Some of the world’s leading jazz musicians - appearing at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz which takes place at Emperor’s Palace on August 25 and in Newtown on August 26 and 27 - will run free workshops teaching youngsters and musicians the intricacies of the craft.

They are legendary trumpeter Wynton Marsalis, the winner of nine Grammy Awards® and the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music; R&B singer Alexander O’Neal; Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater; soul singer and keyboardist Frank McComb and the HGM Jazz Messengers. HGM is a Croatian musical NGO engaged in working with young musicians and is a member of JMI (Jeunesses Musicales International. The HGM Jazz Messengers are Sigi Feigi (tenor sax), Andreas Marinello (alto sax), Antonio Gecek (trumpet), Miron Huaser (trombone), Davor Dedic (piano), Norbert Farkas (bass) and Klaus Furstner (drums).

The music schools workshops take place on Wednesday, August 24, from 10am at the following venues:

• Vereeniging City Hall (Sedibeng) – Alexander O’Neal
• Music Academy of Gauteng (Ekurhuleni) – Wynton Marsalis
• Johannesburg Central Music School (Johannesburg) – Frank McComb
• South West Gauteng College (West Rand) – Dee Dee Bridgewater
• Tshwane University of Technology (Tshwane) – HGM Jazz Messengers

“Accomplished musicians play an invaluable role by imparting knowledge and inspiring young musicians, thereby improving the standard of music for all,” comments Standard Bank Joy of Jazz producer, Mantwa Odutayo.

For more information on the workshops contact Teboho Mothoa at T Musicman on
011 326 0141 or email admin@tmusicman.co.za.

Issued by
Total Exposure

Janine 083 600 9753
Helga 084 400 3003

On behalf of Standard Bank and T Musicman

8 June 2011, Johannesburg - There will be a global mélange of sound at The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz when top international artists join the legendary Wynton Marsalis at the country’s premier jazz-travaganza!

Running from August 25 to 27, the 2011 line-up features artists from America, Brazil, Croatia and Belgium who will share billing with  performers from South Africa and the African Diaspora.

America’s Dee Dee Bridgewater, McCoy Tyner, Gerald Veasley, Jeff Lorber, Alexander O’Neal and  Frank McComb will be joined by Brazil’s Tania Maria, Croatia’s HGM Jazz Messengers and Belgium’s Brussels Jazz Orchestra who perform with our own Tutu Puoane.

South African jazz greats Hugh Masekela and Sibongile Khumalo are part of a strong South African line-up including Mango Groove, Simphiwe Dana, the African Jazz Pioneers, Tu Nokwe, Kwela Tebza, Victor Ntoni, McCoy Mrubatha, Ringo, Julius Schultz and pianist Bokani Dyer, the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for Jazz.

They join performers from the  African continent including Zimbabwe’s Oliver Mtukudzi, Angola’s Bonga and Nigeria’s Olufemi.

Over the course a career that has spanned four decades, Grammy and Tony Award-winning jazz diva Dee Dee Bridgewater has paid homage to monumental figures of the music world, recording albums dedicated to Ella Fitzgerald (the double Grammy Award-winning Dear Ella, 1997), Horace Silver (Love and Peace: A Tribute to Horace Silver, 1995) and Kurt Weill (This Is New, 2002).  Bridgewater takes great pride in producing each of her CDs herself and all of them have received Grammy nominations.

Arguably modern jazz has been shaped by the music of McCoy Tyner. His blues-based piano style, replete with sophisticated chords and an explosively percussive left hand has transcended conventional styles to become one of the most identifiable sounds in improvised music. His harmonic contributions and dramatic rhythmic devices form the vocabulary of a majority of jazz pianists. Tyner has released nearly 80 albums under his name, earned four Grammys and was awarded Jazz Master from the National Endowment for the Arts in 2002.

Jeff Lorber is a Grammy Award-nominated keyboardist, composer and record producer. After leading his own group, The Jeff Lorber Fusion, he went on to pioneer the smooth jazz genre in his solo career.

Already announced for the festival is jazz great Wynton Marsalis who will perform at Emperor’s Palace on Thursday, August 25. The legendary trumpeter – winner of nine Grammy Awards® and the first jazz musician to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music – is arguably the biggest jazz artist to come to South Africa.  On the same opening night bill is the Gauteng Jazz Orchestra featuring The African Soul Sisters Nokukhanya Dlamini, Nombulelo Maqetuka and Wanda Baloyi.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz continues in Newtown on August 26 and 27 on seven stages including brand new venue The Conga Stage, to be specially built between Bassline and Newtown’s Turbine Hall. The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage will once again be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating three purpose-built venues to showcase this year’s line-up. Other venues include The Bassline, Sophiatown, Shikisha and Nikki’s Oasis.

Event producer Peter Tladi of T-Musicman says: “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.”

Commented Mandie van der Spuy, Head of Art & Jazz Sponsorships at Standard Bank: “We have created a memorable jazz weekend each year, and 2011 will be no different – the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has become a prominent social highlight for the city of Johannesburg and we have seen attendances significantly grow in size. The stature of the Joy of Jazz is built on the long-standing philosophy we share with T-Music Man, the Department of Arts and Culture and our city partners to create the rich blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Johannesburg, that brings jazz lovers together in a celebration of jazz and its heritage.”

For more information on the line-up and venues go to www.joyofjazz.co.za, and www.standardbankarts.com. See also http://www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz;  http://standardbank.mobi/jazz; twitter.com/joyofjazz; www.facebook.com/standardbankjoyofjazz and youtube.com/standardbankgroup

Tickets are on sale at Computicket with a 15% discount for all Standard Bank customers (terms and conditions apply).

The 2011 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is produced by T-Musicman and brought to you by Standard Bank in association with the Department of Arts & Culture with co-sponsors The Gauteng Department of Sport, Arts, Culture & Recreation, South African Tourism, Gauteng Tourism, National Arts Council, City of Joburg, MNS Attorneys and Emperor’s Palace.

ENDS

Issued by Total Exposure

 On behalf of Standard Bank and TMusicman

T: 011 788 8725

F: 011 8801205

Janine Walker

083 600 9753

The National Arts Festival Think!Fest, in partnership with new media partner The Daily Maverick, is a space for leading thinkers from a broad spectrum of disciplines to collect their thoughts and share their insights in a series of lectures, workshops and discussions at the Rhodes University Eden Grove complex, from 1 - 10 July.

There are various overarching themes that broadly direct this yearís Think!Fest programme. Think!Fest convener Anthea Garman said: ìWeíve taken on some important issues in the arts this year, disability and dance, the funding regime, the place of critique. Weíre also hosting and interfacing with films and exhibitions as well as keeping alive conversations about social issues big and small (what social contribution are you making? are you happy? do you sleep well?). And weíve introduced for the first time our ëfree-thinking speakersí ñ people with strong opinions who want to share them more widely and start debates. Weíre also looking into the future by giving some impressive young South Africans a platform to talk for themselves. Itís a big, varied, wide-ranging programme which we hope will satisfy those who like to talk and think between their shows.î

Free-Thinking Speakers include Justice Albie Sachs answering challenging questions in Have the beautiful people been born? and Denis Beckett discussing Muammar, Hosni, Laurent and the end of democracy as we know it. The keynote lecture for the colloquium Thinking Africa: 50 years on, running concurrently with Think!Fest at Rhodes University, is delivered by VY Mudimbe, Professor of Literature at Duke University.

The Creative Conundrums theme includes From criticism, to critique, to criticality: Developing performatory and participatory forms of criticism, a panel discussion initiated the recently-established South African Arts Writers & Critics Association (SAAWCA). Arts journalists Mary Corrigall, Leon de Kock and Sean OíToole will review traditional forms of criticism and identify ways in which it can fulfill a more participatory role in the art-making process. International World CafÈ facilitator Melanie Kiley returns to Think!Fest to facilitate meaningful conversation around the academic and social fragmentation between science and the rest of culture as represented by the humanities in World CafÈ discussion: Poles apart? Perceived differences between the sciences and humanities.

A discussion chaired by Adrienne Sichel looks at Access/no access: dance, disability and audiences. Panelists include Catherine Cole (Professor in the Department of Theatre, Dance and Performance Studies at the University of California, Berkeley), Victoria Marks (Professor of Choreography in the Department of World Arts and Cultures at UCLA), Malcolm Black (Artistic Director of the Remix Dance Company), Andile Vellem (Remix Dance Company dancer and choreographer) and Gerard Samuel (Director of the School of Dance at University of Cape Town).

In other Creative Conundrum talks, Richard Cock takes an amusing look at the world of conductors in Conduct unbecoming: an apology is too late!; Anthony Akerman will discuss how he came to write Somewhere on the Border while living in exile in Amsterdam in An outsiderís perspective; and Craig Higginson, dramaturge and author, introduces his recently published novel, Landscape Painter.

