Artscape Youth Jazz Festival 2018 – a celebration of young musicians, mentors and educators in the Jazz Industry, takes place on Friday 15 June at 8pm in the Artscape Theatre. Showcasing the diverse talents of the City’s young people, Artscape has planned an exciting line-up for Youth Month this year.
Once again, the Youth Jazz Festival is a major highlight of the festival as it celebrates 14 soloists who successfully auditioned to be included in the Artscape mentorship programme, which culminates with the Jazz Festival on Friday 15 June 2018 at 8pm in the Artscape Theatre.
Structured to showcase young talent within the Western Cape, these musicians have the opportunity of working with five top South African Jazz artists in a 10-week mentorship programme. The workshops cover South African Jazz, business management for musicians, and techniques. Time is also devoted to musicians who have their own compositions.
Youth Jazz Festival 2018 Soloists & Mentors
Vocalists Barry Marzia (16), Anathi Mobo (19), Dee Mayekane (25) and Seth Grey (20).
On piano is Rouzanna Coxson (21).
Instrumentalists include Taytam Davids (19), Andreas Coxson (17) and Kerwin Albertus (16) on Saxophone, Bonga Masola (20) Trumpet, and Ryan Truter (19) Guitar. Bass players are Clayton Pretorius (16) and Luke Verrezen (19). Joshua Klein (18) and Timothy Fortes (19) are drummers.
Seven musicians are studying at the South African College of Music at UCT and seven are at the Cape Town Music Academy, Cape Music Institute, St Joseph’s Marists College and SACS, Bergvliet, Steenberg and Outeniqua High Schools.
Musical Director, Amanda Tiffin (Vocalist) will lead the mentors – Wesley Rustin (Bass), Frank Paco (Drums) together with Mark Fransman (Piano/Saxophone) and Mandisi Dyantyis (Trumpet) who joined the team for the first time this year. All passionate educators and highly acclaimed musicians, they form an ensemble, to accompany the soloists for an evening of superb South African Jazz.
On a significant note, Amanda Tiffin mentions; ‘For the third year, this festival has presented 100% South African Jazz without repeating a single song – that’s how much great South African Jazz there is for our youngsters to choose from!’
‘We have included songs by Cape Jazz giants, Robbie Jansen and Hilton Schilder, vocalists Melanie Scholtz, Nomfundo Xaluva and Jonathan Butler. A special tribute will be to Bra Hugh Masekela.’
‘Another special feature will be a brand new collaborative composition by the brass and sax youth participants, facilitated by their mentor, Mandisi Dyantyis.
Dr Marlene le Roux, CEO of the Artscape Theatre Centre mentions : ‘Since the Youth Jazz Festival was established in 2003, the focus of the programme has remained dedicated to providing skills development within the Jazz genre to foster the investment of cultural democratization of our country. These young Jazz musicians take the experience forward into their careers and educate others in the process. Many of the developing artists hosted in the education and training programmes have excelled as professionals both locally and internationally including scooping major awards.
‘The Youth Jazz Festival is a stepping-stone that provides opportunities and access to significant role players in the industry. Artscape is honoured to present these young musicians. We acknowledge the mentors and technical teams for their dedicated commitment and time given to this project.
This event is sold out every year. We suggest you book as soon as possible.
WHERE & WHEN: Artscape Theatre Centre, Foreshore, Cape Town 8001 on Friday 15 June, 1918 at 8pm.
TICKETS: R80 and available through Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695,
, Shoprite and Checkers outlets or call Computicket on 0861 915 8000,
For more information about the festival contact Toberin Meyer, Project Manager,
on 021 410 9917, email ToberinM@artscape.co.za
PHOTO: Bronwyn Lloyd
