4 years running and this year see’s them join the roster of David Guetta’s legendary F*CK ME I’M FAMOUS residency, which also includes Afrojack, Fatboy Slim and Sarah Main.

Their travels take them to London where Goldfish will be the supporting sound for iconic rock band INXS at the Southern Sounds Festival in June. INXS will play their first Live show in 5 years at what will be the biggest Australian, New Zealand and South African gathering in Europe! Lesser known is that the duo have also picked up an impressive Dutch following on their global travels and will be taking full advantage with appearances at several big festivals and clubs in The Netherlands this summer. They support Moby and Paulo Nutini at Mundial Festival in Tilburg, playing alongside Booka Shade, Kraak en Smaak and Secret Cinema at The After Work Festival in Amsterdam, and jamming it up with Groove Armada, Leftfield and Trentemoller at Oslo Festival in Oslo, Norway.
Now that’s repping their ‘Get Busy Living’ ethos from the heart!

On Saturday 28th May, Goldfish make their final stop at The Assembly for their revered local ‘adieu’ performance before chasing the sun and the fun beyond our borders. The night promises to be a spectacle of incredible lighting and surround sound, with their bevy of talented vocalists and confetti cannons to round up what is sure to be an epic final shakedown, celebrating the tunes that have been rocking SA all summer long! This event will sell out, so be sure to book your tickets in advance.

Tickets: Ticket Web R80 (Plus Booking Fee)
http://www.webtickets.co.za/

Venue: The Assembly
http://www.theassembly.co.za/61 Harrington Street
ROAR - NOU18's - I.D Required
Time: Doors open at 8pm

The Little Giants jazz spectacular with Marcus Wyatt

2011-05-24T20:58:00.000+02:00

The Little Giants jazz spectacular with Marcus Wyatt

Sunday 29 May 2011, 18h00
Club 021 (Swingers Jazz Club)

Participating artists/groups:
Errol Dyers and George Werner Quartet with special guests Marcus Wyatt and Buddy Wells
Wathiq Hoosain
Erin Clark
Alexander Sinton Jazz Ensemble
The Little Giants

South African jazz star Marcus Wyatt will make a rare Cape Town appearance on Sunday 29 May at Swingers Jazz Club. He will be supporting leading South African youth jazz exponents the Little Giants, who will be showcased ahead of their annual participation in the National Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown this June.

Director and pianist George Werner has nurtured this groundbreaking youth group for more than a decade, in the process schooling several young professionals in the national and international music scenes.

Alexander Sinton Jazz Ensemble will also make a final Cape Town appearance before their much anticipated trip to the Tutti World Youth Music Festival in Beijing, where they will perform an exclusively South African music repertoire.

Trumpeter Wyatt needs little introduction, having journeyed to the forefront of South African jazz over the last decade with several recordings and performances worldwide. He will re-unite with long time collaborator Buddy Wells (saxophone), backed the experienced rhythm section of Werner, Peter Dladla (bass) and Ivan Bell (drums).

Rising jazz vocal stars Wathiq Hoosain and Erin Clark will be further additions to the evening’s music menu.

The concert starts at 18h00 and seating is limited. Tickets are R70. Dining is optional. For bookings call 083 390 4529 or pay at the door. Club 021(Swingers Jazz Club) is located at 1 Wetwyn Rd, Lansdowne.

Jason Reolon Trio - Outline Album Launch

2011-05-22T12:28:00.000+02:00

The Jason Reolon Trio - Live in Concert

Jason Reolon (piano)
Wesley Rustin (double bass)
Heinrich Goosen (drums)

Watch the Jason Reolon Trio Live in Concert as we celebrate the exclusive launch of the trio's highly anticipated second album 'Outline'. Soulful and stirring, these all-original compositions are Reolon's latest groundbreaking contribution to the world of jazz.

With a motion monograph by Marcii Goosen and renowned guest musicians including saxophonist Buddy Wells and percussionist Tony Paco, this is a once-in-a-lifetime performance not to be missed.

Wednesday 1st June, 2011

Freeworld Design Centre Auditorium
Freeworld Coatings
The Cape Waters Building
71 Waterkant Street
Cape Town
map

Doors open 7pm - Concert starts at 8pm
Only 130 seats available!
Tickets R100 - Book at Computicket to avoid disappointment.

Tickets will also be available at the door.

More info, listen to and purchase Outline:

www.jasonreolon.com

Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival - TRUMPET WORKSHOP

2011-05-15T13:54:00.000+02:00

As part of the13th Anniversary Celebrations of the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival we would like to invite you to attend the following:

TRUMPET WORKSHOP
Featuring: Steve Waterman

Steve began his career while studying at Trinity College Of Music, London and since then has worked regularly on the British and International jazz scene. He has recorded 7 critically acclaimed CD’s under his own name featuring many original compositions and arrangements.

Steve has co -written with John ONeil a highly acclaimed Jazz Trumpet tutor book -
THE JAZZ METHOD FOR TRUMPET published by Schott & Co.

He is also professor of Jazz Trumpet at Trinity College of Music in London, visiting Jazz Trumpet specialist at The Royal Northern College Of Music and The Purcell School. Steve also teaches on many summer jazz courses and has conducted numerous Trumpet master classes and workshops ranging in size from small groups to big bands throughout the UK, Spain, Finland, Latvia, Germany, Peru, U.S.A, South Africa and Cuba.

Date:Friday 20th May 2011
Venue: Room C7, S.A. College of Music, Rondebosch
Time:15h30 – 17h30
Don’t forget to bring your horn

Bookings: email ann@ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za
To register your attendance as seating is limited.
Attendance is free.

Peace Mass Choir Concert with special guest Kyle Shepherd

2011-05-12T19:52:00.000+02:00

Jazz pianist KYLE SHEPHERD is the special guest at a unique concert of the 'PEACE MASS CHOIR', a combined choir featuring the best singing talent from the Christel House SA, Fezeka High and Sans Souci Girls High Schools, to be held on Saturday 21 May 2011, 7pm at Sans Souci High School, Newlands.

Tickets cost R40 and are available through COMPUTICKET by calling 083 915 8000 or via their website http://www.computicket.com/

The concert is being held to present the PEACE MASS CHOIR as a united voice to proclaim the message of peace and harmony in South Africa and throughout the world. The choir's repertoire includes John Rutter's "For the beauty of the earth", "All things bright and beautiful", Franz Schubert's "Ave Maria" as well as a special composition called "A piece of peace" by Misha Favis, a fourteen year old South African musician who is studying at the Yehudi Menuhin Music School in London.

"We are very honoured to have Kyle Shepherd as our special guest at our concert. Kyle is a role model musician reaching out to the people – his people – the community brothers and sisters. Kyle feels strongly about sharing and helping his fellow human beings and wants to make a musical and social difference by reaching out to others. His song – A Hymn for us – speaks powerfully of the need to heal and love through music." Lainey Trequesser, President of MUSIQUELAINE French Based Non Profit Association for Music Development in South Africa.

ABOUT THE PERFORMERS…

Jazz pianist Kyle Shepherd who is widely regarded as one of South Africa’s most influential and accomplished jazz pianists and composers will be doing a solo piano performance at the concert.

Shepherd has released two critically acclaimed Albums to date, namely fineART and A Portrait of Home, which have both been nominated for a South African Music Award (SAMA). Apart from South Africa, Shepherd has performed in The Netherlands, Belgium, Switzerland, Norway, France, Denmark, Malaysia, Swaziland, Mozambique, Botswana and Zimbabwe, with the most notable concert appearances being at The Bird’s Eye Jazz Club (Switzerland), The Aarhus Jazz Festival (Denmark), The Riverboat Jazz Festival (Denmark), The Cape Town International Jazz Festival (South Africa), The Joy of Jazz Festival (South Africa), The Pan African Space Station (South Africa) and The Genting International Jazz Festival (Malaysia). http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/

The PEACE MASS CHOIR is a combination of choirs from three schools, namely Christel House SA, Fezeka High and San Souci Girls High.

The Christel House SA School Choir consists of about sixty voices chosen from both the junior and senior schools. The choir was established a decade ago by Mrs Rene van Niekerk and is assisted by Mr Clarke Schilder.

The Christel House SA Choir prides itself on its numerous sterling performances at a variety of prestigious events ranging from their participation in the David Kramer & Taliep Petersen’s District Six Musical to singing for the opening of Provincial Parliament. The choir draws singers from all surrounding townships and is seen as a great opportunity for kids to express themselves through the arts. Performing at the American Embassy on Independence Day was really a great highlight for the choir.

The choir's vast repertoire ranges from traditionals to the very challenging classicals in the opera La Boheme in 2007. As part of Christel House South Africa's 10th anniversary celebrations the choir will embark on a recording project to capture all the beautiful memories of the past decade.

The award-winning 77-member Fezeka High School Choir from Gugulethu was only established in 2008 and are already seven-times National Singing Champions. It is directed by Ms Holly Lubbock with Mr Phumi Tsewu as its choir master.

Apart from numerous performances locally and nationally, the choir has also sung at Salisbury's Annual International Arts Festival and other venues in the UK. This also led to the making of a Film Documentary, Fezeka's Voice which documents the choir’s journey to Salisbury and tells the remarkable story of Phumi's commitment, charm and spirit which has inspired these ordinary young people in Gugulethu to reach extraordinary and unimaginable heights in their personal, artistic and academic endeavours.

The Sans Souci Girl's High School Choir led by Shirley Sutherland has grown in size and stature since the success of its sixties' musical in 2010, Twist and Shout. The Choir played an important role in the production, performing numerous songs and had the honour of working closely with Mr Mervyn Williams (Cape Town City Ballet) on their choreography.

Other highlights since 2010 include the choir being awarded 80% in the Tygerberg International Eisteddfod, Honours in the Cape Town Eisteddfod, a gold medal in the Kaapse Afrikaans Eisteddfod and winning the 2011 Annual FACETS Eisteddfod. The choir also participated in the Wynberg Boys’ High Choir Festival and is part of the Peace Mass Choir.

JAZZ AT THE NASSAU 8 May 2011

2011-05-04T23:41:00.003+02:00

JAZZ AT THE NASSAU

PRESENTS

THE REZA KHOTA QUINTET

Reza Khota             Guitar
Kyle Shepherd        Piano
Shane Cooper         Bass
Buddy Wells           Saxophone
Jonno Sweetman     Drums

THE MICU NARUNSKY TRIO

Micu Narunsky            Piano
Charles Lazar               Bass
Maurice Gawronsky     Drums

NASSAU CENTRE GROOTE SCHUUR HIGH SCHOOL
PALMYRA ROAD NEWLANDS

SUNDAY 8th May at 7-30pm Ticket price- R80-00
Booking- Cliff Wallis 021-761-2726 or 076-401 0008

Tete Mbambisa Trio @ the Green Dolphin

2011-05-01T01:07:00.001+02:00

Captured info -
Date : 20 April 2011
Venue: The Green Dolphin, Cape Town

Tete Mbambisa on Piano, Norman Sauls on Bass, Ivan Bell on Drums

Tete Mbambisa

Norman Sauls

Band Aid - Julius May

2011-04-19T13:59:00.000+02:00

The G Spot in conjunction with the WCMA is hosting a Band Aid on 27 April 2011 at The G Spot Lounge in Epping in order to raise funds for musicians in despair.
The particular beneficiary at this event will be guitarist Julius May, a young man who became susceptible to substance abuse and other temptations and pitfalls of the industry like alcohol.

After a suicide attempt 3 months ago Julius decided to turn his life around and go to a rehab for cleansing and restart his life.

Ironically the 27 April which is Freedom day will mark Julius's discharge from rehab and the talented young guitarist has pledged to assist other aspiring muso's who experience the same struggle in the industry.

He will also perform with his band on the day.

Musicians who offered their time and talents to the cause thus far are:
Jonathan Rubain
Allou April
Blackkurrant
Sammy Webber
Gio Band
The Next Step
Brown Suga
Rudolph Paulse
Q'base Collective
The Young Visitors
Litmus 5

Fires will be provided for a Bring n Braai and the doors will open at 2pm
The live action will kick off at 4pm.
Donation is R40

Any bands or artist who wants to contribute are welcome to come along or call William Rezandt on 073 399 0244 for more info.

Donations towards the Alexander Sinton Jazz Band's participation in Tutti World Youth Festival Beijing

2011-04-17T00:24:00.000+02:00

Alexander Sinton Jazz Band(ASJB) is participating in the Tutti World Youth Festival to be held in Beijing in July 2011.