The Economics of the Arts theme will see Minister of Arts and Culture, Mr Paul Mashatile take part in a panel discussion presented by The Helen Suzman Foundation. The Funding the Arts discussion will explore how funding of the arts can become more streamlined, co-ordinated and effective to enhance the sustainability of the sector. The discussion is hosted in association with the Open Society Foundation for South Africa. Other speakers will include the CEO of Business Arts South Africa, Michelle Constant, Head of the Drama Department at UCT and co-artistic director of the Magnet Theatre, Professor Mark Fleishman and musicologist Dr Chats Devroop.

Staying on the theme of economics, Helena Barnard asks How do creative industries differ from other industries, and what does that imply for how creative industries evolve?; and Gwen Ansell explores the topic Building studios or building networks? Supporting innovation in the South African music industry.

The Women Who Walk the Talk line-up will see Elinor Sisulu discuss Bridging the literacy and digital divide: The experience of the Puku initiative, Sisonke Msimang on Leadership, citizenship and South Africaís political trajectory and Angel Jones (founder and chairperson of the Homecoming Revolution), looking at the distinction between Human Beings and Human Doings. In Choosing safety, Judy Klipin (Life Coach and Crime Prevention Consultant) explores the difference between safety and security. They will all participate in a panel discussion on What women can do in the world today.

The Youth Leadership Series includes Gerard Boyce on South African youth: Attitudes and identities, Ross McCreath on Sport as a tool of community empowerment, Palesa Shongwe on The power of film, Bonolo Cebe on Youth capacity building in Africa and Nompumelelo Nobiva on Young women claiming their seats at the table. They will all be part of a panel on Issues affecting South African youth in the 21st century.

There will also be a series of lectures on The Human Brain. In View from the Tower Dr Trudy Meehan questions traditional, everyday notions of identity and their impact on those designated as ëmadí in our society by using the Mark Hipper-Tower Hospital Art Project, a weekly art group/research project run with in-patient mental health service users, as an illustration. NoÎline de Goede looks at Epilepsy: The misunderstood condition. Dr Pierre van der Spuy will present two talks on pathways to a healthy brain in Happiness, humanity and the brain and Development of the human brain. Dr Luke Krige looks at the Obstructive Sleep Apnoea disorder, while Dr Alison Bentley explores How important is a good nightís sleep?

Talkradio 702 and 567 Capetalk presents Dr Christopher Smith: The Naked Scientist. The Landmark Foundation presents Leopards of the Cape by Kate Muller, and The Academy of Science of South Africa presents Reigniting the Humanities in South Africa, led by Professor Jonathan Jansen (University of the Free State) and Professor Peter Vale (University of Johannesburg).

The Legal Resource Centre presents Land Reform and Rural Land Development, a debate chaired by Judge Dennis Davis (Judge of the High Court of South Africa and Judge President of the Competition Appeal Court). Other panelists include Gugile Nkwinti (Minister of Rural Development and Land Reform, and a founder member of the Eastern Cape Education Crisis Committee), Stone Sizani (member of the National Assembly and Chairperson of the Portfolio Committee on Rural Development and Land Reform) and Mercia Andrews (Director of the Trust for Community Outreach and Education, President of the South African National NGO Coalition and a founder member of the Conference for the Democratic Left).

Rhodes Business School presents the Leadership for Sustainability series. Clem Sunter will look at A sustainable future, Steuart Pennington discusses Sustainable competitiveness and Les Aupiais explores the concept of Sustainable Media. Critical conversations will be a panel discussion with Steuart Pennington, Les Aupiais and Cedric Tyler, chaired by Owen Skae, Director Rhodes Business School.

Think!Fest exhibitions includes View from the Tower, the Mark Hipper-Tower Hospital Art Project. This is an exhibition of paintings and drawings from Tower Hospital mental health service usersí art group. Landmarks, The Leopards of the Cape is an exhibition of photographs and childrenís artwork of wild leopards in the Cape as well as documentary photos looking at the history, culture and politics deeply affecting their conservation and fight for survival.

Think!Fest film talks will see Richard Stanley speak on The secret order of movie making The Shadow of the Grail. Victoria Marks has been creating work for the stage and film that challenges conventional notions of disability. Her work has included choreo-portraits of dancers and non-dancers, individuals with visible and invisible disabilities. She will introduce the films Outside in (1994) and Action conversations (2008).

Think!Fest also hosts screenings of a series of Frantz Fanon films. Each film will be preceded by a brief introduction from a participant in the colloquium ëFanon: 50 Years Laterí being hosted by the ëThinking Africaí programme of the Department of Political and International Studies at Rhodes University. The films include Frantz Fanon: His life, his struggle, his work/Sa vie son combat, son travail (France/Algeria 1998), Black skin, white masks (UK 1996), The Battle of Algiers/La battaglia di algeri (Italy/Algeria 1965) and Driving with Fanon (South Africa 2009).

The Think!Fest venue is primarily the Blue Lecture Theatre, Eden Grove (unless otherwise stated). All talks are 1 hour, and panel discussions and debates are 1 hour 30 minutes. All events are R20.

Bookings for this yearís ì11 Days of Amaz!ngî are open. Tickets are available through Computicket. Booking kits available from selected Standard Bank Branches, selected Exclusive Books and all Computickets. For more information on the programme, accommodation and travel options visit www.nationalartsfestival.co.za. Also join the National Arts Festival group on Facebook for all the latest competitions and news, or follow us on Twitter. Call 046 603 1103 for more info.

The National Arts Festival is sponsored by Standard Bank, The Eastern Cape Government, The National Arts Council, The National Lottery Distribution Trust Fund, The Sunday Independent and M Net.

There are very few musical platforms that draw fourteen different nations together with a single vision. The Standard Bank Jazz Festival (SBJF) in Grahamstown is one of them. The only agenda of this collaboration of nations is to celebrate the globally-shared delight of making music, and to learn from one another.

Norway, France, USA, Denmark, Sweden, Holland, Belgium, Mozambique, Britain, Slovakia, Australia, Switzerland, Israel and South Africa are all represented on this year’s SBJF programme.

Excess Luggage showcases the uncommon line-up of Hammond B3 organ, piano and drums. On piano is Vigleik Storaas, one of the most important piano players in Norway who has received two Norwegian Grammys for his releases with his own trio. Steinar Nickelsen on organ, now based in China, was voted ‘Young Norwegian Jazz Musician of the Year’ in 2002 and has toured extensively with musicians like Pat Metheny. Drummer Håkon Mjåset Johansen is one of Europe’s most exciting young musical talents with a string of awards to his name. He is no stranger to Grahamstown, having played here three times. Joining them, fresh from a new collaborative recording, is the powerhouse Cape Town sax duo of Buddy Wells and Mark Fransman.

Vocalist Deborah Tanguy, based in Paris, is a leading young jazz and improvising music artist in France. She has regularly collaborated over the past decade with saxophonist Shannon Mowday, 2007 Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz now studying in Norway, and they will rekindle their musical relationship at the SBJF. Supporting them is the phenomenal rhythm section of multiple award-winning French pianist Carine Bonnefoy (piano), Swiss maestro Bänz Oester (bass) and South Africa’s master jazz drummer, Kevin Gibson.

American jazz pianist and vocalist Carolyn Wilkins has been active in the Boston music scene for over 20 years as a performer, educator and composer. She has released four critically acclaimed CD's of her original compositions and is an experienced educator. She is currently a Professor of ensemble at Berklee College, the leading jazz institution in the world. She will present the Children’s Intro to Jazz, an introduction to the basics of jazz. Assisting her is Mark Ginsburg (sax) from Sydney, Brian Thusi (trumpet) from Durban, Professor Marc Duby (bass) and Lloyd Martin, drum lecturer at NMMU.

Danish sextet Wonderbrazz have performed all over Europe, and their original compositions were a hit at the New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival. Wonderbrazz features Stig Naur (sax), Peter Kehl (trumpet), Ola Akermann (trombone), Henrik Kjelin (Hammond B3 organ) Martin Seidelin (drums) and Esben Duus (drums).

The singer, vocal acrobat and composer Andreas Schaerer is one of the busiest Swiss vocalists and he impresses not only with his expressive voice - covering an extraordinary range - but also employs a seemingly infinite variety of vocal sounds. Bänz Oester is an extremely perceptive and profound bassist whose boisterous style one can’t but love. Schaerer and Oester tour as a duo, extracting a seemingly limitless range of jazz references and styles and their speciality is composition on the instant, with fascinating, refreshing results. They are joined by two equally creative musicians – from Cape Town Mark Fransman (sax, piano) and from Paris Deborah Tanguy (vocals).

The Ploctones is the vehicle for Anton Goudsmit, an innovative Dutch guitarist whose playing spans all conceivable guitar styles. In the past year he won the Boy Elgar Prize (the most important jazz prize in Holland), as well as the prize for best Dutch pop guitarist, and The Ploctones represent everything that jazz is about. Goudsmit has harnessed the diverse talents of three equally independent musicians - Efraïm Trujillo (sax), Jeroen Vierdag (bass) and Kristijan Krajncan (drums) - and they express a feeling of liberation on stage as their music swings, howls, vibrates, bangs and whacks like nothing else.

