Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2010

On Friday 18 June 2010 at 19.30 Artscape will celebrate the Youth Jazz festival with five bands that have been part of their annual mentorship programme since its inception in 2005. They include, ESP Band, The Belhar Music Collective, Little Giants, Touch and The Incredibles. These bands have achieved success against all odds while demonstrating to a broader community the value of a lifetime opportunity. The three hour festival in the Artscape Theatre has sold out every year and because of its exceptionally high standard it is patronized by jazz lovers of all ages.

This year the festival is a collaboration with the ‘Bavaria Meets Western Cape’ expo and the jazz ensembles Brassta La Vista from Bavaria, Germany, will share the platform with the featured bands. It is directed by Keith Tabisher and compèred once again by Gary van Dyk, both well-known personalities in the jazz industry.

The Youth Jazz programme has developed into a valuable, successful project for young emerging jazz musicians and their bands. It was initiated by Artscape in recognition of the enormous amount of raw talent nationally, particularly in Cape Town where there is a Jazz tradition. After auditions the musicians received master classes with acclaimed jazz icons from the Western Cape. The programme prepared them for the challenging arts arena they have entered and given them respect for their role models who have paved the way for them.

Amongst the jazz icons that generously contributed their expertise are : Melanie Scholtz, Keith Tabisher, Kevin Gibson, George Werner, Camillo Lombard, Kevin Gibson, Frank, Paco, Lucas Khumalo, Andrew Lilley, Wesley Rustin, André Swartz, the late Alex van Heerden and Joe Mthimka, Hotep Galeta, Alvin and Errol Dyers. Mzwakhe (Sticks) Mdidimba (Artscape) was the first project manager. Tarnia van Zitters is the current.

Several of the bands are in great demand playing regularly at gigs both in and out of the Western Cape and have performed at the National Jazz Festival in Grahamstown. Band members also auditioned and won places in the National Jazz Band and National Big Band and will once again perform at the 2010 festival in Grahamstown.

Says Marlene le Roux, Director of Artscape Audience Development and Education: "While Artscape provides the platform to showcase the work, it is essential to appreciate that opportunities can be created, but what is made of it, is important. Accountability is an aspect we endorse at all times. I believe that this festival demonstrates these sentiments and will be as rewarding as the previous years".

Tickets cost R50, Block Bookings of 10 or more R45, pensioners and scholars R30 Book through Computicket, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421-7695, and Shoprite Checkers outlets and on line http://www.computicket.com/

This project is generously supported by Artscape and Distell.

ABOUT THE BANDS

ESP Band - Stellenbosch

ESP Band is an exciting local SA jazz band from Stellenbosch who have been gigging together for almost 5 years. Their debut album Taxi1022 is due to launch this month - June 2010 and features 15 original tracks, all written by members of the band. Varying in local ghoema, funk and pop jazz styles, it includes both vocal and instrumental features. They have performed alongside various other local jazz artists such as Melanie Scholtz, Robbie Jansen, Allou April, Tucan Tucan, N2 and many more. Their ages range from 20 to 33 years and they come from Stellenbosch, Macassar and Cape Town. www.espband.co.za

Band Members
Ramon Alexander 30 Keys and Musical Director Stellenbosch
Neville Arnolds 32 Drums Stellenbosch
Heinie Jack 33 Bass Guitar Stellenbosch
Simangele Mashazi 23 Vocals Stellenbosch
Dustin Julius 20 Guitar Macassar
Lou-Ann Stone 25 Alto Saxophone Cape Town
Ricardo de Ruiter 25 Vocals Stellenbosch

TOUCH

TOUCH was formed in August 2008. The band members are pupils and ex pupils from Bergvliet High School in Bergvliet and comprises of 7 members who have known each other since High School. They have a passion for a variety of music but influences are jazz, fusion, funk, R & B and disco. Their original music composed by the band members could be catergorised
as a fusion of all these genres. All band members take and have taken music as a subject and some are still part of Bergvliet High’s Big Band. All members can read music as well as play by ear. They do different types of gigs ranging from school functions, weddings and for charity orginisations. Two of their members are planning to study Jazz at UCT in 2010. TOUCH has performed at the 2009 Artscape Youth Jazz Festival, 2009 Standard Bank Youth Jazz Festival in Grahamstown, the 2009 Cape Town Jazzathon and recently performed at the Rainbow Room at the Nelson Mandela Place in Cape Town.

