Artscape Youth Jazz Festival soloists.
Western Cape-based jazz musicians and instrumentalists will show off their skills at the Artscape Youth Jazz Festival on Friday June 17 and Saturday June 18.
Pupils and informal music students younger than 27 were selected after auditions earlier this year.
School jazz bands will perform on Friday June 17 and soloists on Saturday June 18.
Participating school jazz bands are Alexander Sinton High School, Bergvliet High school, George High School, Parel Vallei High School, Parklands College, South Peninsula High School, The Settlers High School and West Coast Music Academy.
This year’s youth jazz soloists will be mentored by director and vocalist Amanda Tiffin; songwriter and musical director Mandisi Dyantyis; bass and guitar mentor Wesley Rustin; brass and woodwinds mentor Marc de Kock; piano player and mentor Blake Hellaby; and drums player and mentor, Kevin Gibson.
The soloists they selected include Asemahle Tsholoba (vocals), Khonco Twala (vocals), Ben Reid (piano), Gilson Amaral (alto saxophone), Joshua Nemaire (bass), Reuben Maart (electric guitar), Kaylin Ndhlovu (violin), Liam Petersen (drums) and Carla Williams (drums).
The soloists were encouraged to play their own original compositions of local South African jazz.
“The focus of the programme has remained dedicated to providing skills development within the jazz genre to foster the investment of cultural democratisation of our country. Equally it serves as a stepping-stone that provides opportunities and access to significant role players in the industry. Artscape is honoured to present these young musicians. We acknowledge the mentors and technical teams for their dedicated commitment and time given to this project,” says Artscape CEO Marlene le Roux.
Tickets cost R80. Book through Computicket or Artscape Dial-a-Seat on 021 421 7695.