Vocalist Tutu Puoane’s mesmerising voice has brought her acclaim and a widening international audience, and she appears again in Grahamstown with her top-class Belgian quartet of Ewout Pierreux (piano), Nicolas Thys (bass) and Lieven Venken (drums). Joining the quartet are trumpeter Marcus Wyatt and Mozambican percussionist Tony Paco, with whom the group recently completed a successful European tour and recording as a sestet.

British saxophonist and MC/rapper Soweto Kinch is one of only a few artists whose appeal traverses underground and mainstream audiences, and who is equally respected in Jazz and Hip Hop circles. One of his accolades is Best Saxophonist in the 2007 British Jazz Awards, and amongst his mentors have been Courtney Pine and Wynton Marsalis. In collaboration with him is a potent international array of musicians well-versed in conflating musical styles. Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz 2011 Bokani Dyer (piano); Anton Goudsmit (guitar), winner of Dutch awards for Best Jazz Guitarist and Best Pop Guitarist; Dutch bassist Jeroen Vierdag; South Africa’s most energetic young drummer, Kesivan Naidoo; and the vocally-dexterous Andreas Schaerer from Switzerland.

Kinch also teams up a killer line-up of serious South African jazz players - Bokani Dyer (piano), David Ledbetter (guitar), Shane Cooper (bass) and Kesivan Naidoo (drums) - for a collaboration spanning the frontiers of jazz and street music

Acclaimed Parisian pianist Carine Bonnefoy makes her first South African appearance with a stellar collection of musicians. While Bonnefoy’s ancestry lies in Tahiti, she embraces a range of musical trends and has worked with African, European and Caribbean musicians. Norwegian trombonist Tarjei Grimsby is also a successful composer who has composed predominantly with Scandinavian Big Bands and worked eclectically as a professional trombonist. Joining them are Marcus Wyatt (trumpet), Norwegian Steinar Nickelsen (Hammond B3 organ) and young Slovenian drummer Kristijan Krajncan, who is making a big impact on the Dutch jazz scene.

Efraïm Trujillo (sax) is based in Amsterdam and has specialised in the vibrant rhythms of the Caribbean, touring as diversely as Cuba, Tunisia, Jamaica and Senegal. Norwegian Vigleik Storaas (piano) has toured to Estonia, China, Indonesia, India and Israel, aside from most of Europe, and has sublime technique and a means of pulling together diverse styles. To this is added the local rhythm section of Marc Duby (bass) and Lloyd Martin (drums) for a gig that reflects the diversity of musicians on show at this year’s festival, and the way in which Jazz has drawn from the sounds of the world’s music.

Mark Ginsburg emerged as a saxophonist of note in Cape Town in the 1970s. Since migrating to Australia in 1982, he has performed and collaborated extensively and the influences that drive his musical explorations range from singing in a synagogue choir as a young boy, listening to the singing of the hazzan (Jewish cantor), hearing strains of Cannonball Adderley and John Coltrane, as well as the contemporary jazz emanating from the highly creative music scene in Australia. Joining Ginsburg are David Ledbetter (guitar/piano), Shane Cooper (bass), Kevin Gibson (drums) and Ronan Skillen (percussion).

The SBJF is extending its youth ensemble programme into the global arena with a small international youth jazz band drawn from different parts of the world, including students from South Africa, Europe and Israel. The band is co-ordinated and conducted by master Dutch bassist Hein van de Geyn, now resident in Cape Town after a period as artistic manager of the Rotterdam Jazz Academy.

For more information on the Standard Bank Jazz Festival and the performers visit www.youthjazz.co.za. This festival is produced by Eastern Cape Jazz Promotions with support funding from Mmino, Royal Netherlands Embassy, ProHelvetia, SAMRO, US Fulbright program, Spedidam, The British Council and Paul Bothner Music.

Festival Director Alan Webster
Production Donné Dowlman
Sound Engineer Les van der Veen
NYJF Teaching co-ordinator Brian Thusi

About the National Arts Festival: The National Arts Festival now in its 37th year has proved its sustainability and has grown to be one of the leading arts festivals in southern Africa. Its objectives are to deliver excellence; encourage innovation and development in the arts by providing a platform for both established and emerging South African artists; create opportunities for collaboration with international artists; and build new audiences.

ISSUED BY : THE FAMOUS IDEA TRADING CC
ON BEHALF OF : NATIONAL ARTS FESTIVAL
CONTACT : GILLY HEMPHILL / CILNETTE PIENAAR
TEL : 021 880 0889
CELL : 082 820 8584
EMAIL : gilly@thefamousidea.co.za

This exhibition honours the life and work of Peter Clarke, the highly respected South African artist. 

Born in Simon’s Town in 1929, Clarke’s career spans six decades. After painting in his spare time for a number of years while working in the Simon’s Town dockyard, he became a full-time professional artist in 1956.

Clarke has recorded many aspects of South African life. His works constitute subtle critiques of apartheid and are often humorous. Although he and his family were forcibly removed from his home in Simon’s Town during the apartheid era, his art is without bitterness.

The exhibition tells the story of Clarke’s work over the decades. It includes his early pieces made in the 1940s, works that reflect the social disruption of the Cape Flats, as well as his prints, for which he is renowned. Also on the show are works from the late 1960s that reference the trauma of forced removals from Simon’s Town, and the ambitious paintings he began making during his trips to America, Norway and France in the 1970s. In addition, the exhibition features some of his late works that look back on the apartheid years and celebrate the new South Africa.

As both an artist and a writer, Clarke has a strong interest in books. He has created book covers and illustrations for authors, such as his friend, James Matthews, as well as Es’kia Mphahlele, Alan Paton and Chris van Wyk. Commissions for book illustrations, as well as his own written work, which he publishes from time to time, have provided an ongoing source of income for Clarke.      

In the late 1990s, Clarke began making ‘artist’s books’ on a range of topics. These consist of works that fold up into boxes of various shapes and sizes that he mostly handcrafts from leather. About his artist’s books, Clarke has this to say:

You can’t fold up a Monet or a Cezanne or any precious work of art. But with one like this, you can fold it up and carry it in a little box. You can sit next to somebody in a waiting room and say: “I’ve got something to show you” and lift it out of its box.

Among Clarke’s early works as a professional artist are those made at Tesselaarsdal, a small rural village near Caledon in the Cape. His more recent work includes a series of collages, the Fan series, each of which is accompanied by prose. These works are concerned with various historical, biblical and literary figures, as well as artists, such as Sam Nhlengethwa, Jackon Pollock and the Lady Ono No Komachi.

‘Listening to Distant Thunder: The art of Peter Clarke’ is curated by Philippa Hobbs and Elizabeth Rankin. The exhibition is accompanied by a book of the same title, also by Hobbs

The 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winners are "a group of diversely unique individuals with distinctive artistic voices, who that are bringing a fresh edge to their respective disciplines," said National Arts Festival Committee Chairman Jay Pather at the announcement of the winners of the prestigious award in Johannesburg last night, hosted by Standard Bank.

The winners of the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards, are:

• Nandipha Mntambo for Visual Art
• Ben Schoeman for Music
• Neil Coppen for Theatre
• Bokani Dyer for Jazz
• Mamela Nyamza for Dance

These awards, acknowledged as one of the most prestigious of their kind, honour young South African artists on the brink of national acclaim by providing them with financial support and a platform for experimentation at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown.

"Based on artistic excellence, accomplishment to date, and the promise of future achievement, the winners of the 2011 Standard Bank Young Artist Awards are five remarkable individuals who are on top of their game. Their creativity, talent and fortitude is making a significant contribution to the cultural vibrancy of our country," said National Arts Festival Director, Ismail Mahomed.

These awards are acknowledged as one of the most prestigious of their kind to honour young South African artists on the brink of national acclaim by providing them with financial support and a platform for experimentation at the National Arts Festival in Grahamstown. The winners are also given various opportunities to represent South Africa on international stages as a result of their association with the award.

Mandie van der Spuy, Standard Bank Head of Arts and Jazz Sponsorship said, "As a bank we are committed to nurturing arts talent in South Africa, and we believe that the awards play a vital role in advancing the artists' careers as well as our country's cultural heritage. We are proud of the results that this award has delivered over the past 27 years as it forms a central part of Standard Bank's committed role in developing upcoming South African talent."

As part of their prize, each of the winners will be featured at the 2011 National Arts Festival in Grahamstown (30 June - 10 July 2011) on the Main programme, where they will be given the opportunity to develop and première novel pieces of work.

"I would like to give my heartfelt thanks to Standard Bank for their loyal and continued support of the arts, and in particular their great investment towards this award," said this year's winner for Music, pianist Ben Schoeman.

"It's such a great feeling to be recognised in your country," said 2011 Dance winner, Mamela Nymaza. "Thanks to Standard Bank and this award I can now travel the world with confidence and carry the flag with me everywhere I go, hoping that I will make my country proud for this recognition," she added.

"Winning this award is wonderful," said Nandipha Nyamza, 2011 winner for Visual Art. "At this stage of my career it is a great affirmation of my achievements within my art practice."

