CONRAD KOCH presents PUPPET ASYLUM - Baxter Golden Arrow Studio

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

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NEDERBURG NEW YEAR'S EVE SPECTACULA​R

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

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

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

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JAZZ AT THE NASSAU presents THE BOULEVARD BLUES BAND

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

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

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.

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

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.

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WORLD AIDS DAY GALA CONCERT 2011, Cape Town

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.

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Kyle Shepherd Trio in Concert 26 November 2011

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/

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Cape Town Goema Orchestra – Table Bay Concerto in G Major

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

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.

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POETRY AFRICA 2011 Cape Town

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

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

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?

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

"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

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

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.

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Tony Cedras Jamming with The Reza Khota Quartet

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

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a graffiti in woodstock - DISCOVER THE DIAMOND INSIDE YOU

a graffiti in Woodstock, Cape Town

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

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

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SOUTH AFRICAN ARTISTS FOR AIDS AWARENESS Concert 2011

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.

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AROUND THE BLUES FORM - workshop for jazz musicians

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

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JAZZ & WORLD MUSIC MASALA

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.

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Silent Revolution Winter Jazz Series July 2011

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

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

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.

Please read more about James Matthews at the links below:
http://www.info.gov.za/aboutgovt/orders/2004/matthews.htm

http://cape-slavery-heritage.iblog.co.za/2009/08/28/james-matthews-at-80-still-on-the-boil/

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

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

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