If you would like to make donations towards their participationin this event, please do so here:
Bank: First National Bank
Acc. name: Alexander Sinton High School Fund
Acc. no: 501 500 38500
Reference: Beijing Tutti
Branch: Claremont
Branch Code: 200-109

Your contribution will be highly appreciated.
Contact details for ASJB:
Mobile: 082 678 3452
Email: deleurjones{@}gmail.com
(Please remove curly brackets {} when using email)

Hamba Kahle Duke Ngcukana

2011-04-16T12:48:00.000+02:00

Trumpeter Duke Ngcukana, passed away today, 16 April 2011.

Condolences to his Family and Friends.

Tributes:

Duke Ngcukana, another Cape Town Jazz legend, passed away on April, 16th. - In every note of his soulful flugelhorn playing you could hear what a genuinely warm person he was. And he was also an excellent educator: without him (and his late brother Ezra) no award winning "Little Giants", no IMAD (Institute for Music and Indigenous Arts Development), and also no MAPP (Music Action for People’s Progress), or no Choirimba (the Langa Adult Choir featuring a Marimba- and Jazz-Band). Duke, we will sorely miss you.

We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Regards

Andreas, George and Regina and all musicians of Jazz Potjie Projects
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

AUDITION OPPORTUNITY for BRUNDIBAR - A CHILDREN'S OPERA

2011-04-06T21:38:00.000+02:00

If you missed the last audition for Brundibár, a Children’s Opera, which is to be staged at the Artscape Theatre from 18 - 21 July 2011, then contact Serena at Cape Town Opera on 021 410 9919 or email her at SerenaD@capetownopera.co.za to book an audition slot for Tuesday 12 April between 3pm and 5pm. The audition takes place in Room 301, Artscape Theatre Centre and is for children between the ages of 7 and 16 years. Boys between the ages of 10 and 14 years with strong voices are encouraged to come along.

Should you be chosen to be part of the opera, you will have to be free for Music Rehearsals every Tuesday afternoon starting from 26 April 2011 from 3.30pm to 5.30pm; Production Rehearsals 28 June to 17 July; Performances 18 to 21 July in the Artscape Theatre (evenings at 7pm and one 3pm matinee) as well as Schools’ performances 25 to 29 July 2011.

It is essential to have written consent from a parent or guardian to be part of the opera and to attend rehearsals and performances

Directed by Aviva Pelham, Brundibár is the tale of two children who seek money to buy milk for their sick mother. Their quest is thwarted by an evil organ grinder named Brundibár, but with the help of three intelligent animals, the children defeat the unjust bully and return home in triumph.

Artscape Concert for the Alexander Sinton High Jazz Band

2011-04-05T21:57:00.000+02:00

Artscape Concert for the Alexander Sinton Jazz Band
Gloria Bosman, Jimmy Dludu, Errol Dyers, George Werner and guests
Jazz stars in support of Sinton’s participation in the Tutti World Youth Music Festival
15 April 2011

On Friday 15 April 2011, South African jazz stars will gather in support of the Alexander Sinton High Jazz Band’s pending trip to the Tutti World Youth Music Festival this July. For the first time this Cape Flats Arts Focus School will send its music learners to an international gathering where the upbeat youngsters will perform only South African music.

Their journey to Beijing is historical, says music director Ronel Nagfaal: "We are proud and eager to represent Athlone and South Africa at this global assembly, where youth musicians will present musical traditions from their countries. This contact and exchange is a unique cultural experience, a tremendous opportunity for the musical and personal growth of our youth and their grooming as leaders in music and in their communities."

The other Cape Town schools sending their bands to the 8-day festival are Heathfield, Bergvliet and Wynberg Girls High.

Appearing at the Artscape Theatre Centre will be vocal star Gloria Bosman, who will make a rare Cape appearance, supported by pianist George Werner, bassist Norman Sauls and drummer Frank Paco.

Star guitarist Jimmy Dludlu’s distinctive Afro jazz flavoured sounds will be heard, as will renowned Cape troubadour Errol Dyers and promising jazz vocalist Lee-Ann Fortuin.

Now in their 11th year The Little Giants directed by Werner and the Alexander Sinton Jazz Band will be the youth jazz groups in attendance. Both groups will participate in this year’s Grahamstown National Youth Jazz Festival.

Bosman appears on the back of a career in the music topflight that started in the mid 1990s. This vocal powerhouse finds herself in the slipstream of diverse musical styles, be it opera, Afro jazz, or Afrikaans pop. After several albums and headlining performances worldwide, she’s become an eminent voice on Mzansi’s musical landscape.

The concert starts at 8 pm in Artscape’s Opera House. Tickets are available at Computicket and cost R100 for adults and R50 for pensioners & children under 18.

For further information, contact 083 390 4529.

Auditions for South African Singers for Aids Awareness Concert

2011-03-31T20:22:00.000+02:00

Auditions for the South African Artists for Aids Awareness Concert will be held on Saturday 2 April 2011 from 1:30pm to 6pm in the Chisholm Recital Room (C7) at the South African College of Music at UCT. Eight singers (male and female) will be selected to perform in the concert on Sunday 31 July 2011 at the Baxter Theatre.

Professional singers 23 years old and up are invited to audition. Baritones, tenors, sopranos and altos who are diverse in musical styles from R&B, gospel, musical theatre, adult contemporary and jazz are welcome. They must be musically confident and trained, can harmonize, learn material quickly, perform well, have an exciting stage presence, and have an understanding of the social responsibility of HIV/Aids.

Singers are to bring an up tempo song and a ballad as well as a photo and résumé of themselves. They will be required to sing acapella and in group compositions. There will be a piano accompanist if needed.

Artists must be available for extensive rehearsals during the months of June/July. There is payment involved.

For more information contact Sundae Hendricks on 071 447 9475 or email sundae.mc@gmail.com

Issued on behalf of
The Africa Centre for HIV/Aids Management at Stellenbosch University
http://www.aidscentre.sun.ac.za/

Since its formation 10 years ago, The Africa Centre for HIV/AIDS Management unit for teaching, research and community mobilisation has developed the most comprehensive and largest HIV/Aids management-training program in the world. In addition, the Educational Theatre and Arts division has attained unparalleled success with education, awareness and voluntary testing across the country.

Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival 2011

2011-03-30T22:01:00.000+02:00

The Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival(CTBBJF) has grown into one of the big events on the Cape Town jazz calendar. CTBBJF2011 happens from Thursday, 19 May 2011 until Saturday, 21 May 2011 at the Baxter Concert Hall. On these days the event will start at 19:45

Tickets: R70; R40 for Scolars/Students/Seniors per performance
R180 for all three performances

Tickets available from Computicket
http://www.computicket.com/web/event/cape_town_big_band_jazz_festival/330084163

Participating Bands

Thursday, 19 May 2011
#KD Jazz Band (Johannesburg)
#Bergvliet J2
#Pinelands Jazz Band
#Rustenburg Girls’ Jazz Band
#Bergvliet High Jazz Band
#Bishops Jazz Band
#Stellenbosch Youth Jazz Band

Friday, 20 May 2011
#Little Giants
#Beau Soleil Music Centre
#Sans Souci Jazz Cats
#Delft Big Band
#Heathfield High Jazz Band
#Rondebosch Boys’ High Jazz Band
#UCT Big Band

Saturday, 21 May 2011
#Wynberg Boys’ Jazz Band
#The S.A. College Junior School Jazz Band
#Westerford High Big Band
#The S.A. College High School Junior Jazz Band
#Wynberg Girls’ Big Band
#The S.A. College High School Senior Jazz Band
#Alumni Big Band

For more info check the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival website at http://www.ctbigbandjazzfest.co.za/

Also take note of the Cape Town Steelband Festival on 10 June 2011 and
the Cape Town Marimba Festival on 11 June 2011

Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour 2011 - All The Best To The Riders

2011-03-12T13:33:00.000+02:00

For those taking part in the Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour 2011, wishing you all the best. Some peace of mind, if you hit any technical difficulties, technical support will be on standy with the alternative in the attached picture - the ride may be a bit bumpy though...

photo taken at Chris Willemse Cycles
Cape Argus Pick n Pay Cycle Tour

Melanie Scholtz and the Love Apples LIVE @ On Broadway

2011-03-10T22:52:00.000+02:00

Melanie Scholtz and the Love Apples LIVE
Sunday, March 20 · 8:30pm - 11:30pm
On Broadway,88 Shortmarket Street, City Centre ,Cape Town

A not to be missed live show with Melanie Scholtz, the Standard Young Bank Young Artist for Jazz 2010 and her incredible band, the Love Apples. A one night only opportunity to catch this versatile singer live in her home town after touring Ghana, Nigeria, Kenya, Amsterdam,Russia and Norway.

The show features original material as well as standard jazz with a twist from her albums "Connected" and "Living standards". Showcasing her originals like "Listen to the birds" and "Connected" as well as refreshing takes on "In the wee small hours of the morning" and "Look for the silver lining".

Tickets are R60 and CDs will be on sale for R100.
The show starts at 8:30 pm .

http://www.melaniescholtz.com/

Jazz on Sunday with Kyle Shepherd including lunch time performance by Darren English and Mark Fransman

2011-03-09T22:22:00.000+02:00

Kyle Shepherd @ Diemersfontein Wine & Country Estate, Wellington
Sunday, 13 March 2011

Please check the poster for details or
check here

SANDILE GONTSANA QUARTET "LIVE" @ Collisions Cigar Lounge

2011-03-09T21:11:00.001+02:00

Friday, 11 March 2011 · 8:30pm - 11:30pm
Collisions Cigar Lounge
Parliament Street, Cape Twon
Cape Town, South Africa
Entrance: Free

It's the Hansa Pilsener - Trade Activations Function, featuring an AMAZING BAND with
Nicholas Williams (Keys),
Shaun Johannes (Bass),
Marlon Witbooi (Drums),
Lana Crowster (Vocals),
Sandile Gontsana (Vocals)

For more information contact Sandile on 073 101 9663 or
sanzagontsana{@}yahoo.com
(remove the curlies{} when using)

The Cape Town Composers' Workshop presents Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Goema Symphony No. 1

2011-03-07T20:22:00.000+02:00

The Cape Town Composers' Workshop
presents
Parts of Mac McKenzie’s Goema Symphony No. 1 performed by a 25 piece orchestra.
Feature guest compositions from Derek Gripper, Mandla Mlangeni and Aykes Swartz.

First concert season of 2011.

Saturday 12, 19, 26 March 2011
Concerts start 8 pm, doors open 7:30 pm
SABC Auditorium, 209 Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Tickets R 150 pp, available at the door.
Reduced price for students and pensioners R 100 pp
Reservations by e-mail: composers.workshop.ct{@}gmail.com (remove curlies{} when using)
or SMS to 072 500 22 04

In August 2010, Mac McKenzie debuted his Goema Symphony No. 1. It was the culmination of a process that started officially with seed funding from the Cape Africa Platform in 2005, and that began unofficially back in the days of the Genuines, Mac's punk rock cult band. "I've got sketches going back to the 80s" says Mac, "So this is nothing new, it has been coming on a long time.
What is new is that now we can do it!

"These three concerts take place under the auspices of the Cape Town Composers' Workshop, a not for profit organization created to develop young composers, and network international composers.

The work draws on the indigenous roots of Cape Town music, and tells very distinctly Cape Town stories. Expect banjo, mandolin and gummie drum, added to the traditional symphonic instrumentation, for building the unique Goema groove.

If you are a fan of symphonic music, you will enjoy this fresh approach. And if you think you are not a fan, but love Cape Town music, 'in all its deviant forms', as Mac likes to say, then you will be quite surprised that something symphonic could sound so much like home.

For more info, E-mail: composers.workshop.ct{@}gmail.com (remove curlies{} when using)

SAJE JAZZ FESTIVAL 2011 Cape Town

2011-03-04T21:01:00.000+02:00

South African Association for Jazz Education - SAJE
SAJE JAZZ FESTIVAL
18-20 March 2011

The SAJE JAZZ FESTIVAL will take place from Friday18 March to Sunday 20 March 2011 at UCT and at Jazz at the Nassau. This year's SAJE Jazz Festival comprises of 3 exciting days WORKSHOPS and PERFORMANCES by some of the most talented local and international jazz educators and artists.

Workshops will be conducted by

Amanda Tiffin - helping teachers and students prepare for jazz and jazz vocal auditions at tertiary level.
Alistair Andrews - introduction to music technology for school music programs
Bob Sinicrope - teaching jazz to beginners ...
Mike del Ferro (Holland) - networking for musicians
Carlo Mombelli - improvisation
Monique Hellenberg - relaxation techniques for jazz musicians and vocalists
Ed Backhouse - care for Brass

PERFORMANCES by
The Dan Shout Band
Mike del Ferro (Holland) - piano, Mike Rossi - woodwinds, Mike Campbell - bass and Heinrich Goosen - drums
Sandile Gontsana - voice and Mike del Ferro - piano
The Darren English Band and special guests .....