"Ismail Mahomed and the National Arts Festival team have taken risks to allow emerging theatre makers like myself to be seen on a national platform, and I cannot thank them enough for the exposure, encouragement and support," said 2011 winner for Theatre, Neil Coppen. "I am in awe of the many talents, on stage and off, who I have had the fortune of collaborating with over the years. This award would not be possible without their considerable inputs and I share it with dozens of artists, collaborators and friends who make what I do possible."

"The Standard Bank Young Artist Award is a blessing. Being recognized as someone doing something worthwhile is encouraging," said this year's Jazz winner, Bokani Dyer. "I look at the previous winners of this award who are all musicians who I admire and respect, so to be a winner of this award is a great honour."

Previous winners of this award include William Kentridge, Sibongile Khumalo, Johnny Clegg, Andrew Buckland, Sibongile Mngoma, Janice Honeyman, Sam Nhlengethwa, Richard Grant and various other nationally and internationally acclaimed South African arts icons.

"In its 27th year of sponsoring this prestigious award, Standard Bank enables the National Arts Festival to offer each of these artists a golden opportunity to create something special for Festival audiences the opportunity and the incentive to be showcased on the Festival's Main programme. In this way, the Festival encourages these outstanding individuals to continue with their high level of practice as contemporary South Africa artists and, at the same time, to continue to inspire other artists of their own generation," Mahomed added.

The Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2010 has secured some of the world’s top international and local jazz talent for the opening shows of this year’s three day jazz extravaganza from the 26 - 28 August; confirming that there is life after the final whistle blows on the world cup.

Headlining the jazzfest on the opening night on the Dinaledi stage is a trio of top performers -celebrated soul singer Rahsaan Patterson, London based guitarist and vocalist Brian Temba and the phenomenal Cape Town jazz singer Auriol Hays.

Headlining the second day on the Dinaledi stage is trumpeter Chris Botti – the biggest selling jazz instrumentalist in the world today and whom the New York Times refers to as “Sting endorsed and Oprah approved”

Sharing the bill with Botti is acclaimed jazz singer Lala Hathaway – daughter of Donny Hathaway (one of the most influential soul artists of the 1980s) and a major sensation her own right.

A further 15 top international, local and African artists have been secured for final line up and will be announced after the soccer world cup making this years’ concerts some of the best yet.

Tickets are on sale now at computicket for the opening nights with a 15% discount for all Standard Bank customers.

To find out more about the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz and the artist line up go to www.standardbankarts.com and www.joyofjazz.co.za

May 23, 2010, Johannesburg – The Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2010 has secured some of the world’s top international and local jazz talent for the opening shows of this year’s three day jazz extravaganza from the 26 - 28 August; confirming that there is life after the final whistle blows on the world cup.

One of the most talented and critically acclaimed soul singers of the last decade Rahsaan Patterson headlines the opening night of the festival on the Dinaledi stage, with support from London based guitarist and vocalist Brian Temba and the phenomenal Cape Town jazz singer Auriol Hays.

Headlining day two, on the Dinaledi stage, are trumpeter Chris Botti and celebrated jazz singer Lala Hathaway. Producers TMusicman have confirmed that they will add at least a further 15 artists - local, African and international - to the final line up in what is expected to be its strongest to date.

Rahsaan Patterson made a name for himself writing songs for acclaimed artists such as R&B sensation Brandy, Tevin Campbell, Chico Da Barge and Ray J before releasing three critically-received solo albums. Probably best known for the hit “Where You Are”, Patterson regularly performs with South Africa’s Jonathan Butler.

London based South African born soul and R&B artist Brian Temba makes his debut at the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz as both an internationally acclaimed and locally admired artist. Nicknamed SoulThemba, and before releasing his debut album Something Better, Temba’s voice had already been backing up some South African jazz legends including Bra Hugh Masekela, Jonathan Butler, Joyous Celebration and Family Factory.

Auriol Hays will grace the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz stages fresh from appearing at the celebrated Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Only a year since the release of her debut album Behind Closed Doors Hays is fast making a name for herself and being likened to Nina Simone, with Amy Whitehouse flair.

Renowned trumpeter Chris Botti has is the largest selling jazz instrumental artist in America today. Working with a string of well known jazz artists including Frank Sinatra (with whom he toured whilst still at college), Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Joni Mitchell and John Mayer; Botti has four #1 jazz albums as well as a string of Grammy awards.

Lala Hathaway, the contemporary jazz and R&B artist was born into music royalty – her father Donny Hathaway was one of the most influential soul artists of the 1980s. And like him, she too will leave a music legacy that includes five hit albums and collaborations with the likes of Marcus Miller, Mary J Blige and Meshell Ndegeocello.

Said festival producer, Mantwa Odutayo of T-Musicman’: “We have gone to great lengths to secure the finest artists and we believe we have a heavyweight line up befitting 2010’s stature. We will announce the additional 15 artists appearing at concerts in July.”

Commented Mandie van der Spuy, head Art & Jazz Sponsorships Standard Bank: “Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz 2010 will be a year to remember. Not only will we have successfully hosted one of the world’s greatest sporting events but we will be showcasing some of world’s best musical talent at the 11th Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz.”

The 2010 Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz will take place at six venues in the city’s Newtown precinct. The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage will be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating two purpose-built venues to showcase this year’s line-up. Other venues include The Market Theatre and The Bassline, Sophiatown and Nikki’s Oasis.

For more information on the line-up, venues go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.joyofjazz.co.za

Tickets to the opening night performances are on sale at Computicket with a 15% discount for all Standard Bank customers.

The 2010 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is produced by T-Musicman and presented by Standard Bank.

Giants of the jazz world include Switzerland’s Grammy-Award winning Andreas Vollenweider in performance with Pops Mohamed; world renowned trumpeter Ingrid Jensen; show stopping American vocalist Phil Perry; Main Ingredient from America with vocalists Cuba Gooding Sr; Spain’s Sumrra and Room 11. Two of the artists who appeared at the first Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in Newtown in 2000, US saxophonist Marion Meadows and pianist Bob Baldwin, return to celebrate the decade anniversary.

Performers from the African continent include South Africa’s Jonas Gwangwa; Afro Jazz featuring Jimmy Dludlu; Vusi Mahlasela; Brian Thusi; Sterling EQ; the 2009 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for jazz Kesivan Naidoo as well as the Nigerian All Stars featuring Kúnlé Ayo and Rwanda’s Somi.

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Leading South African songstresses Judith Sephuma and Unathi Nkayi are joining the already impressive line-up at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. Sephuma – who is regarded as one of the country’s leading jazz and Afro-pop singers and is the recipient of three South African Music Awards (SAMAs) – will perform on the Dinaledi Stage on Friday, August 28. She shares the stage with Spain’s Summra; the Lao Tizer Band featuring violinist Karen Briggs and guitarist Chieli Minucci and Main Ingredient from the US which includes vocalist Cuba Gooding.

Over the years, singer and well-known radio presenter Unathi Nkayi has collected a string of accolades that have stamped her as one of the most influential women in entertainment. She performs at the Market Theatre on Friday, August 28, and shares the bill with Arlee Leonard and Phil Perry from the US and the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band.

Music lovers can expect to see an explosion of talent from the African continent – not only from the big names already announced but also from the musicians performing at the event.

Kúnlé Ayo will be performing with the Nigerian All Stars on the Mbira Stage on Saturday, August 29. The band members are Ayo Solanke (saxophone), Olufemi (saxophone), Ola (saxophone), John Adesheun Karonwi (keyboard player), Alex Samuel (keyboard), Olusegun Gabriel Olusi (bass player), Victor Akaninyene Okon (drummer) and Israel Idowu Ajagbe (talking drums).

Rwandan star Somi makes her first South African appearance at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz with her eclectic musical mix ranging from soul to jazz with references to her African heritage and rhythms of the continent. She is delighted to be using South African and African musicians in her band including Clement Benny (drums), Mlungisi Gegana (bass), Kúnlé (guitar) and Nduduzo Makhathini (piano).

Running from August 27 to 29 in Newtown, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz 2009 line-up features artists from America, Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands who will be joined by top performers from South Africa and the African Diaspora.

For more information on the line-up go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.tmusicman.co.za.

The 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is presented by Standard Bank and T-Musicman.

More details from
Total Exposure 011 788-8725

Some of the world’s leading jazz musicians – appearing at this year’s Standard Bank Joy of Jazz which takes place in Newtown from August 27 to 29 – will run free workshops teaching youngsters and musicians the intricacies of the craft.

They include acclaimed Swiss harpist Andreas Vollenweider; Canadian trumpeter Ingrid Jensen; American pianist Bob Baldwin and saxophonist Marion Meadows and American jazz vocalist Arlee Leonard.

The two groups giving workshops are Netherlands’ popular outfit Room 11 comprising Janne Schra (vocals), Arriën Molema (guitar), Tony Roe (keyboards), Lucas Dols (bass) and Maarten Molema (drums) and Spain’s Sumrrá featuring Manuel Gutiérrez (piano), Xacobeo Martínez Antelo (double bass) and Luis Alberto Rodriguez (LAR) Legido (drums).

