{"id":1124,"date":"2025-02-27T14:13:27","date_gmt":"2025-02-27T12:13:27","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/?p=1124"},"modified":"2025-02-27T14:13:27","modified_gmt":"2025-02-27T12:13:27","slug":"2025-journey-to-jazz-festival-expands-star-studded-line-up","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/2025-journey-to-jazz-festival-expands-star-studded-line-up\/","title":{"rendered":"2025 Journey to Jazz Festival Expands Star-Studded Line-Up"},"content":{"rendered":"<ul>\n<li><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Kesivan Naidoo and the Lights will premiere their new work celebrating 30 years of democracy for the first time in South Africa and Tribe reunite for the first time in 25 years!<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Prince Albert, Karoo, 27 February 2025 &#8211;<\/span><\/i><span lang=\"EN-GB\"> The wait is over.\u00a0 <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Journey to Jazz<\/span><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\"> 2025<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0(J2J) today revealed the world-class artists who complete the line-up for this year\u2019s festival.\u00a0 Festivalgoers are advised to secure tickets now because accommodation in Prince Albert is being snapped up faster than a bass solo at a late-night jam session. <u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Tickets are available via\u00a0<\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Quicket<\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0with prices ranging from\u00a0<b>R200 &#8211; R295 per person per performance<\/b> \u2013 with full details on dates, times, and venues for each performance available.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">A Celebration of Karoo Spirit, Jazz Mastery &amp; 30 Years of Democracy<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Building on the festival\u2019s reputation for embodying the\u00a0true Karoo spirit of music, hospitality, and warm welcome, the 2025 Journey to Jazz continues to attract a stellar line-up of jazz virtuosos.\u00a0 A key highlight will be\u00a0<b>Kesivan and the Lights <\/b>who will present a groundbreaking\u00a0commissioned work\u00a0marking South Africa\u2019s\u00a030 years of democracy. <u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">This special performance will be\u00a0the first time this work is performed in South Africa, offering audiences an evocative, deeply immersive musical conversation reflecting on the highs and lows of this transformative era. The piece will pay tribute to some of the greatest South African jazz composers from the past three decades (and earlier), inviting listeners to experience the evolution of the country\u2019s jazz landscape.\u00a0 See below for band line-up!<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Naidoo will also reunite with some of his bandmates from <b>Tribe<\/b> &#8211; for the first time in 25 years \u2013 and welcome a new member.\u00a0 It is expected to be a delicious straight-ahead memorable set exploring the progression of their individual and joint styles, techniques and sound.\u00a0 J2J\u2019s resident artistic director, <b>Kyle Shepherd<\/b> will also be bringing the notes to the festival with his <b> Kyle Sheperd Trio<\/b>.\u00a0 See below for all the latest artist news:<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">J2J 2025 Featured Artists:<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Kesivan and the Lights<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 Led by the legendary drummer Kesivan Naidoo, this band delivers high-energy, emotive jazz that pushes boundaries while paying homage to South African jazz greats. Naidoo is joined by Darren English \u2013 trumpet (SA), Charley Rose \u2013 sax (France), Fabio Gouv\u00eaa &#8211; guitar (Brazil), Bokani Dyer &#8211; piano (South Africa), and Joan Codina &#8211; bass (Spain)<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Kyle Shepherd Trio<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 One of South Africa\u2019s leading jazz pianists, Kyle Shepherd blends Cape jazz traditions with innovative global influences.\u00a0 This performance heroes the trio\u2019s latest release &#8211; <i>A Dance More Sweetly Played &#8211;<\/i> which has gained global acclaim.<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Tribe: The Reunion<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\"> &#8211; A genre-bending jazz collective known for their fusion of African rhythms and contemporary jazz melodies. Kesivan Naidoo, Buddy Wells, Marks Fransman and bassist Steve de Souza steps in for Charles Lazar. <\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The Heinrich Frans Duo (with Allou April)<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 A vocal and guitar collaboration between two of South Africa\u2019s leading smooth, soulful jazz, funk and groove artists<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Nomadic Orchestra<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 A brass ensemble that fuses jazz with <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">hip hop, afrobeat, ghoema, samba, ska, klezmer and various other sounds for a cohesive, high-energy performance<\/span> <u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">El Corazon<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Journalist, arts and culture writer, researcher, DJ and sound archivist Atiyyah Khan, will hit the decks to deliver a set that blends global jazz influences, deep vinyl cuts, and rhythmic storytelling, for an unforgettable sonic journey<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Karoo Jazz Project (KJP)<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 A homegrown band celebrating the unique jazz stylings of the Karoo, blending local influences with classic jazz tones under the direction of Ramon Alexander and <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Lynette Petersen<\/span> <span lang=\"EN-GB\">who continue to encourage the genre in the Karoo region as organisers PACT, join them in searching for the next jazz-talent.<\/span><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0<\/span><\/i><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The People\u2019s Concert &#8211; Opening Ceremony Acts<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The festivities get underway on Thursday 1 May 2025, with a free variety show \u2013 The People\u2019s Concert &#8211; held in the Kritikom Koppie Theatre, a former disused and abandoned quarry, that has been lovingly restored by the town into a stunning amphitheatre. \u00a0\u00a0The concert showcases local talent from Prince Albert and the surrounding towns, as part of the capacity building aspect of J2J.\u00a0 It is always a highlight.