The SAJE Jazz Sextet with Gordon Vernick (USA) - trumpet, Mike del Ferro (Holland) - piano, Kesivan Naidoo (SA) - drums, John Baboian (USA) - guitar, Bob Sinicrope (USA) - bass, Mike Rossi - woodwinds

Ulrich Suesse (Germany) - electronics
Carlo Mombelli (SA) - bass, as well as The Roses, Odd Meter Ensemble and the CAFCA BIG BAND - all from Mamelodi,

and more ....

Below is a more detailed program :

Friday 18 March - SA College of Music @ UCT
Teacher training workshops from 3.00pm to 5.30pm
with Amanda Tiffin, Alistair Andrews & Bob Sinicrope

Concert @ 8.15pm in the Chisholm Recital Room (C7) with Mike del Ferro (Holland), Ulrich Suesse (Germany), Carlo Mombelli, Mike Rossi, Sandile Gontsana, the Darren English Band, and some special guests ….

Saturday 19 March - SA College of Music @ UCT
Workshops & performances by Mike del Ferro (Holland), Carlo Mombelli, Bob Sinicrope (USA), Monique Hellenberg, Mike Rossi, Mike Campbell, Heinrich Goosen, the Dan Shout Band, the Roses (Mamelodi), Eddie Backhouse and some special guests ….. from 9.30am to 5.00pm

Sunday 20 March - Jazz at the Nassau @ 7.30pm
Odd Meter Ensemble from Mamelodi led by Jesse Mogale
Milton Academy Jazz Ensemble from Boston
The SAJE Jazz Sextet featuring:
Mike del Ferro (Holland) – piano
Bob Sinicrope (USA) – bass
Kesivan Naidoo (SA) – drums
John Baboian (USA) - guitar
Gordon Vernick (USA) – trumpet
Mike Rossi (USA/SA) – woodwinds

Friday 18 March - Concert @ 8.15pm - Free for SACM staff and students
Tickets = R50 / *SAJE members/senior citizens/students/learners = R25

Saturday 19 March - Free for SACM staff and students
Day Tickets = R75 / *SAJE members/senior citizens/students/learners = R30

Sunday 20 March @ Jazz at the Nassau
Tickets: R80 - please contact Cliff Wallis at 076-401-0008 to book
• For more info or to book contact Diane at sajejazz@gmail.com or 082-515-7051
• Tickets also available at the door!

From Tuesday 22 March to Thursday 24 March we will also be conducting free jazz workshops at various schools in and around Cape Town. Please feel free to contact Diane with any queries or to book. Prices range from R25 to R75 for workshops and concerts.
Some of the guest artists will also be performing at various venues in and around Cape Town - at the Winchester Mansions Hotel Sunday Jazz Brunch and at the Green Dolphin amongst others.

‘Manouche @ Alliance Française Cape Town’ review – Carol Martin

2011-03-01T20:29:00.000+02:00

‘Manouche @ Alliance Française Cape Town’
24 February 2011

I heard the Manouche band at Loop Street’s Alliance Francaise, Cape Town, on Thursday, 24 February. Bouncy, sometimes unorthodox in their instrumentation, and always swinging with humour, this funky group specializes in ‘Gypsy Jazz’, a genre emanating from the 1930’s swing era of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli. And boy, did they swing! These South Africans have launched their first album, ‘The Bloomsbury Incident’ which weaves together various rhythmic and melodic concepts, ranging from American jazz standards to upbeat gypsy-style busking to hotter jazzy expressions. Hard to describe.

They also dressed in the fashion of that swing era: in tuxedos, and dresses with laced half gloves.

The group’s accordionist, Lize Dekker, enthused the audience with her vibrant piano sounds. But it was violinist Rene Stander who kept the two-set evening’s offerings full of bounce with sassy chord runs reminiscent of the Parisian ‘hot jazz’ of the roaring ‘30s. Other band members were fun to watch as they playfully exhibited their instruments. Bernard Kotze on lead guitar composed most of the band’s songs. Thomas Hugo on rhythm guitar also brought out a metal saw which, when bent, resonates tones and blings to add to a song. Unfortunately, this unorthodox instrument’s contributions were drowned out by the frenetic pace of the band. Eldred Schilder (of the musical dynasty family of Schilders) on double bass added the required thump-thump rhythms so characteristic of the gypsy jazz era. Then, Martijn Van Der Merwe added his rhythm from a soap box which he sat on, along with the minimal set of drums.

This was a memorable evening, indeed, with a mixture of fast paced and slower ballad type songs. I should have dressed up in my finest 1930’s Parisian dress, hat, and heels, with lots of make-up, and worn those white laced gloves with which to hold that long cigarette holder!

Review By Carol Martin
Photos: Gregory Franz

The Rockin' Accordions at Kronendal, Hout Bay

2011-02-22T21:02:00.000+02:00

Please click the poster for info:

Trio of Afro-jazz masters All-in-One at the Fugard Theatre

2011-02-21T20:25:00.000+02:00

Trio of Afro-jazz masters All-in-One at the Fugard Theatre
Steve Newman, Errol Dyers and Hilton Schilder will perform together at the Fugard Theatre as their band All in One, from 1 – 5 March 2011.

The trio of masters, all three respected musicians and composers in their own right, pay homage to centuries of music practice in Africa and around the world. Their styles are distinct, and their mastery is displayed in the collaborating ways that they blend to create a new sound.

With Dyers and Newman on guitar and Schilder on percussion, they will perform their own compositions, and will also add a few more unique instruments to tell musical stories that originated in Cape Town’s District 6 and, like them, have made its journey all over the world to defy categorization.

All In One plays at the Fugard Theatre from Tuesday 1 March to Saturday 5 March 2011 at 20:00 nightly. Tickets cost R150, with balcony seating at R130 per ticket. Bookings are through the Theatre’s Box Office on 021 461 4554 or with Computicket on www.computicket.com.

About the Fugard Theatre:
The 270-seater Fugard Theater is located within the historic Sacks Futeran building in Cape Town’s District Six, with the renovated Congregational Church Hall in Caledon Street as its entrance. Construction of The Fugard Theatre was underwritten by its founding producer Eric Abraham, and is named in honour of Athol Fugard, South Africa’s greatest playwright.
All seating is now reserved and can be booked on line at www.computicket.com or the box office on 021 461 4554.
Those interested in the theatre should contact the Fugard Theatre General Manager Daniel Galloway on Daniel@thefugard.com or Production and Marketing Associate Alicia Vincent-Price on Alicia@thefugard.com.

Manouche Jazz Band Live - The Gypsy Jazz Album Launch 24 Feb 2011

2011-02-17T20:12:00.000+02:00

Manouche Jazz Band Live - The Gypsy Jazz Album Launch
24 February 2011, 20:30 - 11:30
Alliance Française Cape Town, 155 Loop Street, Cape Town

Entry R60 (R50 for Alliance Française members)

Manouche got together as a result of a group of musicians' love for the style of music called Gypsy Jazz. This style was created by Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grapelli in 1934 and is a unique blend of American jazz standards and gypsy rhythmic and melodic concepts. This vibrant mix resulted in the hottest of Hot Jazz.

The band consists of Bernard Kotze(lead guitar, composer), Thomas Hugo(rhythm guitar), Rene Stander(violin), Lize Dekker(accordion, vocals), Eldred Schilder(double bass) and Martijn Van Der Merwe(percussion).They have been playing together for the last 3 years but have only recently burst onto the scene and are making waves in various venues and festivals across the Western Cape. With sometimes unorthodox instrumentation and a good deal of original material they truly make the style their own.

Their first album is entitled 'The Bloomsbury Incident' and it consists of 10 original tunes as well as 2 old gypsy standards. With a basis of gypsy jazz they have weaved together a number of different influences to keep the music dynamic and always interesting. It is a roaring celebration of 1930s Parisian Hot Jazz but with a slight modern twist.

For more info or to book please contact us at info@manouche.co.za or call 0842954000.

Alliance Française Cape Town

Maraka Live @ Cru Cafe

2011-02-12T10:09:00.000+02:00

Saturday, February 12, 2011 · 7:30pm - 10:30pm
Crucafe Green Point
Cape Quarter Lifestyle Shopping Centre, 27 Somerset Road,Cape Town

Come prepared to enjoy a fantastic evening with Maraka and come prepared to DANCE!!

No entrance fee
Dress code: smart casual with a summer feel..
Drinks are fairly reasonably priced.

CruCafe is a restaurant and wine bar where you can feel free to relax, have dinner and drinks with friends.
No age limit :)

Marce Underwood -Vocals
Claude Cozens -Drums
Chad Honigswach - Bass guitar
Keanan Arendse - Guitar
Lenrick Boesack - Saxophone/Keyboard
Sisonke Xonti - Saxophone

infecting the city 2011

2011-02-09T23:23:00.000+02:00

INFECTING THE CITY: the Spier Public Arts Festival returns to Cape Town for the fourth time from the 21st to 26th February 2011 to shake up and energise the Mother City.

A project of the Africa Centre (http://www.africacentre.net/), this public arts festival places provocative, innovative art in the communal spaces of the City’s Central Business District (CBD). Everything on the festival programme is free and accessible to everybody.

The theme for the 2011 Festival is Treasure, which encapsulates the vibrant and cosmopolitan diversity of Cape Town. The Festival invites everyone to appreciate, take ownership of and celebrate the cultural riches that are often overlooked, neglected or discarded. The Festival will explore through original new art works: a variety of cultural expressions that often exist on the margins of society; what we consider waste; the people that make our City work; and the rich architectural and natural wealth of the Cape.

Some of the cultural gems that will be showcased include the chanting of Sufi sacred texts by a group of Senegalese men, a martial art based on the knife-fighting techniques of the Cape Flats, hip-hop 'B-Boy duels', and the traditional riel dances of Khoisan farm workers.

The Festival hub will be located on the newly refurbished Forecourt of the Cape Town Station – the 'Gateway to the City', which celebrates its 150th anniversary in 2011. A highlight at the Station will be a music stage hosting three daily concerts featuring the sounds of our diverse cultural communities: from Japanese Teiko drummers to Congolese folk songs, and symphonic Goema to Xhosa initiation songs.

A collective of visual artists will also be developing art works throughout the Festival on the Station Forecourt. They will be creating large-scale works out of recyclable materials taken from the daily domestic garbage of five specific communities in Cape Town.

Across the City, a number of local and international artists will make works that reveal several hidden City treasures such as underground rivers, forgotten heritage sites and intriguing people.

Introducing Public Arts to the youth, Infecting the City’s educational programme 'Arts Aweh!' proudly sponsored by Santam, will bring 120 Grade 10 school learners into the City every day to engage with the arts and the riches of the City.

Says Brett Bailey, Infecting the City’s curator: "Infecting the City 2011 is a Festival for all the people of Cape Town. The City’s various communities all have their distinctive cultural expressions. The arts of Xhosa stick fighting, Indian sari-wrapping or European opera singing all have long traditions and deep subtleties. These arts are the rich carriers of culture and history. It is a delight to be able to display a variety of the Cape’s gorgeous gems in the beautiful treasure box of our City."

Festival schedule: http://www.infectingthecity.com/2011/the-festival/schedule/

More Information:
http://www.infectingthecity.com/
http://www.africacentre.net/
Enquiries:021 422 0468
More Images: www.infectingthecity.com/2010/news/gallery/
Videos from the previous Festival:http://www.youtube.com/user/InfectingtheCity
Follow us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/infectingthecit
Find us on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/#!/InfectingTheCityTreasure

Sandile Gontsana Quartert "LIVE" @ Khanya Coffee Shop

2011-02-09T21:20:00.000+02:00

Sandile Gontsana Quartert "LIVE" @ Khanya Coffee Shop,
18th Feb. 2011 (7:30pm),
44 Belvedere Road, Claremont (map)
R30 cover charge @ the door
Bookings: Please call 021 674 5510 or 073 101 9663

ft. Sandile Gontsana (Vocals)
Ludwe Danxa (Keys)
Rosco Roman (Bass)
Joshua Khoele (Drums)

CONVERSATIONS ON SILENCE

2011-02-07T20:11:00.000+02:00

An invitation from Chimurenga

CONVERSATIONS ON SILENCE
A Chimurenga Session in collaboration with Glänta
@ The Chimurenga Factory (3rd Floor, Pan-African Market, 76 Long St.)
Wednesday February 16, 2011 from 6pm

Recently the Swedish literary magazine Glänta disguised themselves as Chimurenga and released a translation of Chimurenga 11: "Conversations with Poets Who Refuse to Speak". This issue revolved around the attempt to conceptualize silence not only as an expression of repression but also as a form of active resistance; as a refusal to speak (Read Eurozine’s review of Glänta’s versioning here.

In an effort to deepen and transform the collaboration with Chimurenga, three visiting editors from Glänta will give a multi-layered talk investigating the poetics of silence.