In a first for Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, the hit musical stage show Crazy For Jazz: Our Journey Through Music will be included in this year’s programme. Aimed at high schools, Crazy For Jazz runs at the Lab in Newtown from Monday to Friday, August 24 to 28 with two shows daily. There is no charge for entrance but bookings from schools are essential. The contact is Cheryl Sack on 073 194-6532 or cheryl@artslink.co.za.

Says Peter Tladi of T Musicman: “During the 10 years that Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has taken place, the workshops have become an integral part of the proceedings. It is thanks to some of the world’s top musicians that the youth and aspirant musicians have been exposed to skills they may not otherwise have had access to.”

Clement Motale Director Group Sponsorships at Standard Bank explains the rationale behind the Joy of Jazz workshops: “Our aim with Joy of Jazz has always been to give music lovers in this country the best of international and African jazz. However, we also believe in the importance of giving something back. The musicians who host these workshops mentor young South African musicians, and through making the right connections with aspirant jazz stars, the legacy will endure for years to come.”

For more information on the workshops contact Mojalefa Gwangwa at T Musicman on 011 326 0141 or email ar@tmusicman.co.za.

The itinerary is as follows:

Monday August 24 to Friday August 28 at the Lab in Newtown: Crazy For Jazz: Our Journey Through Music; two shows daily.

Thursday August 27 from 11am to 1.30pm at the following venues:

• Music Academy of Gauteng (Daveyton) – Ingrid Jensen
• South West Gauteng College (Soweto) – Andreas Vollenweider
• Moses Molelekwa Artist Foundation (Tembisa) – Room 11
• Central Johannesburg College (Johannesburg Central) – Marion Meadows and Bob Baldwin
• Beverly Hills (Sedibeng – Vereeniging) – Arlee Leonard
• Tshwane University of Technology (Tshwane) – Sumrrá

For more information on the line-up, venues go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.tmusicman.co.za

The 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is presented by Standard Bank and T-Musicman in Johannesburg – a world class African city.

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The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz – taking place in Newtown from August 27 to 29 - proudly celebrates a decade of putting South Africa on the international jazz map.

The first Standard Bank Joy of Jazz took place in Newtown in 2000 and featured among others US jazz maestros saxophonist Marion Meadows and pianist Bob Baldwin who will be proudly returning to this year’s event.

The festival attracted an audience of 2 000 in its first year and year on year, numbers have grown to over 20 000 attending the 2008 event.

The acts that Standard Bank, in conjunction with promoters T Musicman, have brought to Johannesburg audiences in the last 10 years have been memorable.

Greats who have performed include Keiko Matsui, Joe Sample, Earl Klugh, Dave Koz, Jamie Callum, Hugh Masekela, Lee Ritenour, Abdullah Ibrahim, Dianne Reeves, Joshua Redman, Ramsey Lewis, Branford Marsalis, Delfeayo Marsalis and The Count Basie Orchestra.

Artists have have come from around the globe – from Japan, the US, the UK, Israel, the Netherlands, Germany, Switzerland, Norway, Spain and France

However, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has also consistently showcased the country’s own homegrown talent– including Concord Nkabinde, Jimmy Dludlu, Shannon Mowday and Siphokazi. Many like Abigail Khubeka, Jonathan Butler, Johnny Clegg, Letta Mbulu, Caiphus Semenya, Thandie Klaasen,Jonas Gwangwa and the late Miriam Makeba have needed no introduction.

In recent years, the African Diaspora has also been represented with performances from Nigeria’s Kúnlé Ayo, Lagbaja and Asa; Swaziland’s Bholoja; Zimbabwean Sam Mtukudzi with Max Wild; Kenya’s Valerie Kimani and the DRC’s Afro Fiesta.

In this way the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has contributed to the cultural exchange between artists and many international performers have met their local counterparts and subsequently collaborated on various projects.

Importantly, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has also seen a phenomenal growth in the number of developing jazz artists who have been given exposure and a platform to perform before discerning audiences. While upcoming bands have been performing at the event since 2000, the quality over the years has improved. A formal relationship was established with the Gauteng Provincial Government's Puisano project in 2008 to allow 10 bands to appear on both the main stages as well as the fringe venues.

Clement Motale, Director Group Sponsorship, Standard Bank comments on the 10 year milestone: “2009 marks a very special celebration for Standard Bank. Our commitment to bringing world-class jazz to Johannesburg audiences, and our involvement as sponsor in this last decade has helped create one of South Africa’s seminal music events.

“We are enormously proud to have played a part in the wonderful collaboration and celebration of jazz in the heart of Johannesburg, that is the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. We extend our gratitude to our partners T-Musicman – for their continued support of, and partnership with, Standard Bank, and to the audiences who have loyally continued to support this annual jazz-travaganza.”

Festival executive producer Peter Tladi is delighted with the growth over the last 10 years: “The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is a living testimony of the positive contributions that the creative industries make in the city, the province and the country. We have successfully grown audiences, given artists a world-class platform to entertain, and put together a product that hits the right spot with music lovers, media, sponsors and government. We hope the next 10 years will see further growth, locally, in the continent and globally.”

The staging of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival in the Newtown Precinct has played an integral part in the regeneration of the inner city, having had significant benefits in helping to shape the future of Johannesburg, and contributing to the city's changing creative and cultural landscape.

The Department of Arts and Culture, Gauteng Tourism and South African Tourism have continued to play an important role in marketing Standard Bank Joy of Jazz both within the country and to a worldwide audience while Audi continues as the official transport sponsor.

PERFORMERS OVER THE PAST DECADE INCLUDE:

2000
Marion Meadows
Bob Baldwin
Tania Maira
Stompie Mavi
Winston Mankunku
Abigail Kubheka
Don Laka
Hugh Masekela
Selaelo Selota
Vusi Khumalo
Judith Sephuma

2001
Fra Fra Sounds
Gerald Albright
Dianne Schuur
Keiko Matsui
Roy Ayers
Ray Gaskins
Barney Rachabane
Zim Nqawana
Heavy Spirits
Dolly Rathebe

2002
Kirk Whalum
Gito Baloyi
Nicholas Payton
Oleta Adams
Richard Bona
Jimmy Dludlu
Havana Club Son
Courtney Pine
Bellita & Jazz Tumbata
Moses Khumalo

2003
Regina Belle
Spyro Gyra
Allou April
Oliver Mtukudzi
Bheki Mseleku
Joe Sample
Kenny Garrett
Sipho Gumede
Angela Boffill
McCoy Mrubata

2004
Earl Klugh
Vanessa Rubin
Chuck Mungionne
Michael Franks
Abdulah Ibrahim
Women of Eve
Andy Narrell
Musik ye Afrika
Special EFX
Victor Ntoni

2005
Dave Koz
Stanley Jordan
Donald Harrison
Rachelle Ferrell
Kúnlé Ayo
Andile Yenana
Zamajobe
Umanji
Rex Omar
Mzwakhe Mbuli

2006
Jamie Callum
Jonathan Butler
Ramsey Lewis
Branford Marsalis
Brenda Russell
Dianne Reeves
Nnenna Freelon
Jeffrey Osborne
Johnny Clegg
Sibongile Khumalo
Gloria Bosman

2007
Miriam Makeba
Jonas Gwangwa
Stanley Clarke
George Duke
Letta and Caiphus
The Count Basie Orchestra
Sipho Mabuse
Dorothy Masuka
Delfeayo Marsalis
Lagbaja
Siphokazi

2008
Doc Powell
The Spinners
Yolanda Duke
Afro Tenors
Joshua Redman
Tord Gustavsen
Ringo
Joy Delenale
Lira
ASA
Simphiwe Dana

The 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is presented by Standard Bank and T-Musicman.

For more information on the line-up, venues go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.tmusicman.co.za.

The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz proudly celebrates its 10th anniversary this year with a truly international line-up of top artists from around the world while continuing to discover and explore the heritage and riches of home-grown talent.

Two of the artists who appeared at the first Standard Bank Joy of Jazz in Newtown in 2000, US saxophonist Marion Meadows and pianist Bob Baldwin, return to celebrate the decade anniversary.

Running from August 27 to 29 in Newtown, the 2009 line-up features artists from America, Switzerland, Spain and the Netherlands who will be joined by top performers from South Africa and the African Diaspora.

Giants of the jazz world include Switzerland’s Grammy-Award winning Andreas Vollenweider in performance with Pops Mohamed; world renowned trumpeter Ingrid Jensen accompanied by drummer Jon Wilken and bassist Ben Williams; show stopping American vocalist Phil Perry; Main Ingredient from America with vocalists Cuba Gooding Sr, Larry Moore and George Stanley Sr; Spain’s Sumrra and Room 11.

Performers from the African continent include South Africa’s Jonas Gwangwa; Afro Jazz featuring Jimmy Dludlu; Vusi Mahlasela; Brian Thusi; Sterling EQ; the 2009 Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for jazz Kesivan Naidoo as well as the Nigerian All Stars featuring Kúnlé Ayo and Rwanda’s Somi.