\u00a0 <u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><strong>Performers on the line-up include:<\/strong><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Lainsburg Brass Band \u2013 <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">who will lead the music procession to the Kritikom theatre (all are invited to join in)<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Karoo Blues <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u2013 A unique fusion of Karoo blues and gospel harmonies that capture the soul of the region with lead singer Mr Blues, whose vocal prowess captures the hearts of all who hear him<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Zolani Youth Choir<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">The A Cappella, Zolani Youth Choir from Ashton in the Western Cape, has gained international fame by winning a prestigious music competition in Moscow, Russia<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Derek Hendricks &amp; Slam JAM <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u2013 Prince Albert local heroes with an impressive 32-year pedigree of entertainment that <\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\">play a diverse range of genres, including disco, langarm, jazz, pop, and riel<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Prince Albert Vastrappers Riel Dancers<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u2013 A mesmerising dance troupe keeping the traditional Riel dance alive, bringing vibrant energy and cultural heritage to the festival and who will perform at the opening party<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">NSG Band<\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\"> &#8211; Nathan, Samuel and Gershwin, who are gospel keyboard players known for their energetic and lively sound, often featuring upbeat rhythms and catchy melodies<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Oom Tallie &#8211; <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">a fusion of traditional African, Latin America and Caribbean rhythms with modern electronic and rock elements<\/span><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/li>\n<li><u><\/u><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Claudia Hendricks &#8211; <\/span><\/b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">blending various genres, like, POP, R&amp;B and SOUL.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><i><span lang=\"EN-GB\">A Festival Like No Other<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Whether you\u2019re a die-hard jazz enthusiast or simply looking for a soul-nourishing getaway, this festival promises\u00a0unforgettable performances, intimate venues, and the magic of Karoo hospitality. \u00a0Look out for the full Meet and Greet programme that will be announced in mid-March.<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><span lang=\"EN-GB\"><u><\/u>\u00a0<u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Journey to Jazz is produced by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), an NPO that is transforming lives of the youth in Prince Albert and nearby towns through skills development, training and various income generating opportunities.\u00a0 <u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">PACT is also the main sponsor for this year\u2019s event, proudly supported by several brands and partners who ensure that the joy of germinating new talent in the town, remains a reality.\u00a0 For a list of these heroes please go to <\/span><a href=\"http:\/\/www.journeytojazz.co.za\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=http:\/\/www.journeytojazz.co.za&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1740731517367000&amp;usg=AOvVaw01qwju5CNtKWGM-GJQ8oRc\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">www.journeytojazz.co.za<\/span><\/a><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p><b><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Event details:<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/b><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Dates:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 1 \u2013 4 May 2025<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Venues:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Throughout the town (The Showroom, African Relish\/Langhuis, NG Kerk, PACT Centre, Krittikom Koppie Theatre (People\u2019s concert only)<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Tickets:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 Available on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.quicket.co.za\/events\/295039-prince-albert-journey-to-jazz\/#\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-saferedirecturl=\"https:\/\/www.google.com\/url?q=https:\/\/www.quicket.co.za\/events\/295039-prince-albert-journey-to-jazz\/%23\/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1740731517367000&amp;usg=AOvVaw20V66Q9ClEUHAEeRg9T0gI\"><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Quicket<\/span><\/a><u><\/u><u><\/u><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">Prices:\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 From R150 per person per performance<u><\/u><u><\/u><\/span><\/p>\n<p><span lang=\"EN-GB\">\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0\u00a0 People\u2019s Concert \u2013 Free and open to all<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Kesivan Naidoo and the Lights will premiere their new work celebrating 30 years of democracy for the first time in South Africa and Tribe reunite for the first time in 25 years! Prince Albert, Karoo, 27 February 2025 &#8211; The wait is over.\u00a0 Journey to Jazz 2025\u00a0(J2J) today revealed the world-class artists who complete the &hellip;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_genesis_hide_title":false,"_genesis_hide_breadcrumbs":false,"_genesis_hide_singular_image":false,"_genesis_hide_footer_widgets":false,"_genesis_custom_body_class":"","_genesis_custom_post_class":"","_genesis_layout":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[64],"tags":[72,73],"class_list":["type-post","category-info","tag-cape-town","tag-jazz","entry"],"acf":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1124","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1124"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1124\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1125,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1124\/revisions\/1125"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1124"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1124"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/myza.co.za\/events\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1124"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}