Hedvig Härnsten will present "Failed Encounters: Reasonable Inquiries and Unreasonable Answers" - a look at history, testimony and the stuttering of language.

Göran Dahlberg explains why "There Is Never Going to Be a Revolution by Ghosts" – an exploration of mimics and beliefs, expulsion and returning, gaps, cover ups and the lack of peace.

And Linn Hansén will uncover why "It Is Hard to Count All the Events of History but It Is Easy to Begin" – an examination of the smell of the north, what is historical and what is not, the chain of events, the deeds of great men and the importance of the potato.

Cash bar available.
Admission is Free.

About the Participants:
Linn Hansén is a poet and curator of the Göteborg Poetry festival in Sweden.

Hedvig Härnsten studied comparative literature at the University of Stockholm and is currently working on a project on literary form and formlessness.

Göran Dahlberg is the founder of Glänta and the author of books, in Swedish, on ghosts and secret cities.

Chimurenga is a pan-African journal of writing, art and politics based in Cape Town.

Chimurenga - who no know go know

http://www.chimurenga.co.za/
http://www.chimurengalibrary.co.za/
http://www.panafricanspacestation.org.za/
http://www.africancitiesreader.org.za/
http://www.pilgrimages.org.za/
http://www.chimurenganewsroom.org.za/

New Look - Stunningpress

2011-02-05T12:04:00.000+02:00

I changed the template for this blog. The template I am using is called "Stunningpress" and it is available from http://bloggertemplates.info/.

The template have a magazine look and feel and is very easy to implement.

One of the few issues I have with the template is with the intro thumbnail on a blog post summary. If the first image in your post is in portrait format, the intro thumbnail looks stretched. I like the post thumbnails though - just have to remember to have the first image in a post in landscape format

I did not use the slider because the site takes a bit longer to load if you use it.

I prefer using a two column setup with one main column and a sidebar. The template also comes with social bookmarking icons.

There is still some cleanup to do and I want to shift some things around but the migration to this new template was fairly easy.

Carol Thorns Live - Red Cello Landscape

2011-02-02T21:00:00.000+02:00

Catch electric cellist Carol Thorns at Alliance Francaise, Cape Town on 10 February 2011, performing her show Red Cello Landscape.
More info here: Carol Thorns Live

Carol Thorns Live
10th February 2011, 20:30
Alliance Francaise, 155 Loop Street, Cape Town
Tickets: R60 at the door (R50 for AF members)
Contact: 021 4235699

http://www.carolthorns.co.za/

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS

2011-01-18T13:30:00.000+02:00

In a unique collaboration; Khayelitsha based 5 piece hip-hop collective the Backyard Crew (Bio Below) and a afro-Jazz/reggae guitar duo The Lucky Mo Experience (Bio Below) unite to form a truly unique emergence from the townships of Cape Town.

Event Details:

THE BEST OF BOTH WORLDS:

Backyard Crew vs The LuckyMo Experince
Venue: Zula Bar
map/directions
Date: 19 Jan 2011
Time: (Doors open) 08h30pm
Cost: R30 (Buy a ticket and get 1 free drink)

CDs available for sale at the venue

Bio's:
Backyard Crew

This hip-hop group from Khayelitsha was established about 5 years ago, comprises of 5 members: Mashonisa (producer, 24), Vannemerwe (25), Point2 (24), Phoenix (24) and Kideo (21). They released their debut album in September 2009. Before the official release though, a 5-track promo circulated and received rave reviews which led to a single “Hayi” making it to No.1 on the Y-fm hip-hop charts in October 2008. In November 2009, they shot a video for the single “Baby girl” which is currently played on Channel O, MTV-Base and e-TV.

They were also invited by Vice, an international youth culture oriented magazine, to be part of a photo shoot at the Assembly, in Cape Town. The publication focuses on youth inspired music, fashion and international trends.

Before the start of the 2010 FIFA World Cup, Backyard Crew had the opportunity to tour around with the Adidas truck performing at various locations around the country. This was in support of the South African national team as well as promoting their new Adidas sponsored jersey. Backyard Crew performed for crowds at Mzoli’s Meat, Blaauwberg Beach and at the Point Beach in Mossel Bay.

The group was also part of the fan park festivities where they performed at the Mew Way/OR Tambo Sports Complex, the only public viewing area in Khayelitsha during the South Africa/France game.

The LuckMo Experience

A band started by brothers Lucky (26) and Mohau (23), LuckyMo is a breath of fresh air in the township musical scene. With a blend of Afro-jazz, blues, reggae and beautiful melodic ballads, these two acoustic guitarists have honed their skills over the years by performing at malls and shopping centres in around Cape Town. They were later joined by Luthando (18), a.k.a Mic Substance from the hip-hop circles.

They have also performed at various locations during the recent 2010 FIFA World Cup. They have also shared stages with a marimba group at the Waterfront and expanded their musical journey.

LuckyMo also performed at reputable venues which host live performances in Long Street, Cape Town. The Purple Turtle and Zula Bar have been frequently hosting the duo guitarists and swept crowds off their feet with their melodic songs.

They are currently working on putting together songs for their much anticipated debut release. All their material is original and is about these young artists’ experiences in as far as growing up in the township is concerned: their dreams to succeed, fears and hope for the youth, longing for love, among others. As young song writers and performers, they are challenged by prospects of performing for matured audiences (as their material is much matured), as well as roping in the younger followers.

Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Goema Symphony No. 1 - Pictures

2011-01-15T10:07:00.000+02:00

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Mac McKenzie's "Goema Symphony No. 1"
SABC Studios Auditorium in Sea Point,Cape Town
28 August 2010

Production: Profoundly South African

Lana Crowster & Friends - LIVE @ THE G-SPOT

2011-01-12T21:23:00.000+02:00

After the success of her 2009 show, vocalist Lana Crowster will be back at the G-Spot on Sunday, 16 January 2011, for another show stopping performance! This time she will be joined and sharing the stage with some amazing musicians and vocalists! The line-up includes Thandi Ntuli(piano), Rueben Crowie (drums), Benjamin Jephta (bass), Angelo Syster (guitar), Byron Abrahams (saxophone), Charmion Jansen(backing vocals), Spha Mdlalose( backing vocals), Sandile Gontsana (vocals).

Doors open at 12 midday. Feel free to bring your own snacks and for those of you who like your Sunday "vleisie", braai facilities will be provided. Fully stocked cash bar available.

Show starts at 6pm and the party will continue thereafter!
Cost: R50 at the door
Pre-sold tickets @ R40 are available from:
Lindsay 082 3055 762
Godfrey 083 525 0463
or Lana 0844 082 449
or contact for more information:
http://www.blogger.com/lanacrowster@yahoo.com
or info@the-gspot.co.za

directions

'HOME GROAN' with COMEDIAN KURT SCHOONRAAD

2011-01-07T22:37:00.000+02:00

After a sold-out national tour leaving many a funny bone shattered in his comedy wake, Kurt Schoonraad returns to the Baxter Theatre with his one man comedy show Home Groan from 18 to 29 January 2011. Directed by Rob van Vuuren, and a brand new set, Kurt tackles the absurdities of everyday life from men's waxes, alien abductions, super heroes and many more characters that float around his wacky head. Performances are at 8pm each night and there are two low priced previews on 18 and 19 January.
Kurt is no stranger to the comedy circuit, appearing in many local and international comedy festivals and has had significant roles in popular SABC TV series; the quirky accidental tourist in Going Nowhere Slowly, the whacky protagonist in Crazy Games (2006-09) and was one of the first celebrities to feature in Who Do You Think You Are? He also pioneered the successful Jou Ma se Comedy Club and, from his hilarious childhood growing up in the Flats to his equally hilarious present, Kurt discovered that coloured people are taking over the world !!

Director Rob van Vuuren, a comic Tour de Force and versatile performer himself (Twakkie, in The Most Amazing Show, Strictly Come Dancing, SA’s Got Talent and more) says; "It was a dream come true finally to be working with the man whose hair and eyeballs I had admired from afar. Home Groan reinforces why Schoonraad is such a stellar player in the South African Comedy industry …. while he crosses that invisible threshold between young manhood and full blown middle age!!"

"Developing the show with Rob van Vuuren was a humbling experience as I had never tackled comedy from this angle before says Kurt. It has been very rewarding working with a well known South African comedy genius like Rob …. but I wouldn't be able to finish a whole one!"

Don't miss Home Groan. Resistance is futile, you will be assimilated!Tickets cost R80 and R65 for the preview on 18th and 19th January. UCT staff, students, senior citizens and block bookings of 10 or more cost R65. Book at Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, The Baxter 021 685 7880 and on line http://www.computicket.com/. For corporate and charity bookings call Sharon 021 680 3962. Performances are at 20:15 each night.There is an Age Restriction - No Under 16's.

ROSE KORBER'S - 19TH ART SALON

2010-12-16T10:20:00.000+02:00

Cape Town has hosted many original and exciting events during the year, and for art lovers, the annual ART SALON, curated by noted art dealer and consultant Rose Korber, this exhibition adds to the cultural highlights for the festive season. An innovation, this year will be the inclusion of the 'Salon des Confusés' - a 'salon within a salon’ - presented by the much sought-after Cape Town curator and art theorist, Andrew Lamprecht. The salon opens on Thursday 16 December 2010 until 17 January 2011 at Rose Korber Art, 48 Sedgemoor Road, Camps Bay, Cape Town. Gallery hours are 10 am to 6 pm daily, including weekends and public holidays.

Two performances have been commissioned by Lamprecht for the opening on the 16 December at 12 noon and 3pm. It includes Gerald Machona's bittersweet reflection on the relations between Zimbabwe and South Africa. Angelique Kendall will explore the limits to which artists are prepared to push their physical boundaries in an endurance performance. There is no admission fee.

On Saturday 18th December at 11am Andrew will do a ‘Walkabout’ of the exhibition. Entrance is free, but booking is essential. Contact Rose Korber or Valerie Botha on 021 438 9152 or e-mail roskorb@icon.co.za.

Since its inception in 1992, the Art Salon has been a major enterprise, bringing together - under one roof - a large showcase of quality artworks in various media and styles: paintings, mixed-media works, original limited-edition prints, photography, ceramics, sculpture and contemporary Shangaan beadwork.

The aim this year is to present a comprehensive and diverse overview of the current state of South African art. Artists include much acclaimed, William Kentridge, Willie Bester, Sam Nhlengethwa, Simon Stone, Richard Smith, Robert Slingsby, Stephen Inggs, Deborah Bell, Diane Victor, Claudette Schreuders, Wendy Anziska, Pamela Stretton and Gerald Tabata.

Amongst the leading ceramic artists exhibiting are Louise Gelderblom, Hennie Meyer, Clementina van der Walt, Carolyn Heydenrych, Laura du Toit, Wiebke von Bismarck, Ralph Johnson, Kendall Warren and Melanie Hillebrand; while sculpture is well represented with works by Willie Bester, Norman Catherine, Kevin Brand and Jaco Sieberhagen.

Andrew Lamprecht will present a mix of younger, emerging artists, such as Georgina Gratrix, Stuart Bird, Ian Grose, Unathi Sigenu, ceramicist William Martin, and photographer Rose Kotze, alongside some well-known names - with a focus on the 'unusual, unexpected and surprising’.

For further information about this exhibition, please contact Rose Korber or Valerie Botha at ROSE KORBER ART - Tel 021 438 9152, Fax 021 438 6262 Mobile 083 261 1173 and 082 781 6144,
roskorb@icon.co.za
website: http://www.rosekorberart.com/

This 19th Salon promises to live up to the high reputation of its previous incarnations.

Kyle Shepherd SOLO PIANO CONCERT Sat 18 Dec 2010

2010-12-13T20:13:00.000+02:00

Kyle Shepherd the highly acclaimed and influential South African jazz pianist / composer and SAMA-nominee, will play a solo piano concert on Saturday, 18 December 2010, 8pm at the UCT College of Music, Rondebosch, Cape Town.

This will be Shepherd’s 10th solo piano concert since the launch of his solo career and debut album in 2009. He has performed solo concerts in Belgium, Swaziland and South Africa.

BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL!
R60.00 (R40.00 Students & Pensioners)
To book seats online, click here or
email info@kyleshepherd.co.za call 079 256 9030

The concert will feature an entire evening of solo piano improvisations over variations of Shepherd's own compositional works which respected arts journalist Miles Keylock (Mail & Guardian), describes as "an impressionistic collage of South African jazz sounds, from slam poetic minimalist re-imaginings of Afrikaans volksliedjies and Muslim calls to prayer, to goema groove deconstructions … and more that, as the doyen of South African jazz scribes Gwen Ansell pointed out in Business Day recently: 'live in the jazz world but are never imprisoned by it'. "

DISCOGRAPHY:
"A Portrait of Home" 2010
"fineART" 2009

The UCT College of Music is located off Woolsack Drive, Rondebosch i.e. on the Lower Campus of UCT behind the Baxter Theatre.
View Campus Map

MUSIC & WORDS - TRUDY RUSHIN and WAYNE BOSCH with Guests in concert

2010-12-12T20:12:00.000+02:00

This is the third concert of her original music, where singer-songwriter Trudy Rushin has collaborated with guitar genius, Wayne Bosch. The first half of this concert will feature three exciting guest artists.