Band Members
Chad Hendricks 19 Trumpet Retreat,
Danielle McKinnon 18 Alto Saxophone Bergvliet,
Dino Kareklas 17 Piano/Vocalist Southfield
Jamie Steyn 18 Drums Elfindale,
Lauren Mathyse 18 Bass Guitar Steenberg
Michael Barnes 18 Trombone Bergvliet,
Zekele Grange 18 Tenor Saxophone South Field

THE INCREDIBLES

The Incredibles was formed in 2007 by Roy Roode who is passionate about developing music for youth. The band members are from Gugulethu, Nyanga and New Cross Roads and their ages range beween 18 and 37 years. They started with six Horn players, 3 Trumpeters 2 Trombonists as well as Roy himself on Trumpet and have performed in many gigs without a rhythm section, playing mostly Afro Jazz which includes the "Umbhaqanga" style. Invited by well-known professional bands, such as Little Giants and
Bra Cups Big Band to perform together, gave them the opportunity of experiencing playing with a rhythm section. Now they have their own.

Band Members
Siyamthanda Makatesi 20 Trumpet
Gcinikaya Mnyamana 29 Trumpet
Mbongeni Mshweshwe 21 Trombone
Zukile Finini 21 Trombone
Steven Campell 18 Trombone
Bandile Mbombela 32 Bass
Mzwakhe Mcekiso 37 Piano
Masixole Mkhonto 18 Drums

Suburbs of Musicians:
Gugulethu, Nyanga and New Cross Roads

THE BELHAR MUSIC COLLECTIVE (BMC)

The Belhar Music Collective is a group of young people from Belhar, who play a wide range of popular music. The members attend The Settlers High School (Matthew, Jodie, Tamlyn and Chad), Stellenberg High School (Alicia), Oude Molen Technical High School (Marlon), UCT (Margot) and CPUT (Isaac). The band is fully supported by their parents and Belhar community
members. They aim to make a meaningful contribution to the community by setting an example to young people of what can be achieved through hard work, discipline, commitment and the sheer pleasure of making music. The band has been accepted onto the programme for the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Festival that takes place in Grahamstown in June 2010.

Band Members
Matthew Meas 17 Tenor Sax and Keyboards Kuilsrivier
Jodie Tabisher 19 Alto Sax Belhar
Tamlyn Philander 17 Trumpet Kuilsrivier
Alicia Domoney 17 Vocals Belhar
Margot de Bruyn 19 Vocals Bellville South
Chad Carolissen 17 Bass Northpine
Marlon Williams 18 Guitar Belhar
Isaac Phigeland 20 Drums Belhar

THE LITTLE GIANTS

The Little Giants was established in 1999 under musical directorship of Ezra Ngcukana and George Werner. This group of young musicians, aged between 15 and 21 years, from the suburbs and townships of the Cape Flats and greater Cape Town, has developed into a tightly knit integrated unit, bonded by their youthful enthusiasm and shared cultural experiences. Their repertoire of African standards, jazz standards and fusion, as well as, their own compositions has wowed the crowds wherever they have played. The combination of traditional rhythms and a solid brass section has provided this group with a biggish band sound that is not often found in community projects of this nature. The group has performed at most of Cape Town’s major festivals and jazz clubs as well as television and various Presidential and Parliament celebrations. They are accompanied by their musical director, George Werner, who has performed/recorded with many South African Jazz icons and produced several CDs. In 2006, the "Giants" released their debut CD, "Ungalibali" which featured 9 of their own compositions. Since then, they have performed on 4 other CD’s, namely "G Spot Grooves", "Winter in Cape Town" Vol. 1, II and III and
"Summer in Cape Town" Vol. 1 and a DVD "Songs worth singing, Words worth saying"

Band Members
Danni McKinnon 1st Alto saxophone
Pierre-Luc Kuhn 2nd Alto saxophone
Darren Austin Percussion / Clarinet
Jade De Waal 1st Tenor sax
Brandon Williams 2nd Tenor Sax
Kyle Daniels 1st Trumpet
Joshua Brookbanks 2nd Trumpet
Muneeb Herman 3rd Trumpet
Devon Cozett 4th Trumpet
Brandon McKinnon 1st Trombone
Steven Campbell 2nd Trombone
Therlo Lodewyk 3rd Trombone
Sean Bratz Guitar
Jessie Weber Piano
Simon Van Haarte Bass
Kurt Bowers Drums
Nobuhle Mazinyane Violin
Jazelle Scullard Violin

Suburbs of musicians -
Hanover Park, Mannenburg, Woodstock, Silverton, Athlone, Rosebank

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ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2009

Since it's inception in 2003, Artscape’s Youth Jazz programme has developed into a valuable and successful project for young emerging jazz musicians and their bands. After auditions they receive master classes with acclaimed jazz icons from the Western Cape.

