Joy of Jazz line up announced
Linda has been jazzing it up all over Jozi, she went to the Joy of Jazz media conference to find out for you, darling Representers, just what we’ll be tapping our feet to this year. PR at end. I admit, I was star-struck when I saw Miriam Makeba – Mama Africa no less – chilling on the couch – as I walked into the launch of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz last week. I might have even let out an involuntary “oooh” when my favourite musical couple Letta Mbulu and Caiphus Semenya walked in, followed by the legendary Jonas Gwangwa. Here’s the great news! All of the above will be performing at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which is set to take place from 23 to 25 August in Newtown. This year’s line-up sounds absolutely smashing. It consists of Miriam Makeba, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Jonas Gwangwa, as I’ve mentioned, AND George Duke, The Count Basie Orchestra, Dorothy Masuka, another fine Marsalis brother – the trombonist Delfeayo (big brother Branford Marsalis performed at last year’s Joy of Jazz). Pieces of a Dream and Kunle Ayo will also be here. The Moreira Project will be showing their stuff, as well as newcomer and SAMA winner Siphokazi (she was at the launch and I was struck by how tall and graceful she is). Nokukhanya, Sipho Hotstix Mabuse, Ray Phiri and Stimela, Steve Dyer, and Thandie Klaasen will also be holding it down. In addition, there will be workshops for emerging artists and other events at taverns around Jozi. After the official briefing, the artists were requested to stay behind for a “photo opportunity”. I was tickled pink! Had to restrain myself from jumping in between the divas and asking someone to “please shoot me”. In about two months’ time, the spectacular Joy of Jazz will be upon us again, and I can’t wait! THE OFFICIAL PR: The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival has thrown down the gauntlet to all other South African jazzfests in the country by presenting one of the most diverse and powerful line-ups in years. What makes this year so different from previous festivals and other jazzfests in South Africa is that it will feature the first American big band to play here in about 30 years – the world famous Count Basie Orchestra. The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, which runs in Newtown from August 23 to 25, also pays its own tribute in Women’s Month by bringing together four of the country’s national cultural treasures on one bill – Mama Africa Miriam Makeba, Dorothy Masuka, Thandie Klaasen and Letta Mbulu whose illustrious musical...
Fall Out Boy support bands announced
Rockers, you’re in for another treat – 94.7 are bringing Fall Out Boy to South Africa in July and they’ll be supported by some of our top rock/indie bands FEVERTREE, J, LOVE JONES and HARRIS TWEED: We’ve waited in anticipation for details of the local line-up, and now The 94.7 TOP 8 @ 8 are thrilled to announce that joining headlining band FALL OUT BOY, are local favourites FEVERTREE, J, LOVE JONES, and HARRIS TWEED. It’s going to be a BIG NITE OUT, on the 20th of July at Joburg’s Coca-Cola Dome! FALL OUT BOY are climbing the ranks on 94.7’s Top 8@8, with their new single, “Thank You for the Memories”, following in the footsteps of “This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race”, which reached the No.1 position. The American rockers have constructed a distinctive sound, combining darkly comical lyricism, soulful voices, and a backdrop of pop, punk, and hardcore. “No frills” rock with choruses that stick and lines that fans tattoo on their bodies. It is only fitting that the hottest South African talent share the bill… FEVERTREE are famed for their raw live performances, their gritty, uplifting rock-pop sound, and powerful ballads. Their debut album, Quest for a Cure, dominated South African radio with five top-ten singles. Along with extensive airplay, the album received rave reviews, and the band was nominated for “Best Adult Contemporary Album” in the 2004 SAMAs. Their latest album, “Under a New Regime”, was released earlier this year to critical acclaim, and a hungry public. J writes honest pop songs, and then turns them into sprawling Indie masterpieces. He’s only been in South Africa for a year and has already signed record, publishing and management deals, written a host of autobiographical songs, and convinced a respected international producer to record his debut album. Not only does prolific songwriter pen his own songs, he played nearly all of the instruments on the album, and arranged the strings too! LOVE JONES is a dynamic fusion of the most appealing elements of rock ‘n roll and popular music – raw power prettied up with the glossy overtones of accessible pop. The band formed in 2005, and found themselves rocking up a storm on a cold night at Splashy Fen – their first ever performance. Their self-titled debut album thrilled local fans and enabled the band to compete on an international level, with its first single invading the airwaves countrywide. Since the release of HARRIS TWEED’s debut album ‘The Younger’, the duo have become one of the most affecting live acts in the country. They’ve performed numerous local gigs, supported Swedish singer-songwriter Jose Gonzalez,...
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