The third rendition of the very popular Jazz Masters Series will once again take place in the Artscape Theatre for two shows only on October 4 and 5 October. The Jazz Masters Series, in co-production with Craig Parks, was created to remind us from whence the roots of South African Jazz sprouted by combining the artistry of well-known and established jazz artists while paying tribute to those who laid the foundation of South African Jazz. The series has previously hosted artists like Zoe Modiga, Nomfundo Xaluva, Buddy Wells, McCoy Mrubata, Mandisi Dyantyis, Alvin Dyers, Sylvia Mdunyelwa, and The Lady Day Big Band to name but a few.
Artscape CEO, Marlene Le Roux, is very clear when she says: “This is a proud moment on the artistic calendar for Artscape. We need to present jazz as a true and holistic art form where music expression is celebrated by performers in the comfort of a real theatre setting while affirming and paying tribute to jazz and jazz artists. This year is no different, just always more exciting as promised to the packed-out houses last year.”
The programme this year includes one historic night with legendary Cape Jazz pianists on Friday, October 4 when the likes of Ibrahim Khalil Shihab, Mervyn Africa, Mike Perry, Hilton Schilder and Ramon Alexander. Then on October 5 you can “get your jazz pizzazz on” with the inimitable Virtual Jazz Reality (VJR) and Essence of Spring with Ibrahim Khalil Shihab. The rest of line-up includes Ian Smith (Horns), Sammy Webber (Bass), Frank Paco (Drums), Andrew Ford (Keyboards/Piano) and Leslie Kleinsmith on vocals.
Some of the artists will have their cd’s on sale with special appearances for signing and photographs afterwards in the foyer. This is a one-of-a-kind theatre experience that you do not want to miss. Because of the popularity of the shows, it is recommended that you book your tickets as soon as possible as tickets usually sell fast.
Tickets cost R180 with a special weekend pass for both shows costing only R300. Book through Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, or book online at Computicket www.computicket.com.