Guest artists:
Poet, DIANA FERRUS, who's just released her latest book, "I've come to take you home".
Vocalist MEGAN FRANCIS, who came 2nd in the 2010 Jazz Voice competition at Grand West.
Emerging young singer-songwriter, PETER LAVEY

DATE: Saturday, 18 December
TIME: 7pm
VENUE: Baran's Theatre Restaurant, Cnr Burg and Shortmarket Streets, Greenmarket Square, Cape Town city centre
TICKETS: R60

Trudy and Wayne met in 2008, when she returned to Jazz Workshop to continue working on her guitar playing. After a few months of lessons with him, they did a trio gig (with Shaun Johannes) as part of the Jazz at the Nassau concert series (Feb 2009). In July that year, they started a weekly gig at Food Lover's Market in Claremont, which lasted 14 months. They then worked at Cafe Adelphi in Sea point for a few weeks. In December 2009 and March 2010, they did concerts at Baran's, showcasing Trudy's original compositions, working with Nick Geffen on drums for the first one and Charles Lezar for the second. Myoga Restaurant at the Vineyard Hotel was where they performed on New Year's Eve, 2009. In April 2010, they performed two originals at a fundraiser for Haiti earthquake survivors, at St George's Cathedral. In September, they recorded a 5-song demo CD.

If you'd like to have a meal before the show, please come at 6pm. Mezze platter for two, R50, and mezze platter for one, R30. Please note that the meal is not included in the ticket price for the show.

For tickets, contact Trudy: Cell 083 491 3048, e-mail rushintrudy@yahoo.com

http://alwaysrushin.blogspot.com

‘PRESENT in the ORIGIN’ ‘Redefining the African roots of Jazz’

2010-12-06T20:55:00.000+02:00

Shannon Mowday presents

MOTE and friends

A lecture/demonstration and performance

10 December 2010

Artscape Theatre, Artscape Theatre Complex, Cape Town

Saxophonist and composer Shannon Mowday has been on the South African musical scene for many years having specialised in performing across all genres of music and styles ranging from Jazz, African, classical, rock, Afrikaans and symphonic music. She has performed with artists nationally and internationally such as Sibongile Khumalo, Ingrid Jenssen, James Morrison, Bugge Wesseltoft, Danilo Perez, has been a soloist with all the South African National Orchestras and was the winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for 2007. In an effort to expand her musical experiences, she has relocated to Norway and is pursuing an active career in the European music scene. She is presenting workshops and concerts with her newest Norwegian project, MOTE, as part of a South African / Swaziland tour. Musicians include Øyvind Brække (trombone), Erik Nylander (drums) and Anders Tveit (bass/electronics). In this project they will be collaborating with South African musicians, Shane Cooper (contrabass) and Dizu Plaatjies (traditional instruments, voice).

Free Lecture / demonstration at the Artscape Theatre from 3pm to 5pm:
Magnifying or enhancing small musical cells from selected source material, information is manipulated either electronically or naturally through each different musician’s sensors or filters according to their individual perspectives. It is then reprocessed and together with compositional tools, improvisation and interconnected synergy, new musical structures as a collective are formed. This combines the worlds of jazz, modern, electronica, African, folk, world, free improvisation, classical and in essence embodies the fusion of all these musicians experiences and those they encounter moving towards a non-labelled genre.
• There will be an opportunity to perform with MOTE in a collaborative jam session
• Workshop is aimed at participants who have an interest in contemporary improvised music
• The Artscape canteen will be open for early supper or bring your own

Followed by a performance at 7pm – Tickets: R100
Essentially the roots of jazz are said to be found in Africa and this is an exploration from the present state of Jazz, back to the roots with a modern perspective.

Mote will present a straight ahead, contemporary jazz set in line with modern jazz and improvising concepts. Followed by a collaboration with Dizu Plaatjies, using traditional African musical concepts as the source and together with each musician’s individual perspective, experiences, improvisational and compositional tools to find a ‘meeting place’ (‘Møte’ – Norwegian) of nonlabelled genre, in essence re-interpreting the supposed origin of jazz with a ‘present’ perspective.

Tickets are available from:
The Artscape Box Office as of December 1st 2010.
Office hours are 9am to 5pm.
At the door on the 10th of December, from 6pm
For more information call Dwyn on 082 331 4062

Celebration of African Culture and Heritage - 28 November 2010

2010-11-23T21:00:00.000+02:00

Afro Pan Project is a collaboration of musicians and artist - our main aim is to create platform, opportunities for up, and coming performers in any art form. Hence, we will be hosting an annual music, arts & culture show at New Africa Theatre in Athlone, on the 28th November 2010. This year’s theme: Celebration of African Culture and Heritage through Music and Art.

Last year we had a good show and well attended, regardless of the fact it was our first initiative, therefore we are optimistic about this year’s spectacular event.

Should you require more information, please kindly contact our event coordinator Thabo Motau on 073 522 4894, email: thaboshanti@yahoo.com

ESTHER MILLER - A Jazz Odyssey

2010-11-20T09:56:00.000+02:00

Jazz Vocalist Esther Miller makes a welcome return to her home town for the second year running with a concert at the NMMU South Campus Auditorium, Port Elizabeth, on the 5th of January 2011.On this occasion she will be accompanied by Cape Town Guitarist, Wayne Bosch and Threes Company Trio.

...Esther was born and raised in Port Elizabeth and matriculated from Gelvandale High school where she sang in the school choir, enjoyed sprinting in the athletics team and was elected head girl in her final year.

Since 2010 marks the 25th anniversary of her matriculation from that institution, Esther has decided to make a donation to the school’s cultural projects, most notably the school band and girl’s soccer team.

Esther sought early musical inspiration through her parents’ record collection and as soloist in the Springdale Congregational church choir. She studied medicine in Cape Town, but soon gave in to the lure of jazz.
She then honed her technique with classical singing lessons with the late Suzi van Dijk and delved into jazz history to take her inspiration from Sarah Vaughan, Billie Holiday and Blossom Dearie as well as the jazz/pop of Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole.

In South Africa she has worked with some excellent players, including the late guitarist Johnny Fourie, saxophonists Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Robbie Jansen, Ezra Ngcukana, bassist Basil Moses, drummer Kesivan Naidoo and the late Errol Cuddumbey.

Her most recent PE performances were two hugely successful shows at Uptown Theatres in January 2010. She was also one of the featured artists at the 2007 Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Esther has been resident in the UK for a number of years and has a growing reputation on its jazz scene.

Her recently recorded fourth album, A Place in the Sunlight, was released in July 2009 and has been featured on many radio stations in South Africa.

"A Jazz Odyssey" will feature the music which has been part of Esther’s 20 year journey as a jazz singer. She will be supported by Cape Town Guitarist, Wayne Bosch, who will be flying in especially for the concert and Threes Company Trio, comprising of John Edwards – Piano, Tim Robinson – Bass and Devon van Rooyen - Drums

"… a spell-binder. Voice, style and presence – she’s got it all."
Humphrey Lyttelton BBC Radio 2

"…and so she impresses with individuality as well as grace".
Mike Butler, Manchester Evening News, Dec '09

Tickets are available at Computicket at a cost of R100; 105; R110
Tel: 083 915 8000
Web: http://www.computicket.com/

www.myspace.com/esthermillersings

Special Thanks to Michael Barry and staff at NMMU; Winston Petersen and NMMMA; Angela Miller; Event Hire

WAVESCAPE SURF FILM FESTIVAL 2010 CAPE TOWN

2010-11-15T20:50:00.000+02:00

The seventh annual Wavescape Surf Film Festival kickstarts the 2010 summer season in Cape Town with a bumper crop of adrenaline-charged surf movies.

Presented by the Save Our Seas Foundation, the festival (from December 1 to 19) focuses on the critical plight of the world’s oceans, and surfing development in South Africa.

The festival begins with the Wavescape Surfboard Art Exhibition from December 1 to 7 at the trendy Cape Town restaurant Depasco Cafe. Twelve surfboards decorated by artists will go on auction on December 8. Proceeds go to ocean charities, including the SOSF, NSRI and Shark Spotters, with a special board decorated by township children to be auctioned on behalf of the Ticket to Ride Foundation’s surfing development programme.

Also to be auctioned will be a mini-surfboard reshaped from a broken board, part of the My First Surfboard Project. Every year, thousands of broken surfboards end up in dumps and landfills, and are environmentally toxic. The project turns broken boards into new boards for beginner surfers who can’t afford them, transforming junk into transforming a kid’s life.
The film section of the festival begins with the open-air free screening of Scratching the Surface on Clifton Fourth Beach on Friday December 10 after the sun goes down. The film includes cutting edge camera technology in use by pioneering surf filmmakers.

Thousands of like-minded people gather on the beach with picnics from early in the evening to enjoy a long, languid summer evening. Indoor films will be screened at the Brass Bell in Kalk Bay from December 12 to 15 and at the Labia Theatre on Orange from December 16 to 19.

Prize giveaways from official surfing sponsor Quiksilver and Roxy will be randomly handed out to members of the audience throughout the festival, with three Sector 9 skateboards and surfboard giveaways added to the loot at Clifton Fourth.
According to curator of the festival Spike from Wavescape.co.za, the festival offers the most diverse line-up of films since the first Wavescape festival in 2004.
"There is something for everyone, from the usual soulful visuals and underground soundtracks to the hot moves of the now generation. Among others, Modern Collective and Scratching the Surface showcase the most awe-inspiring waves of the world and the outrageous aerial and other skills of the new guard, including Julian Wilson, Dusty Payne, Dane Reynolds and South African Jordy Smith.
"However, we also represent the darker side of surfing. Sea of Darkness exposes the sometimes grisly, drug-scarred underbelly of the surf travel dream, while the award-winning Lives of the Artists documents a freakish French snowboarder, crazy Irish surfers and an angry British punk band in their quest for the salt-encrusted, powder-snowed, guitar-ghettoed grail of their inner artist."
"Fibreglass and Megapixels brings to life the vivid digital world of surfing photography, featuring top South African photographer Pierre Tostee. We also have a special screening of End of the Line, a scary film about the extinction of fish that has caused a global stir, and two films about how surfing can transform the lives of the disadvantaged: Surfing Favelas (Brazil) and Somewhere in Tapachula (Mexico).”

Films are R30 per person at the Labia and Brass Bell. For details call the infoline 079 0260 669 or http://www.wavescape.co.za/

Frank Paco & The CT Young Lions feat Rodrigo Galvao

2010-09-30T09:23:00.000+02:00

Frank Paco will be hosting a World Jazz performance this Saturday 2nd of October, featuring a vibrant Brazilian Percussionist and the CT Young Lions who are emerging so fast into the limelight of Cape town's Jazz scene with their skillful performance.

Frank Paco(drums) - Performance with the band Queen backing artists such as Bono, Jimmy Cliff, , Angelique Kidjo, Dave Stewart, Andrews Bonsu, Johnny Clegg, Brian May, Peter Gabriel at 46664 concert.
Other concerts with: Jonathan Butler, Ronny Jordan, Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Jimmy Dludlu, VJR, Tucan Tucan, Loading Zone to name a few…

Rodrigo Galvao is co - founder member of Brazil and Australia's most sought after band "Samba Mundi".
He has vast drumming and percussion playing experience.

Darren English a Young Dynamic Trumpet Player who has studied in the Norwegian Music Academy and now at UCT, he is rising so fast as one of the best performers and making a name for himself in the Cape's Jazz Scene.
He has also performed at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Hailing from Mozambique Helder Gonzaga on Bass, has just returned from a Scandinavian Tour. He is a genius pulling the bass strings.

Nick Williams on Piano is one of the most Sought after Session Musician in the city, he also leads his own Jazz Trio.

Nathan Carolus on Guitar, has just performed extensively in the Middle East as well as in the local Jazz Scene.

The Rainbow Room at Mandela Rhode's Place, Cnr Church and Burg Streets.
Entrance to the building's parkade is in Burg Street

The show will commence at 8.30PM,Saturday 2 October 2010
Adm is R60.
Student Adm fee R40

For bookings at the Rainbow room please contact Sarah on 021 422 1428

Imperial Tiger Orchestra - Southern African Tour 2010

2010-09-26T21:14:00.000+02:00

Pro Helvetia Cape Town, the Swiss Arts Council, presents a Southern African tour by Imperial Tiger Orchestra a Geneva-based music group that performs songs from the Golden Age of Ethiopian modern music (1969 - 1978)
featuring
Endres Hassan from Ethiopia playing the Masenqo

Inspired by the Golden Age of Ethiopian modern music (1969-1978) Imperial Tiger Orchestra is soon to hit the live music spots of Southern Africa. Their tour includes Cape Town, Johannesburg and Durban as well as Harare and Maputo and is presented by Pro Helvetia Cape Town, the Swiss Arts Council.

