Aug 8, 2011 – Wynton Marsalis is the star attraction for this year’s The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz that will be the heart and soul of Johannesburg South Africa from August 25-27.
The 50 year old brass player, who crosses from jive to symphony, will join another 29 formidable artists who will perform across seven arenas at the three-day Joy of Jazz event.
Other names to look out for will be Alexander O’Neal, Dee Dee Bridgwater, Oliver Mtikudzi and Simphiwe Dana.
The artists from South Africa, Angola, Nigeria, Zimbabwe, America, Brazil, Croatia and Belgium among other states will be divided into mainstream, R &B, world music and straight ahead jazz.
The newbie talent and not so contemporary will grace three free stages at the venue.
An all time favourite Hugh Masekela, rumoured to be coming to Nairobi later this year, is part of a strong South African line-up that also includes Sibongile Khumalo.
Organisers of the event, which is in its 12th year now, are excited about Marsalis.
“Securing Wynton Marsalis is a real coup for the festival and firmly reconfirms Gauteng’s status on the international jazz map. We are delighted with the range and calibre of artists this year and we predict the 2011 festival will be a sell-out like last year,” says Event producer Peter Tladi.
The man whose musical prowess was plainly visible from age 8, and who has banned nine Grammy Awards, will perform at the opening concert at Emperor’s Palace on August 25.
McCoy Tyner (America) will play his regular blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand at the Dinaledi Stage.
Alexander O’Neal, who was a massive hit in 1980s and early 90s, has been keeping up his on stage performances and will be interesting to watch at the Mbira Stage.
For Kenyans interested in being part of 20,000 plus audience, they can take advantage of an offer from South African Airways of $485. Time is limited though because organizers say tickets are fast selling out.
To add to that, in Nairobi next week organizers will hold a raffle at the K1 Klubhouse where two winners will get an all expenses paid three-day trip to Johannesburg to witness the festivities.
The 2011 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is produced by T-Musicman and brought to you by Standard Bank. Other sponsors include South Africa Tourism.
For more info check out: http://www.joyofjazz.co.za