On Saturday 6 June 2009 from 15:00 to 18:00 at the Artscape Theatre three bands selected for the programme - Public Attention (Vredenburg),Touch (Bergvliet) and Ological Studies (Mowbray) will showcase their work at the Youth Jazz Festival which also features their mentors - Melanie Scholtz, Keith Tabisher, Andrew Lilley and Kevin Gibson.

The festival this year is in memory of the late Joe Mthimka and Alex Van Heerden who were both involved in the Artscape Youth Jazz Proframme. Check out the Tribute Exhibition in the Artscape foyer.

'Touch' was formed August 2008. The seven band members are all learners at Bergvliet High School who have known each other since pre-primary and attended the same primary school. They have a passion for a variety of music but are influenced mostly by jazz, fusion, funk, R &B and disco. Their own compositions are a fusion of these genres. All take music as a subject at school, can read music as well as play by ear and are members of the Bergvliet High's Big Band. They do different types of gigs ranging from school functions to charity organizations and have recently taken part in the 2009 Cape Town Jazzathon.

Band Members:
Danielle McKinnon 17 Alto Sax Bergvliet
Chad Hendricks 18 Trumpet Retreat
Jamie Steyn 17 Drums Elfindale
Michael Barnes 17 Trombone Bergvliet
Dino Kareklas 16 Piano/Vocals Southfield
Lauren Mathyse 17 Bass Steenberg

'Public Attention' is a well known band in the Saldanha Bay Municipal area based on the West Coast and known for their Fusion Afro jazz style. The band was formed 3 years ago under the leadership of Jamelo Boois. Their music started in church and developed under the influences of difference types of music. No-one in the band has had any formal training. Some of the band members have travelled overseas and each day is a new learning curve for them.

Band Members:
Jamelo Boois 24 Piano Vredenburg
William van Wyk 20 Bass Vredenburg
Willdrew Maya 21 Drums Atlantis
Frank Williams 34 Guitar Vredenburg


'OLOGICAL STUDIES' - All three members are studying music at the South African College of College of Music at UCT. Sibusiso Dlamini and Phumlani Mtiti have gigged together regularly with Sadé Ross recently joining them to form their small band ‘Ological Studies’. Deviating from the typical jazz combo they enjoy the intimacy of a trio. With the lack of the traditional rhythm section (drums and bass) careful attention is paid to their repertoire choice in order to create fullness of pulse and harmony without losing the depth of music. Communication between the musicians is more intense as they are challenged to work in this format which they find very rewarding.

Band Members:
Sadé Ross 19 Vocals Grassy Park
Sibusiso Dlamini 22 Piano Mowbray
Phumlani Mtiti 21 Saxophone Observatory

MENTORS 2009

MELANIE SCHOLTZ – Voice and Repertoire - Head Mentor / Artistic Director
Melanie Scholtz has been singing from a young age. She graduated from UCT Opera School Cum Laude in 2000. She has appeared on the Felicia Show, SABC Woman of the year awards 2 years in a row. She has also performed The SA National Anthem in front of a world audience at the Presidents' Cup in George. In 2002, she was awarded The Best Jazz Vocalist in the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters. She has performed abroad to audiences in Norway, Holland, Germany, Spain, Portugal and Morocco. She is featured on Jimmy Dludlu's Afrocentric album as well as Mark Fransman's Strait and Narro Ahead. In 2006, she released her debut album at Artscape, entitled Zillion Miles. She has worked with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Joe McBride, Gerald Veasley, the Cape Philharmonic and many more. In 2006 and 2007 she was a mentor to Kidz Can Music Academy in Bonteheuwel and Mentor/ Curriculum advisor in the Artscape Youth Jazz Project in 2006 and 2007.