The Dinaledi Stage will showcase the opening night bill on Thursday, August 27, with The Lao Tizer Band featuring Emmy Award-winning guitarist and composer Chieli Minucci and international violin virtuoso Karen Briggs. The band also comprises Steve Nieves (sax, percussion, and vocals), Jeff Kollman (guitar), Drew Megna (drums) and Andre Manga (bass). Also on the opening night double bill is smooth jazz guitarist Norman Brown.

Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer captivates audiences of all ages and musical tastes and has been proclaimed “an independent artist with all the right moves” and “a torchbearer for the new generation of contemporary jazz”. In 2008, Tizer broadened his horizons and assembled an all-star concert tour The Lao Tizer Band featuring Chieli Minucci and international violin virtuoso Karen Briggs.

Chieli Minucci is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, music producer and arranger. Minucci was born in New York City and is primarily known as the leader of the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX. Minucci has recorded and performed with top pop artists such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastacia and others, as well as jazz artists Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Gerald Veasley, and Nestor Torez. He is also known as a composer for television and film and has won three Emmy Awards.

Violinist Karen Briggs toured with contemporary instrumental keyboard composer Yanni for 13 years. Briggs made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1994 performing with pianist Dave Grusin. She has also performed with Stanley Clarke, the Wu Tang Clan, En Vogue and Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Benise, Marla Gibbs, Kenny Loggins, Ashley Maher, Taliesin Orchestra and Diana Ross.

American born Norman Brown is a smooth jazz guitarist and singer and who is often compared to George Benson, released his debut album Just Between Us from Motown Records' Jazz label, Mo Jazz in 1992. Collaborators include Boyz II Men and Stevie Wonder. In 2003, he and his producer Paul Brown won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for 2002's Just Chillin’.

More than 15 million records sold in 47 countries, a Grammy Award and several Grammy nominations as well as 3432 concerts in the most renowned venues around the globe … These are the figures behind the fascinating story of Andreas Vollenweider’s music. More than three decades ago, Vollenweider reinvented harp-playing with his own unique sound. He will be joined on stage at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz by South Africa’s Pops Mohamed.

New York native Bob Baldwin was taught to play the piano by his father Robert Baldwin Sr. With the help of his elder name sake, he discovered his ability of perfect pitch at the age of four. Baldwin studied the classical and jazz repertoire but his harmonies were honed due to his wide range of inspiration which included Oscar Peterson, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis.

Marion Meadows is a tenor saxophonist, soprano saxophonist, composer and smooth jazz recording artist who has releases nine albums. After studying jazz with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music, where he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNY Purchase School for the Arts, where he studied under Ron Herder. Meadows has collaborated with numerous artists and musicians including Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing and Native American flute player Douglas Spotted Eagle.

The 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz brings an array of quality jazz to satisfy all tastes across the jazz genre which should appeal to jazz lovers around the country. Commented Clement Motale, Director Group Sponsorships at Standard Bank: “Ten years of Jazz in Johannesburg is a significant milestone, and we will be hosting a Standard Bank Joy of Jazz this year that promises jazz lovers a weekend to remember. Our continued support for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has seen this prominent social music fixture grow in stature each year, and on the occasion of our 10th anniversary we look forward to celebrating a rich and warm blend of African and international jazz in the heart of Johannesburg, bringing jazz lovers together in a truly united and global celebration of jazz and its heritage.” Said promoter T-Musicman’s Peter Tladi: “We are proud to be celebrating our 10th anniversary of a festival which has put Jozi on the international jazz map. Once again, we have endeavoured to provide a diverse range of jazz styles. The artists performing this year are all highly respected, heavyweight musicians, whether newcomers or those who are icons of the global jazz scene.”

Undoubtedly the premier event on Johannesburg’s jazz calendar, the 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz will take place at six venues in the city’s Newtown precinct. The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage will be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating two purpose-built venues to showcase this year’s line-up. Other venues include The Market Theatre, The Bassline, Sophiatown and Nikki’s Oasis.

There is free entrance to the Newtown venues of Sophiatown and Nikki’s Oasis where developmental and emerging bands are given the opportunity to gain experience and showcase their talent. Included in the line-up are bands from the Puisano Roving Jazz programme.

In the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz’s continuing programme of growing and nurturing the genre, the international artists will host workshops for local musicians. Details will be released at a later date.

For more information on the line-up, venues go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za and www.tmusicman.co.za.

The 2009 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is presented by Standard Bank and T-Musicman.

Tickets for the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz - which takes place in Newtown from August 27 to 29 – go on sale on to the public June 26, 2009.

A limited number of tickets are available at a 15 percent discount for all Standard Bank customers from June 11 to 25, subject to availability and on presentation of a valid Standard Bank card at a Computicket outlet. The offer is limited to two tickets per account holder and is not available for online bookings.

Once again there’s the popular Standard Bank Joy of Jazz one day pass which allows patrons to move between performances at the Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage on August 28 and 29.

ANDREAS VOLLENWEIDER (Switzerland)
More than 15 million records sold in 47 countries, a Grammy Award and several Grammy nominations as well as 3432 concerts in the most renowned venues around the globe … These are the figures behind the fascinating story of Andreas Vollenweider’s music. More than three decades ago, Vollenweider reinvented harp-playing with his own unique sound. His latest album Air is the latest episode of this story. On Air, he no longer plays his harp as an accompanying instrument but brings it to the fore. Largely without extensive orchestral sonic landscapes, the subtlety, refinement and musicality of his innovative style are allowed to be truly recognised.

• Andreas Vollenweider featuring Pops Mohamed performs on the Mbira Stage on Friday, August 28 at 23h00 and on Saturday, August 29 at 23h15.

ARLEE LEONARD (US)
Arlee Leonard has been singing and swinging all her life. This versatile singer and all around entertainer performs in nightclubs, concert halls and festivals around the world. She released her debut CD Wild Honey in 2000 and has recorded for several other producers and songwriters. With her four-octave range and strong command of the classic elements of jazz vocals, Arlee's multifaceted singing style is complimented by her easy and joyfully engaging stage presence. She flows from slow caress to rhythmic explosion, swinging scat to soul grooves, moving easily to Afro/Latin rhythms, ballads and blues.

• Arlee Leonard performs at The Market Theatre on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 at 20h15.

BOB BALDWIN (US)
New York native Bob Baldwin was taught to play the piano by his father Robert Baldwin Sr. With the help of his elder name sake, he discovered his ability of perfect pitch at the age of four. Baldwin studied the classical and jazz repertoire but his intriguing harmonies were honed due to his wide range of inspiration which included Oscar Peterson, Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock and Miles Davis. While studying accounting, business and broadcasting in college, he never strayed far from his first love. Baldwin never let that business acumen go to waste as he was one of the first artists on record to sell CDs online in 1995. He was nominated for a Grammy on the Will Downing CD All The Man You Need in 2000. His album The Way She Looked at Me was the 9th most spun CD in the Smooth Jazz Genre.

• Bob Baldwin performs with Marion Meadows at Bassline on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 20 at 23h00.

BRIAN THUSI (South Africa)
Brian Thusi was born in Durban in 1952. He started playing brass instruments at the age of 10 and has performed around the world including leading the Natal University Jazz Band at the Hanover World Expo in Germany in 2000. He has recorded and performed with artists such as Hotep Galleta, Mbongeni Ngema, Mankunku Ngozi, Darius Brubeck, Victor Ntoni, Lulu Gontsana, Kenny Baron, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Caiphus Semenya, Hugh Masekela, Sandile Shange and Sipho Gumede. He trained young South African brass musicians for the Sydney Olympics. He was winner of the National Youth Developer Award of the Year in 2003 and winner of an impact to community arts (Fools Award) in Durban in 2005. Brian has the following degrees related to music: Bachelor of Music, Masters in Music Education and PHD in Arts and Culture. He studied at the University of New Mexico, Washington University, University of Natal and University of Zululand.

• Brian Thusi performs at Bassline on Friday, August 28 at 20h15.

CHIELI MINUCCI (US)
Chieli Minucci is a contemporary jazz guitarist, composer, music producer and arranger. Minucci was born in New York City and is primarily known as the leader of the Grammy-nominated contemporary jazz group Special EFX. Minucci has recorded and performed with top pop artists such as Celine Dion, Lionel Richie, Jennifer Lopez, Jewel, Mark Anthony, Jessica Simpson, Anastacia and others, as well as jazz artists Marion Meadows, Jay Beckenstein, Gerald Veasley, Lao Tizer, Nestor Torez and Bob Baldwin. He is also known as a composer for television and film and has won three Emmy Awards.

• Chieli Minucci performs with Karen Briggs and the Lao Tizer Band on the Dinaledi Stage on Thursday, August 27 at 20h00. They also perform on the same stage on Friday, August 28 at 20h15.