While preserving the natural beauty of the Ethiopian melodies and sound, this six-piece Geneva-based orchestra is not to be mistaken for a covers band. Improvising and experimenting, the musicians explore uncharted territories with their powerful instrumentation of horn, percussion and keyboards, adding distortion and noise to the revamped and reworked original vocal songs with the sax or keyboard replacing the singer.

Embracing dark hypnotic rhythms, obsessive basslines and grooves from electronic music, the orchestra surprise and impress with their use of the traditional Thai "phin" guitar together with the traditional Ethiopian "kebero" percussion. Band members include leader Raphaël Anker (trumpet), John Menoud (baritone saxophone), Alexandre Rodrigues (keys), Cyril Moulas (bass guitar and phin), Julien Israelian (drums) and Luc Détraz (percussion).

A special feature of their Southern African tour is the inclusion of Ethiopian musician Endres Hassen, who plays the masenqo, a traditional single-stringed violin.

Their first performances are at the Pan African Space Station (PASS), on Wednesday 29 September at 19h00 at the Slave Church, 40 Long Street, Cape Town and on Friday 1 October they perform at the Albert Hall, 208 Albert Road, Wood Stock, Cape Town at 22h30. Tickets for both venues are R30 if booked through Computicket or R50 at the door.

On Saturday 2 October, the Tigers perform at The Mannenberg, Harare at 21h00. Tickets are $10 at the door.

Thursday 7 October they are in Maputo at encontrARTE, CCFM at 20h30. Tickets cost 200MZN at the door.

Friday 8 October, at the Bassline, 10 Henry Nxumalo Street, Newtown, Johannesburg. Performance time is 21h00 and tickets cost R60 at the door.

Their final concert is on Saturday 9 October at 19h30 at the Poetry Africa Finale, BAT Centre, Durban. Tickets are R50 at the door.

Founded by Raphaël Anker, Imperial Tiger Orchestra began with an invitation from Cave12, the legendary experimental live music event in Geneva. Given carte blanche to play what he liked, Anker took the opportunity as an admirer of Ethio-Jazz to experiment with a particular music scale, common in Ethiopian music and what they played at the start of their union was more in the style of free jazz and ‘noise’.

In 2009, the group’s commitment to Ethiopian music was sealed when they, via an invitation from Francis Falceto (the curator of the anthology series “Ethiopiques”), performed at the Musiques Ethiopiennes festival in Addis Ababa. By all accounts, the group was the sensation of the festival, impressing Falceto, established Ethiopian musicians as well as local audiences.

Raphaël Anker says, ‘We are very excited about playing with Endres. The masenqo is really important in traditional Ethiopian music and it presents a challenge for us to incorporate this into our sound. Endres is considered today as one of the best players in Ethiopia’.

For more information about Imperial Tiger Orchestra and their tour contact Eitan Prince at Pro Helvetia Cape Town 021 465 9033 / 083 254 8789 http://www.prohelvetia.org.za/
www.myspace.com/imperialtigerorchestra

World Record at Earthwave Beach Festival 2010

2010-09-25T07:38:00.000+02:00

EARTHWAVE BEACH FESTIVAL
Guinness World Record attempt + Longboard and SUP contests
Surfing and sustainable lifestyle event
Saturday & Sunday, 25 & 26 September 2010
Muizenberg, Cape Town

There will be action aplenty at the Earthwave Beach Festival at Muizenberg this weekend as Cape Town’s surfers try to break the Guinness World Record of 110 riding on the same wave alongside talks and displays on environmental issues, a photographic exhibition, contests for Longboard surfers and Stand Up Paddleboarders (SUP) and fund raising for worthy causes, before reaching a climax at a huge after-party on Sunday evening.

The fourth annual Earthwave event also features plenty of activities for youngsters, including a Dig for Gold with thousands of Rands in prizes, development surfing, a survey on starting a local surfers environmental organisation, calculating your carbon footprint, a tourism quiz with prizes, free books and CD’s on sustainable lifestyles, free beverages from Loaded Smoothies and Monster Energy and loads of give-aways, sticker showers and competitions.

The highlight will be the Guinness World Record attempt on Sunday, when even more than the 443 surfers of all ages who set the record last year are expected to take to the surf in sunny weather and ideal one metre rolling waves. Registration of participants starts at 10am and all participants line-up on the beach in a spectacular display of the diversity of the surfing lifestyle at 12.30.

Entering the surf at 12.55, half a dozen or more attempts will be made between 1pm and 2pm to get more than 110 surfers riding the same wave for 5 seconds or more. This all takes place under the watchful eye of the Shark Spotters (who will have additional staff on duty), a pair of Billabong / Monster Energy Jetskis in the surf and the reassuring presence of a flotilla of NSRI craft behind the break while highly trained paramedics from Medics in Motion and also the local Lifeguards are on-hand for any eventualities on the beach.

The Ticket to Ride Foundation will be bringing 15 rookie surfers from Masiphumelele to participate in the record attempt. Using surfboards and wetsuits kindly provided by Surfing South Africa as part of surfing’s national controlling body’s transformation program, which is supported by Sport & Recreation SA and the Lotto, the youngsters will also enjoy a hearty meal donated by Compass Bakery.

The festival gets underway at 8am on Saturday with a nationally rated Longboard surfing event run by the WP Longboard Club that has attracted top exponents from all over the country where the winners will be crowned on Sunday morning. The Coreban SUP races run between 10am and 12noon on both days and will utilise an ‘M’ shaped course through the surf that ensures spectators will be close to the action in this burgeoning watersport discipline.

All-day activities on both days include the works of renowned photographer Nic Bothma who will be displaying images from previous Earthwave events and also big-wave action around the Peninsula. There is also the opportunity to get some exercise and raise some funds for Spin 4 Charity, who will be conducting trials for the their own 24 hour Guinness World Record attempt at next year’s Earthwave festival.

Well known environmental organisations such as 350.org and the 90 x 2030 Project will be presenting talks on climate change and sustainable lifestyle options and 3rd Rock Energy will display solar and wind turbine energy generators. The Climate Action Partnership will calculate your carbon footprint, with prizes for those with the lowest impact on the environment, and there will also be a display and information on marine creatures by Save Our Seas and the Shark Spotters.

The event is supported by the City of Cape Town with the Environmental Resource Management Dept have providing copies of their excellent Smart Living Handbook in print and digital versions for those seeking the best way to Reduce, Reuse and Recycle, along with copies of their guide to Western Cape Beaches. And Cape Town Tourism will be hosting a quiz with prizes just after 12noon on Saturday.

Spectators and participants alike can show their support for the meritorious efforts of the Sunflower Fund on behalf of leukemia sufferers by purchasing a Bandana at Earthwave and wearing it during the world record attempt.

Earthwave is supported by Loaded Smoothies, who will be dispensing their range of delicious and nutritious health drinks to participants and spectators, and will distribute tens of thousands of Rands of branded products in competitions, a raffle and competitions.

Products up for grabs include top-of-the-range footwear from Kustom, chairs using environmentally friendly materials designed by TV personality Aidan Bennetts, top-class Derevko Wetsuits, Hemporium bags and apparel made from environmentally friendly hemp, clothing and accessories from O’Neill, Caves Surfwear and Billabong, sunglasses from VonZipper, shoes from New Balance and surf wax from Palmers.

There are also magazines from Zigzag, vouchers from top restaurants such as the Empire Café, Rafikis and Octopus’s Garden, a year’s subscription of surf forecast SMS’s from Wavescape and Bulk SMS and much, much more.

The 2010 Earthwave Beach Festival culminates in the Corona Earthwave After-Party at the recently renovated Brass Bell in Kalk Bay starting at 5.30pm on Sunday. Starring surf band Little Kings, the after party will also feature the Corona promo-girls, surf movies from the Wavescape Film Festival, more prizes and give-aways and the announcement of the official number of surfers on one wave earlier in the day.

For further information see the Program of Events at http://www.kahunasurf.co.za/kp/earthwave-2010/ and the Facebook group Earthwave Beach Festival 2010 where video footage on how seriously participants train for the event, produced by the Fabulous Boomtown Boys, can be viewed.

The Earthwave Beach Festival is produced by Kahuna Promotions and proudly supported by Wavescape, the official online and surf forecasting partner for Earthwave.

Contact kahunasurf@mweb.co.za for details on how to become part of this sustainable lifestyles initiative

PAN AFRICAN SPACE STATION 2010

2010-09-15T21:20:00.000+02:00

"The Pan African Space Station (PASS) is a 30-day music intervention on the internet and in venues across greater Cape Town from September 12 – October 12.

It is an initiative of the Cape Town based curatorial team of Ntone Edjabe and Neo Muyanga (the Heliocentrics), in partnership with the Africa Centre. Now in its third year, PASS continues its cross-cultural and cyber-spatial exploration, bringing together diverse pan-African sounds from ancient techno to future roots."

Check out the website at http://www.panafricanspacestation.org.za/.

Watch out for the live in studio events or just pop in at 44 Long Street, Cape Town.

Also, do not forget about the Live Events they are staging across Cape Town from Tuesday, 28 September 2010 until Saturday, 2 October 2010. PASS "...plays host to genre-busting music outfits from global Africa dedicated to exploring new musical territory."

Be sure to book your tickets early at Computicket. tel:083 915 8000, 083 131, 011 340 8000

Pan African Space Station

On FaceBook: Pan African Space Station - the sound of 21st century Afriglobalism

Flickr: PASS_2010's photostream

...And if you do not believe this, go check out Bianca, the otha ship in St George's Mall, Cape Town...

TRIBUTE TO EZRA NGCUKANA

2010-09-04T22:33:00.000+02:00

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS WAS POSTPONED.
TRIBUTE TO EZRA NGCUKANA

Venue: Swingers Jazz Cafe, Wetton
Date: Sunday 03 October 2010
Time: 18H00 till late

Musicians free....

ALL WELCOME FOR JAM SESSION

Donation: R50

RSVP: Tribute 078 6652 167

blackstarartspro@yahoo.com

THIS EVENT WILL BE SUPPORTED BY TOP CAPE TOWN BANDS AND MUSICIANS, LEGENDS AND UPCOMMING ARTISTS, PRODUCERS, PROMOTERS, FILM MAKERS, MANAGERS. MUSICIANS WILL BE INDOCTRINATING THE LEGACY OF GOOD SOUNDS EZRA LEFT WITH US.

ATHLONE ACADEMY OF MUSIC - Annual Jazz Concert 2010

2010-09-01T21:05:00.000+02:00

"The Athlone Academy of Music (AAM) is a non-profit organisation established in 1994 with the sole aim of providing music tuition within the Athlone area. This initiative has now expanded and has grown to include the greater Athlone community residing along the Klipfontein corridor including Langa, Gugulethu, Khayelitsha, Mitchells Plain, Retreat, Steenberg, Atlantis and Malmesbury to name but a few."

The aim of the AAM is to "To identify and develop the musical talents of persons from historically disadvantaged communities and others."

On Saturday, 4 September 2010, the AAM is having their Annual Jazz Concert. Top jazz artists who will feature include Melanie Scholtz, Richard Caesar, Basil Moses, Zelda Benjamin ,Connolly Big Band ,Geroes (with Tyrone Appollis) , Mamela and more.

4 September 2010, 15:00 - 18:00
Athlone Civic Centre
Admission : R70.00
Block Bookings of 20 or more @R50.00 p/p

Please contact the Director Thurston Brown @ 078 220 4655 or office 021 697 2120
mwaamus@mweb.co.za

Athlone Academy Of Music

Living Guitar Legends Concert

2010-08-29T12:54:00.000+02:00

Living Guitar Legends Concert
Fri-Sat: 20:00
Sun: 18:00
17, 18, 19 September 2010
Joseph Stone Auditorium, Athlone
Bookings:021 6371268

The Living Guitar Legends Concert is a cross cultural performance featuring a stunning lineup of South Africa’s well known soloists: on Guitar, Saudiq Khan, James Grace, Hilton Schilder, Tony Cox, Steve Newman, Greg Georgiadas, Errol Dyers. Cajon player Robert Davids and Bass player Andre Webb, join Khan’s Trio. This concert includes a mixture of guitar styles including original compositions, goema, ethnic,traditional langarm, flamenco, and classical.