KEITH TABISHER - Guitar
Keith Tabisher started playing the guitar at the age of 13. He studied classical guitar at UCT SACM with Elspeth Jack and the late Neefa Van Der Schyff. He spent 12 years as a music lecturer at Sallie Davies College and currently works as a Music Curriculum Adviser for the Western Cape Education Department. Keith currently performs with a range of different musicians, covering various genres and musical styles. He works regularly with the Serenade Sax Trio and the guitar duo Jazz, etc. He has recently established Trio du Cap, playing Acoustic Guitar based jazz in a trio setting.

ANDREW LILLEY – Piano and Brass
Andrew Lilley began a career in Architecture but after completing a BAS at UCT, a scholarship to Berkley College of Music, Boston afforded him the opportunity to pursue music. Over a subsequent period of some 4 years he studied under the mentorship of legendary hard bop pianist and composer, Donald Brown, New York Enja recording artist Bruce Barth and the renowned Ray Santisi under whose tutorship many great players, including Keith Jarret, passed. During this time, Lilley also studied film scoring and synthesis and was awarded the NARAS scholarship for Music Technology. He co-composed many scores with well known composer, performer and ex Blood Sweat and Tears trumpet player, Bruce Cassidy, ultimately winning an award for the M-Net New directions movie 'Angel'. He has worked with the finest of the finest including saxophonists, Dale Barlow, Dave O'Higgins and UK alto player Alan Barnes: percussionist Efrain Toro, trumpet player maestro, Bobby Shew and the New York based composer and trombonist John Fetchock. He performs with his own trio on the Cape Town Jazz scene and is currently an Associate Professor at University of Cape Town, lecturing in Jazz studies. Many fine young musicians have passed under his mentorship including BMG recording artists, Jimmy Dludlu, Judith Sephuma and Selaelo Selota. He appears on many jazz recordings releasing his debut album 'Rejoicing' in 2005.

KEVIN GIBSON – Bass, Drums/Percussion
Kevin Gibson was born in Durban, and began performing as a drummer with local musicians from the age of 13. He studied at the University of Natal with Darius Brubeck for 2 years, Berklee College of Music for 3 months and North Florida University for 6 months. He taught drums at UCT for 4 years after moving to Cape Town in 1991, where he currently resides. He has been a teacher and performer at the Standard Bank Youth Jazz Program since 2001, and performed at the Klein Karoo festival in 2007 and 2009. During the five years that South African artists appeared at the North Sea Jazz Festival in holland, he was the only musician from S A to attend all five events, and has performed with at least two bands at each of the C T International Jazz Festivals, appearing with four bands in 2007. He has played in Cuba, Brasil, Russia, Serbia, USA, Canada, England, Germany, Spain, Portugal, France, Holland and Algeria.

Kevin has performed and travelled with various local and visiting musicians that include - Darius Brubeck , Zim Ngqawana, Johnny Clegg, Koos Kombuis, Laurinda Hofmeyr, Schalk Joubert, Ollie Viljoen, Paul Hanmer, Jackson Browne, Herb Ellis, Johnny Fourie, Winston Mankunku, McCoy Mrubata, Vusi Mahlasela, Sandile Shange, Hotep Galeta and many other South African musicians.

PROGRAMME
Compère Gary van Dyk
Inspired by the great American Songbook
Rodgers and Hart, Oscar Hammerstein, Cole Porter, Gershwin,
Irving Berlin, Styne and Cahn and Jerome Kern

• Touch
• Ological Attention
• Public Attention
• Interval
• Youth Jazz Vocal Ensemble
• Mentors Band

This annual event is sold out every year because of the extraordinary talent and high standard of performance, so best to book your tickets in advance.

Tickets cost R50. Book through Computicket, Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421-7695, Shoprite Checkers outlets and on line www.computicket.com There are discounts for students and block bookings.

This project is generously supported by Artscape and Distell.

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ARTSCAPE YOUTH JAZZ FESTIVAL 2008

The word is out: The Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2008 will happen on 21 June 2008 from 15h00 to 18h00 at the Artscape Theatre.

Festival organisers had a tough task in selecting the final groups to take part in the festival. "Well-known jazz artists who formed the judging panel are also this year’s mentors and will perform with the bands. They include : Melanie Scholtz, Keith Tabisher, Andre Swartz, Andrew Lilley and Wesley Rustin."