GAUTENG JAZZ ORCHESTRA (South Africa)
The Gauteng Jazz Orchestra has been established through partnering with the Music Academy of Gauteng Jazz Orchestra under the leadership of Johnny Mekoa. The musicians incluce Barney Rachabane (saxophone), Khaya Mahlanga (saxophone), Sidney Mavundla (trumpet), Johnny Mekoa (trumpet), Bheki Mbatha (trombone), Jabu Mdluli (trombone), Nkanyezi (drums) and Mduduzi (piano) plus students who have graduated from jazz programmes.

• The Gauteng Jazz Orchestra performs at Bassline on Friday, August 28 at 19h00.

INGRID JENSEN (US)
Born in Vancouver and raised in Nanaimo, Canada, Ingrid headed east after receiving a number of scholarships to attend the Berklee College of Music in Boston. Since graduating in 1989, her life has contained a whirlwind of musical activities. From her early days playing trumpet in the subways of New York, to establishing herself as a leader and soloist in a wide array of musical genres, Ingrid has made her mark. Her performances as a leader and as a featured soloist have taken her around the world from Canada to Japan, Australia, South America, and the Caribbean and to almost every country in Europe and Scandinavia. In 2003 she was nominated, for the second time, alongside trumpeter Dave Douglas, for a Jazz Journalist Association Award in New York and is seen yearly in the top five of the Downbeat Critic polls in the Talent deserving wider recognition category. Jensen will be accompanied by drummer Jon Wilken and bassist Ben Williams.

• Ingrid Jensen performs at Bassline on Friday, August 28 and on Saturday, August 29 at 21h30.

JIMMY DLUDLU (South Africa)
Jimmy Dludlu has earned his popularity as a guitarist within the music industry. His albums compelled his audiences to call him a “guitar maestro” – naming him amongst the best guitarists in the world. Dludlu has shared a stage with world-acclaimed artists including Miriam Makeba, Hugh Masekela, Winston Mankunku Ngozi, Abdulah Ibrahim, Barney Rachabane, Morris Goldberg, Basil Coetzee, Robbie Jansen, Jonas Gwangwa, Sibongile Khumalo, Zim Nqawana and Moses Molelekwa. His previous albums earned him some of South Africa’s most prestigious awards, two Best Newcomer awards in 1997, Best Contemporary Jazz Album in 1998, Best Male Artist and Best Contemporary Jazz Album in the year 2000. In 2006 Jimmy won two of the highest accolades in South African music - the SAMA awards for Best Male Artist of the Year and Best Jazz Album of the Year for his album Corners of My Soul. Portraits is his latest album.

• Jimmy Dludlu featuring Afro Jazz performs on the Mbira Stage on Friday, August 28 at 21h30.

JONAS GWANGWA (South Africa)
Jonas Gwangwa is a household name in the country of his birth after returning home from 30 years in exile. This remarkable composer, arranger, bandleader and trombonist soon has written more than a dozen music scores and theme music for movies, television, corporations and commercials. The 15 years he spent in the US represent an exciting period in Gwangwa's life. Through the patronage of musical legend Harry Belafonte, Gwangwa was afforded incredible opportunities to record and play with some of the US’s legends. The highlight of this multi-award winning composer's musical career was his collaboration with George Fenton to create the original score and theme song of the much-heralded Richard Attenborough film, Cry Freedom.

• Jonas Gwangwa performs on the Dinaledi Stage on Saturday, August 29 at 20h15

KAREN BRIGGS (US)
Karen Briggs is an American violinist. Taking violin lessons from an early age, Briggs attended Norfolk State University after graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School in 1981. There, she majored in music education and mass media. By 1983, she was playing with the Virginia Symphony Orchestra, where she remained for the next four years. After marrying in 1988 and moving to Los Angeles, Briggs embarked on her first professional tour with Soul II Soul and toured throughout America and Japan. In 1991, Briggs auditioned for Yanni, the contemporary instrumental keyboard composer. She spent the next 13 years touring and recording with him. Briggs also made her Carnegie Hall debut in 1994, performing with pianist Dave Grusin. She has also performed with a number of other artists over the years including Stanley Clarke, the Wu Tang Clan, En Vogue and Chaka Khan, Wynton Marsalis, Benise, Marla Gibbs, Kenny Loggins, Ashley Maher, Taliesin Orchestra, and Diana Ross. Her career includes appearances in many TV/movie soundtracks as well as various other concerts (ranging from Carnegie Hall to Harlem's Apollo Theater) and TV shows. Briggs has a natural ability to improvise in various styles of music, such as symphonic orchestra, Latin orchestra, R & B, gospel, jazz ensemble and even rap.

• Karen Briggs performs with Chieli Minucci and the Lao Tizer Band on the Dinaledi Stage on Thursday, August 27 20h00. They also perform on the same stage on Friday, August 28 at 20h15.

KESIVAN NAIDOO (South Africa)
Kesivan Naidoo, winner of the Standard Bank Young Artist Award for Jazz 2009, "caught the beat" at the tender age of 11, falling in love with percussion when he heard his aunt's boyfriend playing the drums over a song on the radio. Naidoo grew up in East London and studied music at the University of Cape Town. In 1999, he became the youngest person to win the SAMRO Overseas Scholarship Competition, and used this opportunity to study at the prestigious Rhabindra Bharati University in Kolkata, India, studying under sitar guru Sanjay Bandophadyah. No stranger to the national jazz scene, Naidoo has played with the East Cape Big Band (of which he was a founding member), the UCT Big Band and the UCT College Jazz Ensemble. He has shared the stage with an impressive string of leading South African musicians, including Miriam Makeba, Selaelo Selota, Feya Faku, Bheki Mseleku, Jimmi Dludlu, Marcus Wyatt, Zim Ngqawana, Judith Sephuma, Errol Dyers, Abdullah Ibhrahim, Hotep Galeta and Steve Newman.

• Kesivan Naidoo appears at The Bassline on Saturday, August 29 at 19h00.

KÚNLÉ AYO AND THE NIGERIAN ALL STARS (Nigeria)
Afro-jazz guitarist, singer and composer Kunle has got it all. He is a wizard on guitar. During 2001 Kunle toured Europe, North Africa and South America. The musician left his homeland of Nigeria for South Africa in June 2002 to set up his career as a solo artist. Aptly, Kunle describes this time as “a milestone in my life”. Kunle has played his way into all South Africa’s best jazz clubs. In 2004 he collaborated with the famous Indian classical musician Kala Ramnath. His second album Beyond Borders won a Kora Award as the Best Male Artist from West Africa and a Channel O Award in 2005 for Best Jazz Video. The music on Kúnlé’s newest DVD is drawn from his two albums – Beyond Borders and Sincerely Yours and remains one of Africa’s most distinctive and captivating artists. Nigerian All Star band members are Adekunle Ayodeji Odutayo (aka Kúnlé Ayo; lead guitar), Ayo Solanke (saxophone), Olufemi (saxophone), Ola (saxophone), John Adesheun Karonwi (keyboard player), Alex Samuel (keyboard), Olusegun Gabriel Olusi (bass player), Victor Akaninyene Okon (drummer) and Isreal Idowu Ajagbe (talking drums).

• Kúnlé Ayo performs with the Nigerian All Stars on the Mbira Stage on Saturday, August 29 at 21h45.

LAO TIZER BAND (US)
Keyboardist and recording artist Lao Tizer captivates audiences of all ages and musical tastes. Tizer has been proclaimed “an independent artist with all the right moves” and “a torchbearer for the new generation of contemporary jazz.” He is a “Best New Jazz Artist” nominee; a Yamaha-endorsed pianist and keyboardist; has appeared at many premier venues including Universal Studios Hollywood, Disneyland, Pier 39 – Fisherman’s Wharf San Francisco; and has graced the stage at events alongside artists including Isaac Hayes, Boney James, Zappa Plays Zappa, Wayne Shorter, George Benson, The Commodores, The Rippingtons, Bruce Hornsby, Jethro Tull and Spyro Gyra. In 2006, the Lao Tizer Band returned to the studio to record Diversify, Tizer’s first release for Yse Records In 2008, Tizer again broadened his horizons and assembled an all-star concert tour The Lao Tizer Band featuring Chieli Minucci and international violin virtuoso Karen Briggs.The band also comprises Steve Nieves (sax, percussion, and vocals), Jeff Kollman (guitar), Drew Megna (drums) and Andre Manga (bass).

• The Lao Tizer Band performs with Karen Briggs and Chieli Minucci on the Dinaledi Stage on Thursday, August 27 at 20h00. They also perform on the same stage on Friday, August 28 at 20h15.

MARION MEADOWS (US)
Marion Meadows is a tenor saxophonist, soprano saxophonist, composer and smooth jazz recording artist. Meadows has released a total of nine albums to date. After studying jazz with Anthony Truglia, Meadows attended Berklee College of Music, where he majored in arranging and composition. He later went to the SUNY Purchase School for the Arts, where he studied under Ron Herder. Meadows has collaborated with numerous artists and musicians including Brook Benton, Eartha Kitt, Phyllis Hyman, Jean Carne, The Temptations, Michael Bolton, Angela Bofill, Will Downing and Native American flute player Douglas Spotted Eagle, among others. His latest album is Secrets.