The first half showcases the guitarists playing solo revealing the innate history of each player and his journey through time, while the second half is a cross pollination and a coming together of different genres which reveal a kaleidoscope fusion of speed, accuracy and high energy.

Promoted by All Music Promotions

Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Goema Symphony No. 1 update

2010-08-27T22:28:00.000+02:00

With names like Mac McKenzie, Rayelle Goodman, Petra Hofmeyr, Sarah-Jane Frith, Vincente Espi, Matthijs van Dijk, Derek Gripper, Natalie Mason, Jeanette Claassen, Robert Jeffery, Theresa Bur...ger, Natasha Otero, Brydon Bolton, Spencer Mbadu, Wesley Valentine, Darryl Andrews, Gerand 'Aykes Swatz, Dave Williams, Heather Roth, Louisa Theart, Jody Engelbrecht, Simon Bates, Ernestine Deane, Hilton Schilder, Eugene Trofimczyk, Brian de Goede and Madosini - this is an event not to be missed.

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra sees the collaboration of a stellar cast of Cape musicians for the inaugural performance of Mac McKenzie's composition "Goema Symphony No. 1" at 8pm on Saturday 28 August 2010. The performance takes place at the SABC Studios Auditorium in Sea Point (Cape Town) and tickets cost R100. For Bookings Please Call 079 7263582.

Promo Video :: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dg-e65r2HU

The Cape Town Goema Orchestra is an ensemble that includes Mac's musical "brother," bandmate from The Genuines and The Goema Captains of Cape Town and long-time collaborator, multi-instrumentalist Hilton Schilder. Mac will be leading the orchestra on electric guitar while Hilton plays percussion, melodica and mouth bow. Also participating are highly-acclaimed bow player, Langa resident Madosini as well as renowned vocalist Ernestine Deane (of Moodphase 5ive and Dub For Mama fame). Experimental classical guitarist Derek Gripper and violinist Rayelle Goodman also feature in the star-studded 25-piece collaboration.

The instrumentation of the symphony includes traditional Khoi-San bows, African mbira and marimba, Cape Malay banjo and a melodica to reproduce the Boere Orkes tones of the accordion/concertina. Mac believes that Goema is the most representative style in South Africa, assembling and reflecting our country’s diverse cultural influences. Mac's Goema draws on the spirit of the moppies and liedjies of Klopse culture but, with his symphonic approach, he illustrates that there is enormous scope for the style to expand. "Goema Symphony No. 1" is expected to spearhead a series of symphonies and performances. Mac's hope is that universities will start paying attention to Goema rather than showing blind preference for European and North American traditions.

More info at http://www.profoundlysouthafrican.co.za/

Percussion & Drums

2010-08-15T21:51:00.000+02:00

20 August 2010 · 9:00pm - 11:00pm
Tafelberg Restaurant & Bar
6 Roodehek Terrace,
off 105 Hope Street, Gardens, Cape Town
Please call: 021 465 6852/6864

http://www.thetafelberg.co.za/

http://www.indabamusic.com/people/danielbloem

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VyFNuEu_1fQ

Ezra Ngcukana - Funeral Arrangements

2010-08-15T21:37:00.000+02:00

Memorial
Wednesday, 18 August 2010, 16:00 - 20:00
Gugulethu Sports Complex

Funeral
Saturday, 21 August 2010 10:00 am
Gugulethu Sports Complex

Please note that from 15:00 until 22:00 there will be some music and cultural activities at the Gugulethu Sports Complex to celebrate the life of the great Ezra Ngcukana.
If you want to partake in the activities please call Ntando

For more info
Please call Ntando: 0786652167
or 0768604980

Cape Town Goema Orchestra - Goema Symphony No. 1

2010-08-12T21:18:00.000+02:00

"The Cape Town Goema Orchestra is a 25-piece Mac McKenzie ensemble featuring strings and brass as well as mouth bows, marimbas and mbiras. Mac’s composition 'Goema Symphony No. 1' will be performed at SABC Studios Auditorium on Saturday 28 August 2010 at 8pm. Promo Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9dg-e65r2HU"

Yes, a symphony from one of the Goema Captains. It may sound a bit eccentric, but Mac is known to push boundaries, from the music of Charlie Parker to the Goema and Minstrel music of Cape Town.

SABC Studios Auditorium
209 Beach Road, Sea Point, Cape Town
Saturday 28 August 2010, 20:00
Entrance: R100
For Bookings Please Call 079 7263582

More info at http://www.profoundlysouthafrican.co.za/

Hamba Kahle Music Giant Ezra Ngcukana

2010-08-10T21:57:00.000+02:00

Music Giant, Ezra Ngcukana passed away yesterday, 9 August 2010. A well educated musician, with two degrees and who had a big influence on his peers and young musicians. A man who unselfishly paid his dues over and over.

Hamba Kahle Ezra Ngcukana.

Tributes:

sad news again: Ezra Ngcukana died yesterday morning in his sleep. This is
a big loss for South African Jazz. He was a brilliant musician with a good
sense of humor, "let's Rock 'n' Roll" his motto. And he was also an
outstanding educator: without him no award winning "Little Giants". Ezra,
we will sorely miss you.

We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Regards

Andreas, George and Regina and all musicians of Jazz Potjie Projects

http://www.jpp.co.za

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

John Edwin Mason

Ezra Ngcukana, South African Jazz Great, 1954 - 2010

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I knew Ezra’s work with Cape Flats youth musicians. "Why don’t I see you performing these days, Ezra?" "I asked a few months ago. "Because I prefer to just spend my time grooming the youngsters. I’m tired of playing, I don’t need to play anymore", he answered. Irony strikes when he appears in Grahamstown this year playing with another late-great Robbie Jansen, and in July on 10 July 2010 at Nikki’s Oasis in Johannesburg!

I found out about his death from Thando (‘Earnest’) Ngodwane whose Black Stars Production group had benefited greatly from Ezra’s mentorship. This young and zesty entertainment-preneur had added Ezra to his board of directors. Ezra spent most of his time just advising and encouraging. Ezra, of course, is no new Mentor to youth groups, having co-created The Little Giants with pianist George Werner. I remember driving Ezra and several 'little giants' to Grahamstown for their very first participation with the National Youth Jazz Festival sometime 2001. And that was my first visit, also, to Grahamstown. It was a long drive, but Ezra and I had long chats along the way. His humility and dedication to youth exuded forth his desire to see the underclad and less known talents enabled and exhibited.

"But I miss hearing you, Ezra," I pined when I next saw in sometime in March 2010. "Nah, I enjoy just working with these young ones – so innocent," he replied with his usual understanding smile.

"Bra, I truly miss you now!" I am saying in my alone state. Those who learned from this music educator, with his own magical informal style of operating, will show forth to our communities what Ezra really meant to them. Let the gongs bong!

Posted: Carol Martin, Capetown, 11 August 2010

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

My first exposure to live jazz was at about 12 years old with the Henry February band who at the time boasted a frontline of Ezra on tenor, brother Duke on trumpet, Winston on tenor and later Willy Haubrich on trombone. In the rhythm section was the man, Mr Feb on piano, my Dad, Robert Davids was on percussion, Max Diamond on drums and Basil Moses on electric bass. A few years later my forays into the world of the professional musician came courtesy of Ezra Ngcukana. I was his self appointed, or might it have been, self inflicted roadie, this at the still naive age of 19 years old. Man did I get into trouble, but wow, did I learn a lot!

Everything I got to know about the great horn men of the period and bebop both historically and its musical language was through Ezra and drummer Max Dyamani, aka Max Diamond. I also got the taste of the life of the jazz muso, the women, the booze, the hard edged lifestyle. The three of us travelled to and from gigs in Gugs, Manenberg, Lansdowne and Mitchells Plain in my little Mini which often threatened to topple over because of how much it listed to one side due to Ezra's disproportionate weight! As I drove they navigated me through the harmonic language, stylistic nuances and phrasing of the masters, Parker, Gillespie, Powell, Monk, Miles, Roach, Philly Joe Jones et al. Just as well that they navigated musical language because Ezra never drove and Max always got us lost, even when it was directing you to his pad in Gugs!

I loved when Ezra would sing the heads and horn solos of tunes for me like Straight, No Chaser; Four and More; Donna Lee in his soprano voice (hip, if not odd for such a big guy), or Max would explain one drummer's cymbal technique from the other as we drove mindful of the dangers of being arrested for either driving over the limit or worse, breaking the curfew in the townships. We lived dangerously during that tumultuous period of the early eighties and were charged by the political climate and the talk of a revolution and by reading Trotsky, all the while we were feeding our souls with Trane and Miles and Monk. I learned all the jazz standards through these journeyed lessons and would only hear the original recorded versions much later, but by this time, I would have an in-depth understanding of the jazz vocabulary and the exponents that pioneered the bebop movement. This invaluable experience and first hand tutorship gave me my great love for bebop and which was directly attributable to Ezra Ngcukana and Max Diamond.

I worked many times with Ezra through the years and his genius was something he always took for granted. He would musically land on his feet with little effort, regardless of the situation. Ezra was like our Sugar Ray Leonard of the Tenor, he played hard, punched hard and always nailed the song. He could flippantly toss off complex phrases at break neck tempo's with perfect intonation... while being so intoxicated he could not even stand! He was a mathematical genius as well and this made him the perfect improvisor, his knowledge of harmonic motion was far superior to any of his peers at the time.

When Ezra gave that mischievous smile before he soloed, you could swear that this gentle giant was not the same monster about to unleash those fearsome bebop chops. That's how I choose to remember him and not the sad state of the horn man who died in his sleep.

Best Regards

Greg Davids

A PORTRAIT OF HOME - Kyle Shepherd New Album Launch Concert

2010-08-08T15:31:00.000+02:00

Renowned South African Jazz pianist, Kyle Shepherd launches his 2nd Album, "A Portrait of Home" at 8pm, Saturday, 14 August 2010 at the UCT College of Music, Rondebosch.

"A Portrait of Home", a 10-track CD, features 9 original compositions of which 7 are brand new, and is a live recording of Shepherd’s Trio in concert at Stellenbosch University’s Music Conservatory in August 2009. The CD features Shepherd on piano, Shane Cooper on double bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums; all of whom will be performing at the launch concert.

"In 'A Portrait of Home' we are painting a picture of ourselves, in our lives, thoughts and emotions. With this offering we are also acknowledging the home of our spirit, the home of our people, our musical masters, the legacy of our country's past, our present and the promise of our future," says Shepherd.

Shepherd launched his debut album, 'fineART' to critical acclaim in January 2009 and earned him two 2010 South African Music Award (SAMA) nominations, for Best Traditional Jazz Album and Best Newcomer!

The launch of his new album comes fresh on the heels of Shepherd's fineART Quartet’s recent tour of Europe where they enthralled audiences at concert performances in Switzerland at The Bird's Eye Jazz Club & in Denmark at the Århus & Riverboat Jazz Festivals.

The new CD has already received airplay on SAFM, Fine Music Radio, Radio 2000 & UCT Radio and has been met with very favourable responses.

"A Portrait of Home" will be on sale at the launch concert and is also available from most leading CD stores in South Africa such as Look & Listen, Musica Mega Stores, Jive City, Just CD & The African Music Store.

* BOOKINGS ESSENTIAL *
R60.00 (R40.00 Students & Pensioners: proof required)
To book click here or
email info@kyleshepherd.co.za call 079 256 9030

VISIT OUR WEBSITE FOR MORE INFO & VIDEOS
http://www.kyleshepherd.co.za/

The UCT College of Music is located behind the Baxter Theatre in Rondebosch ie. on the Lower Campus of UCT.

Click on here for a map

GUITAR WORKSHOP, presented by WAYNE BOSCH

2010-08-07T22:01:00.000+02:00

Date: 14 August 2010, 14:00 until 15:30
Venue: Church in Parow (white building on corner, same street as Parow Station), Corner Station and Steenbras Roads, Parow, Cape Town

Jazz guitarist WAYNE BOSCH will present a guitar workshop, open to the public, on Saturday 14 August, at 2pm. Admission R20. All welcome.

For more information, call 083 690 8146

Book - "JAZZ, BLUES & SWING - SIX DECADES OF MUSIC IN SOUTH AFRICA"

2010-08-07T20:41:00.000+02:00

Jürgen Schadeberg is no stranger to South Africa. He captured some of most important moments in South African history. At a very important time in our history, he became chief photographer, picture editor and art director of Drum magazine.

The book, "JAZZ, BLUES & SWING SIX DECADES OF MUSIC IN SOUTH AFRICA" was published in 2007. It contains some of Jürgen's most amazing black and white photographs of South African jazz musicians.

The essays in the book were done by Don Albert, Gwen Ansell, Darius Brubeck and Hotep Idris Galeta.

This book should definitely be in all music lovers book collection.

I just wish that this book will one day be republished with recorded music of all the artists featured in the book on CD or DVD.