"Amongst the diverse disciplines required, ESP Fusion (Stellenbosch), Incredibles Brass (Nyanga East), Fusion–Settlers High (Bellville) and South Peninsula High School (Bergvliet) showed exceptional talent and within the jazz genre, displayed their professional ability, had a good understanding of the jazz idiom and ability to improvise. The bands are actively performing at clubs or schools in areas across the Western Cape and their
ages ranges from 14 to 34 years."

DETAILS ON THE BANDS

INCREDIBLES BRASS
The Incredibles Brass was formed in 2005 Roy Roode who is passionate about developing the youth In the Nyanga East location where all the band members come from. The group started with six Horn players, 3 Trumpeters 2 Trombonists as well as Roy himself on Trumpet. Incredibles Brass have played many gigs without a rhythm section, playing mostly Afro Jazz which includes the ‘Umbhaqanga’ style. They have been invited by well-known
professional bands such as Little Giants and Bra Cups Big Band to perform together, giving them the opportunity of experiencing playing with a rhythm section. Now a group of 9 musicians they have their own a rhythm section.

Band members
Siyamthanda Makatesi 18 Trumpet Mkhonto Nyanga East
Mpumelelo Siduna 26 Trumpet Mkhonto Nyanga East
Mbongeni Mshweshwe 19 Trombone K.T.C Nyanga East
Zukile Finini 19 Trombone K.T.C Nyanga East
Steven Campbell 16 Trombone Mkhonto Nyanga East
Godfrey Dyantyi 34 Bass Guitar Mawumawu Nyanga East
Mzwakhe Mcekiso 35 Piano Mawumawu Nyanga East
Masixole Mkhonto 16 Drums N.Y 53 Guguletu

SOUTH PENINSULA HIGH
The band started in 2002 on small scale with drums, bass, keyboard and clarinet. The group of students performing in the Artscape programme are a mixed bag - some of them used to perform with the SP Alumni Band and others have become a regular part of the SP Alumni Band. The instrumentalists form a separate group known as the SP Jazz Collective as well as being part of the SP Jazz Orchestra.

Band Members
Jason Powell 17 Trumpet Marina Da Gama
Lloyd Stuurman 17 Piano Grassy Park
Marlon Witbooi 17 Drums Grassy Park
Giovanni Amansure 16 Percussion Heathfield
Quinton Appollis 15 Guitar Lavender Hill
Byron Linevere 21 Bass Lavender Hill
Jamie Abrahams 19 Vocals Diep River
Ashleigh Abrahams 15 Vocals Diep River
Candice Thornton 17 Vocals Athlone

ESP FUSION is based in Stellenbosch. The instrumental band, as is, has been together almost 3 years. (Vocalist, Lizanne, joined them last year.)’We’d like to think of our music as being rooted in jazz, reflecting the various Cape Ghoema, funk and Latin styles that has taught and influenced us.’ As individuals, being full and part-time musicians coming from different backgrounds (classical, gospel and field band etc), they create a versatile platform to work with. Their musical director, Ramon Alexander (piano), composes most of the original material. ESP Fusion has performed with artists like Robbie Jansen and Alvin Dyers. They do different types of gigs ranging from functions to stage performances and bigger productions by ESP (Eccentric Sound Productions) which is band member, Heiné’s business.

Band Members
Ramon Alexander 28 Piano Stellenbosch
Neville Arnolds 30 Drums Stellenbosch
Heiné Jack 31 Bass Guitar Stellenbosch
Philip Vermeulen 31Guitar Stellenbosch
Lizanne October 23 Vocals Stellenbosch
Lou-Ann Stone 23 Alto Saxophone Cape Town

FUSION – SETTLERS HIGH is a band made up of learners from The Settlers High School in Bellville. They have been playing together since they were juniors at the school and have developed into a tight band that enjoys playing all types of music. They are quality at ease playing background music as they are performing on centre stage. They are in great demand and have played at many school and community functions. Most of the members take music as a subject and read music as well as play by ear. They pick the repertoire and arrange the music themselves and are managed by their music teacher Mrs Carol Howell.

Band Members
Levi Alexander 16 Saxophone Bellville South
Matthew Meas 15 Saxophone/ Piano Kuilsriver
Margot De Bruyn 17 Piano/Vocalist Bellville South
Dean Fortune 17 Drums Stellenridge
Jody Abel 16 Bass guitar Goodwood
Tylin van der Ross 14 Percussion
Parow

Tickets cost R30 and are available from Computicket http://www.computicket.com/ and Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421-7695.

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