• Marion Meadows performs with Bob Baldwin at Bassline on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 20 at 23h00.

NORMAN BROWN (US)
American born Norman Brown is a smooth jazz guitarist and singer often compared to his predecessor George Benson. He released his debut album Just Between Us from Motown Records' Jazz label, Mo Jazz in 1992. Collaborators included the chorus group Boyz II Men and the singer Stevie Wonder. Brown released the album After the Storm in 1994, which gained critical success. In 2003, he and his producer Paul Brown won Grammy Award for Best Pop Instrumental Album for 2002's Just Chillin’; this was followed by the 2004 release West Coast Coolin'. During the summer of 2007, Brown had a No. 1 smooth jazz radio hit, Let's Take A Ride, taken from the album Stay With Me.

• Norman Brown performs on the Dinaledi Stage on Thursday, August 27 at 21h05 and on Saturday, August 29 at 23h00.

PHIL PERRY (US)
After the success of his 2007 album A Mighty Love, Phil Perry was voted Male Vocalist of the Year, in the Third Annual Readers Choice internet vote conducted by Soultracks.com. However, Perry not only distinguishes himself as a highly sought after studio and concert vocalist, through his unique jazz and R&B vocal style and passionate interpretations of love songs, but also in his exceptionally strong songwriting gifts. Described as “the Pavarotti of Jazz” by Downbeat Magazine, Perry, after a stellar 40-year music career, is still hitting 4-5 octaves in his breathtaking falsetto, and remains one of the greatest show stopping singers.

• Phil Perry performs at The Market Theatre on Friday, August 28 and Saturday, August 29 at 21h30

POPS MOHAMED (South Africa)
Pops Mohamed was born in South Africa and listened to the music of Kippie Moeketsi and Abdullah Ibrahim. He then teamed up with Abdullah Ibrahim's saxophonist, Bazil 'Mannenberg' Coetzee and Sakhile's bassist, Sipho Gumede, landing a record contract which resulted in several albums. His specialties are traditional instruments such as the Kora (a harp from West Africa), the Mbira (a thumb piano from Zimbabwe), the Didgeridoo (native to the Aboriginal people of Australia) and the Birimbau and the African Mouth Bow - developed by the South American Indians and the Bushmen of the Kalahari Desert respectively.

• Pops Mohamed appears with Andreas Vollenweider on the Mbira Stage on Friday, August 28 at 23h00 and on Saturday, August 29 at 23h15.

MABHOVU (South Africa)
Mabhovu is a five-piece band which is composed of both veteran and upcoming musicians. It is made up of Phumelele William “Pondo” Dolosi (band leader, lead guitarist and vocals), Mondli Mavundla (vocals and keyboard), Mzwandile Kunene, (bass guitarist) and Nozipho Dlamini (vocals and percussion) and Sphiwe Chiburu on drums. The band was formed in 2004. Their collective experience as a band as well as their individual experiences have seen them perform with legends like Miriam Makeba and Ringo as well as having played and toured with the likes of Dolly Rathebe, Sibongile Khumalo and Victor Ntoni’s African Renaissance band.

• Mabhovu performs on the Mbira Stage on Saturday, August 29 at 19h00.

ROOM 11 (Netherlands)
Room 11 came into existence because of a simple note pinned on a notice board at the Conservatorium in Utrecht. With their 2006 debut album Six White Russians And A Pink Pussycat, they have managed to impress an increasingly bigger audience with a catchy mixture of jazz, pop, funk, blues and a touch of folk. Whether a strict jazz lover or a young pop fan, in the end you will be won over by their incredible stage presence. The band’s debut album went platinum and. Room Eleven won an Essent Award for young musical talent and continued their success story with amazing performances on the stages of North Sea Jazz, Crossing Border, Oerol and the Canadian Montreal Jazz Festival, followed by an intimate theatre tour with Jazz Impuls, a fully sold-out Dutch club tour and, after the urgent requests of many local MySpace fans, a great number of shows in Japan. Soon, the band started working on their second album Mmm…Gumbo? when Dayna Kurtz offered to help the band record their new album with her regular producer Randy Crafton at the Kaleidoscope Sound Studios in New York. Room 11 is Janne Schra – vocals, Arriën Molema – guitar, Tony Roe – keyboards, Lucas Dols – bass and Maarten Molema – drums.

• Room 11 perform on the Mbira Stage on Friday, August 28 at 19h00 and on Saturday, August 29 at 20h15.

SOMI(Rwanda)
Somi is a daughter of the New African world. Born in Illinois to East African parents, Somi and her six siblings began to shuffle through the life of a diplomat scientist-come-university professor’s family thus exposing Somi to stories and music from all over the world. Her album Red Soil In My Eyes is a soulful celebration of her Rwandese and Ugandan heritage. Throughout Somi’s songwriting, her voice soars over, through, and in between nuances of an incomparable musicianship that organically fuses jazz, classic soul, African folk, and rare urban grooves. Somi recently found time to complete a master’s degree at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts while winning praise from African icons like Hugh Masekela and CheikTidiane Seck. Somi appears with the following band members: Clement Benny (drums), Mlungisi Gegana (bass), Kunle (guitar) and Nduduzo Makhathini (piano).

• Somi appears on the Mbira Stage on Friday, August 28 at 20h15.

STANDARD BANK NATIONAL YOUTH JAZZ BAND (South Africa)
The Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Band (SBNYJB) is a product of the Standard Bank Jazz Festival, which takes place in Grahamstown in July each year as part of the National Arts Festival. The band members are chosen from young musicians from around South African who come to the festival, and each is a highly competent musician, normally with a budding professional pedigree already, with an average age in the band of 21. Each year, the conductor of the band is a South African musician of significant status and experience, as well as being a teacher and composer. The conductors are drawn from the wide array of the South African jazz.

• The SBNYJB performs with SBYA at the Market Theatre on Friday, August 28 at 19h00.

STERLING EQ (South Africa)
Sterling “Electric Quartet” (Sterling EQ) is one of the most sought after bands in South Africa. Well-known for wowing audiences from all walks of life with their spectacular display of virtuosity and their energetic stage presence, sleek appearance, stylish modern instruments and a strong African flavour in their sound, this instrumental super group is building a substantial following both nationally and abroad. Their show contains well-known hits as well as strikingly energetic, original compositions. Sterling turns classical favourites like Vivaldi’s Four Seasons and Beethoven’s Fifth Symphony into contemporary dance hits which, together with their renditions of well-known South African songs and Latin House, Jazz and even disco chart-toppers, never fails to leave their audience wanting more! The members are: Carina Bruwer (electric flute), Eriel Huang (electric violin), Magdalene Minnaar (electric violin) and Ariella Caira (electric cello).

• Sterling EQ performs at The Market Theatre on Saturday, August 29 at 19h00.

SUMRRA (Spain)
Sumrrá are a jazz group formed in Galicia featuring Manuel Gutiérrez (piano), Xacobeo Martínez Antelo (double bass) and Luis Alberto Rodriguez (LAR) Legido (drums). It was formed in 2001 and the band has already released two albums. Sumrrá’s style is essentially jazzistic, but it takes elements from another genres or styles, like pop, rock, folk, etc… in telling their own story… With improvisation and the taking of risks, Sumrrá is being referred to as the “New Galician Jazz”.

• Sumrra will be performing on the Dinaledi Stage on Friday, August 28 at 19h00 and at Bassline on Saturday, August 29 at 20h15.

THE MAIN INGREDIENT US)
The group was formed in Harlem, New York in 1964 as a trio called the Poets, composed of lead singer Donald McPherson, Luther Simmons, Jr., and Panama (born Tony Silvester). In 1966 they changed their name to The Main Ingredient. Hits over the years have included You've Been My Inspiration, I'm So Proud, Spinning Around (I Must Be Falling in Love) and Black Seeds Keep on Growing. When McPherson died, Cuba Gooding, Sr. took over as lead singer. Silvester and Simmons re-formed the Main Ingredient in 1999 with new lead singer Carlton Blount; this line-up recorded Pure Magic in 2001. Silvester died after a six-year struggle with multiple myeloma on November 27, 2006, at the age of 65. Coming to SA are Cuba Gooding Sr (singer), Larry Moore (singer), George Stanley Sr. (singer) with band members Ronald Henderson (guitar), Gregory Henderson (drums), Gaye Rutherford (guitar), Harvey Perry (keyboards), Robin Leonard (keyboards) and Thomas Ware (bass).

• The Main Ingredient performs on the Dinaledi Stage on Friday, August 28 at 21h45 and on Saturday, August 29 at 21h30.

VUSI MAHLASELA (South Africa)
Vusi Mahlasela, an accomplished guitarist, percussionist, composer, arranger, band leader and performer, has bridged generations at home and abroad. His sound is a hybrid of folk, world, blues and soul, one that connects South Africa's apartheid-scarred past with its promise for a better future. Over the years of heavy, world-wide touring and spreading his message, Mahlasela has remained true to his roots.

• Vusi Mahlasela performs on the Dinaledi Stage on Saturday, August 29 at 19h00.