I got my copy from Readers Warehouse.

Jazz duo gig: Trudy Rushin & Rudi Byrnes

2010-08-05T22:12:00.000+02:00

Date: 7 August 2010, 7:00pm - 10:00pm
Venue: Food Lover's Market Restaurant & Sushi Bar,Vineyard Rd, Claremont, Cape Town, South Africa

Vocal-guitar music from different genres, mainly jazz, swing, pop and some jazzy originals. Food Lover's Mkt has everything you need for a great, affordable night out. If you've never spent an evening there, give it a try this Saturday. Trudy (voice, guitar) and Rudi (guitar) have collaborated a few times before and received very favourable feedback.

http://alwaysrushin.blogspot.com/

Scott Kelby's World Wide Photo Walk 2010

2010-08-03T20:50:00.000+02:00

Check out some of the groups from all over the world that participated in Scott Kelby's World Wide Photo Walk 2010.

I was part of the Cape Town group.

http://www.scottkelby.com/blog/2010/archives/11436

World Wide Photo Walk 2010 - Green Point, Cape Town

2010-07-25T18:55:00.000+02:00

I went on my first photo walk yesterday.
Here is a link to some of the pool photos:
http://www.flickr.com/groups/capetownphotowalk2010/pool/

Robbie Jansen(5/8/1949 - 7/7/2010) : Funeral Service

2010-07-16T19:43:00.000+02:00

Robert “Robbie” Edward Jansen the Cape Jazz music legend passed away peacefully on 7th July 2010 at 16h20 at the Netcare Hospital in Kuilsriver Cape Town.

He died as a result of respiratory complications due to his on-going Emphysema medical condition and was surrounded by the love and support of his wife, Mother, eight younger siblings until the end.

Robbie Jansen’s career started in his early teens and he quickly became a respectable and versatile musician. He was a multi talented instrumentalist and a gifted singer with a warm gravelly timbre to his voice and an equally lovely burnished tone on his alto saxophone, his main instrument. During the struggle years of apartheid, he was the pied piper calling people on his flute to rallies all over the Western Cape. In later years that flute evoked the warm sounds of peace and reconciliation. He helped develop the Cape Town sound and is fondly thought of as the musical voice representing his people. Over the years, Robbie’s influence on South African and African music has reached legendary status and today musicians’ especially young aspiring saxophonists have been influenced by his signature tone and jazz inflected voicing.

Robbie was a pioneering member of the Ghoema sound, a musical idiom particular to the Cape and sourced from the sounds of the marching carnival and Christmas bands. Mr. Jansen’s talents were well documented through an extensive career of Cape and African Jazz. His involvement in a number of Cape Town bands most notably the Rockets, Pacific Express, OsWietie, Spirits Rejoice and his Sons of Table Mountain took his unique talent to the people in clubs and concert venues all across South Africa and the international stages.

Over the last 5 years Jansen concentrated on his solo career and helping develop the talents of younger musicians. Today his music is taught at music institutions the world over where saxophonists emulate the sounds of this musical genius for newer generations to enjoy.

Saturday 17 July 2010 @ 10:30am
His People Christian Centre - N1 CITY
c/o Joe Hattingh & Solly Smiedt Rd's
Goodwood

Viewing of the body 9:30am - 10:20am.

service will start at 10:30am and will be conducted by Pastor Glen Robertson
Seating for 4,000

A private cremation will follow (family members only)

fashion & arts project in Nyanga

2010-07-14T20:56:00.000+02:00

This project explores innovative ways of turning waste material, discarded fabrics and damaged clothing into new, unique garments and accessories.

In conceptualizing this project, fashion design was recognized as a platform to engage with creative young women from disadvantaged backgrounds to develop creative solutions to combat social problems like poverty.

We recognize that by fostering an entrepreneurial spirit amongst young people to complement their creative skills, we can assist them to generate an income for themselves and they in turn can share the knowledge that they have acquired with other youth from their home communities.

To get the project started, I have partnered with the local NGO, Etafeni Early Childcare Development Centre based in Nyanga, Cape Town.

While Etafeni's focus is early childcare development, they also run an income generation programme for adults who are significant in the lives of the children who are cared for at the centre. The caregivers who participate in the income generation programme are trained in beadwork, smocking, patchwork and embroidery.

Hands on will employ 4 women of the income generation programme for 2 hours a week to participate in workshops where together with 8 young high-school going women, we will develop new and unique fashion garments out of recycled products (bottle caps, buttons, cloth), material off cuts and damaged clothing donated by the clothing retailer, Truworths.

To donate to this Project contact:
Greer Valley
greervalley@gmail.com

Composers Panel - South African jazz musicians-IMS SASRIM Conference

2010-07-10T20:56:00.000+02:00

The International Music Society (IMS) and South African Society for Research in Music (SASRIM) Conference is happening at the University of Stellenbosch from 14-17 July 2010.

Jonathan Eato, researcher, composer, saxophonist and lecturer in music at the University of York (UK), has secured a proposal with the IMS SASRIM conference that the composers panel should also feature three extraordinary South African jazz musicians namely, Tete Mbambisa, Louis Moholo-Moholo and Zim Ngqawana.

The conference charges a fee, but this talk is freely open to anyone who is interested in attending and not just academics.

Below is a detailed blurb:

IMS SASRIM Composer’s Panel
10:30-12:00, 16 July 2010, Konservatorium, University of Stellenbosch. ALL WELCOME

What does it mean to be a South African jazz musician in an increasingly globalised music industry? Are contemporary musical identities primarily of jazz or of South Africa? How are these musical identities explored locally and internationally? Jean François Bayart draws our attention to the curious paradox that the effects of increased international exchange are simultaneously a homogenisation and a flowering of localised difference – how does the contemporary artist seek to navigate this creatively? Has it become increasingly possible to be musically Xhosa in jazz and if so how? Antjie Krog talks of a mingling or entanglement of roots in order to ask how one root can become or link to another, whilst Deleuze might argue that things continue to become the other, while continuing to be what they are.

The three artists on this panel have, between them, taken South African jazz from vocal jive, through bebop and free improvisation, to contemporary big band and a Xhosa inflected avant-garde. Following an introduction to their work these three extraordinary musicians will discuss their music and ideas.

In alphabetical order the panellists are:

Tete Mbambisa
Tete Mbambisa’s musical legacy stretches back to his early work with the vocal group The Four Yanks. He later switched to the piano and won first prize for piano at the 1963 Castle Lager Festival. His work with the Soul Jazzmen led to the influential recording of Duke Makasi’s ‘Inhlupeko’ (1969) and in the politically charged South Africa of early 1976 Mbambisa recorded the album ‘Tete’s Big Sound’ for Rashid Vally’s iconic As-Shams label. This was followed in 1982 with another As-Shams release ‘Did You Tell Your Mother’. His fruitful association with Duke Makasi continued and resulted in the recording of one of Mbambisa’s best known compositions – ‘Thembile’s Workshop’ featured on The Brothers’ album ‘Xhosa Nostra’ with Victor Ntoni (bass) and Lulu Gontsana (drums). It is a tribute to the high regard in which Mbambisa is held by musicians that Johnny Dyani, Chris McGregor, Dudu Pukwana, and others continued to pay musical and verbal tributes to him long in to their European exiles.

Louis Moholo-Moholo
Described by UK jazz critic John Fordham in the Guardian newspaper as ‘one of the legends of the South African and British jazz scenes’, drummer and composer Louis Moholo-Moholo came to prominence in the 1960s for his work with the Blue Notes (Johnny Dyani, Mongezi Feza, Chris McGregor, Nikele Moyake, Dudu Pukwana). He played a key role in early Brotherhood of Breath lineups, has led several influential bands under his own name (the Louis Moholo-Moholo Unit and Viva La Black) and after nearly half a century on the international scene continues to be described by Fordham as ‘a blast of fresh air’. Moholo-Moholo has worked with many leading improvising musicians including Derek Bailey, Evan Parker, Steve Lacy, Cecil Taylor, Marilyn Crispell, and Archie Shepp. A significant number of Louis Moholo-Moholo’s recordings, including his Dedication Orchestra project, are available from Ogun Records.

Zim Ngqawana
Having worked in several bands, including a late incarnation of Pacific Express, Zim Ngqawana was amongst the first jazz graduates from the University of KwaZulu Natal. He subsequently studied in the United States with Yusef Lateef, Max Roach and Archie Shepp and went on to forge strong links with Norwegian musicians resulting in San Song (1996) and ‘Zimology’ (1998). ‘Zimphonic Suites’ (2001) and ‘Vadzimu’ (2003) both saw Ngqawana working with South African musicians, notably Herbie Tsoaeli (bass) and Andile Yenana (piano), and Gwen Ansell cites Ngqawana’s ‘vision of a South African avantgarde jazz voice drawing deeply on traditional Xhosa roots’ as largely responsible for making him one of South Africa’s best selling jazz artists. He directed the one hundred strong Drums for Peace Orchestra at President Mandela’s inauguration and has played with many musical luminaries including Moses Molelekwa, Abdullah Ibrahim, and Hugh Masekela. Many of Zim Ngqawana’s recordings are available on Sheer Sound.

Convenor Jonathan Eato is a composer and saxophonist and lecturers in music at the University of York
(UK).

Links
IMS SASRIM Conference 2010
SASRIM
IMS
Jonathan Eato

Tributes To Robbie Jansen

2010-07-08T19:40:00.000+02:00

sad news: Robbie Jansen died yesterday afternoon in hospital. This is truly
a big loss for the jazz fraternity and the music industry. He was a
brilliant musician who not only embodied the very soul of Cape-Jazz but
also paved the way for generations of South African musicians to come. And
he even gave us our very personal song "9 Bath Street Goema".

Robbie, we will sorely miss you.

We send our most heartfelt condolences to his family and friends.

Regards

Andreas, George and Regina and all musicians of Jazz Potjie Projects

http://www.jpp.co.za/

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jonathan Eato

... Robbie was very kind to me and
gave me the first interview I
ever did. I'm glad I saw him at Oesfees this year.

I feel this is a great loss.

All best wishes, Jonathan.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Edwin Mason

Robbie Jansen, 1949-2010: Jazz Legend and Political Hero

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Fred Salles

Heeiishh... Music loose another of its devoted servant.
I must add music and the people of South Africa.
Robbie cared so much about the people.
Robbie, like Mankunku, was both an amazing musician and a beautiful human being.
I am sad not only because I won't see Robbie again, but I am also sad because I won't see anymore the people of Cape Town, New Brighton or elsewhere he performed, being so happy and "having a joll" when he plays his music.
I will miss him entertain the people of South Africa and touch their heart and soul.
I will miss him like I miss the sight of Table Mountain, which could be my only comfort right now.

Fred (Marseille - France)

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Orlando Sanchez Soto
Cuba

I feel really bad about Dear Jansen,but He´ll be now playing with John Coltrane and Miles In A Better Place.
Greatings to all the Friends,congratulation for all your goals.....and PEACE

orlando cubajazz

Hamba Kahle Robbie Jansen

2010-07-07T20:26:00.000+02:00

Legendary saxophonist, flautist and vocalist, Robbie Jansen passed away at 16:15 local time in the suburb of Kuilsriver in Cape Town on 7 July 2010.

R.I.P Robbie Jansen. Thank you for sharing your talents with the world.
Your legacy will live on.

Daniel Bloem Jamming

2010-07-03T15:18:00.000+02:00

Hilton Schilder Benefit

2010-07-02T20:28:00.000+02:00

Multi-instrumentalist, Hilton Schilder has been diagnosed with cancer. He is undergoing expensive medical treatment for the cancer.

"As a show of appreciation and support for the 'Genuine' Iconoclast, a support gig will be held at Swingers in Wetton on Sunday to raise funds to assist with the astronomical medical costs that are accruing! Confirmed bands include Robbie Jansen and the Sons of Table Mountain, The Alvin Dyers Trio, Errol Dyers, the Glen Robertson Band with Camillo Lombard, John Hassan, Jonathan Rubain, Sisonke, Xonti and many, many more whose lives have been touched and musical horizons expanded by their interaction with the beautiful creative soul of our brother Hilton. A cover charge of R50 will be charged at the door but all additional pledges of support are welcome!"

One of Tyrone Apollis' artworks and George Hallett's limited edition will also be auctioned.

A trust account has also been set up by Ray Brink of Brink & Thomas Attorneys and any financial contribution can be deposited in or electronically transferred to:

Brink and Thomas Attorneys Trust
ABSA
A/C No 4070310853
Branch 632005
Swift Code ABSAZAJJ

Use reference “Schilder Benefit” + Your Name

Gig Time: Sunday, July 4, 2010 at 6:00pm
Venue: Club 021 (Swingers), Wetton, tel:021 7622443
Map

websites
Hilton Schilder Trust