PHOTOS and REVIEW :: Jazz at ZOO lake
CLICK HERE FOR PICS OF ARTS ALIVE JAZZ AT THE LAKE
WE WENT TO THE JAZZ AT THE LAKE AND HAD A MAGIC TIME…. the pictures say it all. The only weird part was the ending… once the concert had finished, most of the people – our estimate – about 90% – had already made their way peacefully back towards hom…
e and transport.
A few people remained, calmly finishing pff their picnics or drinks… the next thing, this ridiculous bunch of illuminous jacketed event security team (aka the yellow ants), who looked very embarrased to have to behave in such a rude way, formed this human chain and swept across the field, from the stage outwards – literally forcing people to stand up and leave.
It smacked of suburban paranoia. We had to gather our things as fast as we could and get out of there. We think it’s a little overboard for crowd control and fairly rude and abrupt. Left a bad taste in our mouths after a fantastic day. Organisers -take a chillpill.
————————————————————–
UPDATE
Pointers for Jazz on the Lake
A park and ride will be operating from the Johannesburg Civic Centre in Braamfontein
The buses will drop people off at the lake.
At the Jan Smuts Ave barrier there will be buses to ferry people to the lake .
There will be zero tolerance to any alcohol or weapons .
Police will do searches for the above at all the barriers.
There are braai facilities and a beer garden available.
The concert will start at 10am sharp and will end at 5pm sharp.
Concert goers are invited to bring picnic baskets, blankets, umbrellas for a fun family day
Residents who live in the barricaded areas can collect the residents permits at Parkview Police station with a copy of an ID document and an electricity bill.
The line up is as follows:
10:00 – 10:40am Mac Jays
11:00 – 11:45am Simphiwe Dana
12:00 – 12:25pm Salaelo Selota
1:00 – 1:45pm Farid Ali
2:00 – 2:45pm Gloria Bosman
3:00 – 3:45pm Judith Sephuma
4:00 – 4:45pm Gerald Veasley
——————————————————————
7 August
Despite some old spoiler residents moaning about this once-off annual event and trying to move it elsewhere, JAZZ ON THE LAKE is back at ZOO LAKE and it looks to be another amazing day. It’s free!
What the spoilers fail to see, or maybe don’t care about, is that the Jazz on the Lake is not only about Jazz but is also about bringing together Joburg residents of all ages and cultures to listen to great music in the great outdoors – there’s always an amazing vibe and it’s one of those days that makes you feel warm and fuzzy about living in our diverse city.
Concerts of this nature take place all over the world, all the time and the spoilers need to do what people do all over the world, for one day just FIT in or FOB off… or stay indoors and wear earplugs.
One big difference this year is the BEER GARDEN, which is a welcome newcomer to this event, at least we don’t have to hide our booze in our pockets anymore! You also need to get there earlier to secure your picnic spot – 10am.
JAZZ ON THE LAKE FREE CONCERT –
SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 4, AT ZOO LAKE
It’s time to celebrate the start of spring with one of the highlights on Joburg’s entertainment calendar – the popular free concert Jazz on the Lake which takes place on Sunday, September 4 and is expected to once again attract record audiences. This years Jazz on the Lake will kick off at 10:00am sharp.
The show forms part of the annual Joburg Arts Alive International Festival happening in Jozi from September 1 to 4 2005.
The line-up this year includes two international artists – bassist Gerald Veasley from the US and Singaporean lute player Farid Ali who has become known around the world as “Mr Gambus”. Joining them on the bill are South Africa’s own jazz stars Gloria Bosman, Simphiwe Dana, Selaelo Selota and Judith Sephuma.
Gerald Veasley has always displayed an affinity for all sorts of styles and is playing with local musicians Sydney Mnisi on Sax and Rob Watson on drums. He played avant-garde music with saxophonist Odean Pope, did orchestra dates with flutist Leslie Burrs and joined violinist John Blake’s group for a US tour. He has also shown his fusion side as part of the Zawinul Syndicate and has been affiliated with a wide array of distinctive players – Larry Coryell, Khan Jamal, Eric Kloss, Pat Martino, Charlie Rouse, Jamaaladeen Tacuma, McCoy Tyner, labelmate Joe McBride and Special EFX to name a few.
Farid Ali grew up listening to the likes of Sinatra, Nat King Cole, the Carpenters and Perry Como. He started guitar lessons at the age of 11. The last few years saw Farid embark on playing the lute known as the “gambus” in Malaysia. Ali is constantly doing research and developing a concept of the jazz gambus.
The annual free event – now in its 14th year – takes place from 10am to 5pm. As the concert will kick off earlier this year audience members are encouraged to get there early to set up for the day. Bring the whole family along. Audiences are invited to bring picnic blankets, umbrellas and picnic baskets. However, no alcohol will be allowed to be taken in but there will be a beer garden at the event.
To ensure safety and proper control, barricades in and around the Zoo Lake area will be set up on the day and manned by the Parkview and Rosebank police.
Festival goers are encouraged to use park and ride facilities to attend the event and ease traffic congestion. The park and ride will operate from the Johannesburg Civic Centre; buses will drop people at the lake this year closer to the actual venue. Returning from 5pm when the festival ends.
See the ARTS ALIVE website for more info and artists profiles
