SA’s Gauteng Big Band Jazz Fest 2016 is here

The event is sponsored by SAMRO Foundation and will be held on Saturday, 10 September at St Mary’s School in Waverley, Johannesburg.

“alumni|city is a project band that includes some of the most respected jazz musicians in country,” reads the press release.

The project includes artists such as Marcus Wyatt, Brandon Ruiters, Lwanda Gogwana, Neil Engel, Athamacwera Ngcaba, James Bassingthwaite, John Davies and Justin Sasman.

The saxophone department will include 2016 Southern African Music Rights Organisation (SAMRO) Overseas Scholarships Winner Linda Sikhakhane, Linda Tshabalala, Sisonke Xonti, Cameron Andrews and Janus Van der Merwe.

Bokani Dyer, winner of the 2013 SAMRO Overseas Scholarships Competition will be part of the rhythm section with Romy Brautesth on bass, Marlon Witbooi on drums and Sasha Sonnbichler on guitar.

alumni|city will perform alongside a number of other big bands from various schools, including Pridwin P’zazz Jazz Band, the Johannesburg Youth Jazz Ensemble, the Cornwall Hill College Orchestra, St. Alban’s College Big Band, and the King David Jazz Band.

The Gauteng Big Band Festival forms part of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival with the support of the SAMRO Foundation. The SAMRO Foundation encourages youth music development and education through a number of initiatives. It is known for supporting the Gauteng Big Band Jazz Festival and the Cape Town Big Band Jazz Festival which are platforms that promote musical excellence and appreciation amongst scholars.

Tickets are R100 for adults and R50 for students at Computicket.