The Prince Albert Community Trust (Pact) is preparing for the second annual Journey to Jazz festival (J2J) in Prince Albert, which will take place from 1 to 5 May.
Also read: Journey to Jazz festival returns for a second act in 2024
This year promises to be a rewarding experience for music fans, with six venues hosting a line-up of local and international artists, workshops, master classes and lifestyle events.
Journey to Jazz, also known as the ‘heartbeat of the Karoo,’ unfolds against the picturesque backdrop of Prince Albert and the UNESCO World Heritage Swartberg Pass.
The Showroom Theatre will host several performances, highlighting the piano’s emotive resonance amid its exceptional acoustics.
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The line-up, led by Artistic Director Kyle Shepherd and Creative Director Brenda Sisane, promises a mix of modern and classic jazz. Among the featured artists are:
- Afrika Mkhize Quartet (SA)
- Adam Zanoli’s Heliacal Rising of Sothis (USA)
- Cameron Ward (SA)
- Darren English Quartet (SA and USA)
- Giovanni Guidi Trio (Italy/USA)
- Artist in Residence, Artistic Director 2024 Kyle Shepherd (SA)
- UCT Little Big Band (SA)
- The Karoo Jazz Project – Directed by Ramon Alexander (SA)
- Jonathan Rubain en die Koortjies Band (SA)
What distinguishes Journey to Jazz is its community-oriented ethos. Pact aims to empower local youth by teaching them practical event management skills.
Last year, 86 young people received training; this year, 80 will co-produce the festival. The event’s proceeds benefit Pact’s ongoing initiatives, including the operation of the Showroom Theatre.
Aside from music, attendees can expect a variety of experiences, such as ghost walks, sunrise yoga and wine tastings.
Tickets purchased through Quicket benefit the Prince Albert Community Trust’s mission of community development.
Passes grant access to all shows at the following three venues: NG Kerk, African Relish restaurant (excluding food), and Showroom Theatre.
Azuke Ntapane, CEO of The Prince Albert Community Trust, stated, ‘We are excited at the opportunity to build on what was started last year, and we are encouraged by the response from artists, stakeholders, and members of the community who already see the Journey to Jazz Festival as a must-see calendar event in the town and region.’
‘Journey to Jazz is far more than a charming, vibrant music festival; it is a living, breathing, and exciting example of the creative economy at work and what happens when we work together for the betterment of all,’ Ntapane said.
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Also read:
Journey to Jazz: A world-class music festival comes to the Karoo
Picture: Unsplash