November 17, 2004
By Lucky Sindane
KICKING back in the fresh air, amidst the plants and trees, listening to the cool sounds of jazz. That's the perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon.
And the Johannesburg Botanical Gardens, at Emmarentia Dam, will provide just such an opportunity on Sunday, 28 November, when the inaugural Joburg Jazz and Images Festival is held.
Artists lined up for the event include Victor Ntoni, Themba Mkhize, Gloria Bosman, Darius Brubeck and Russ Nerwich. Neo Moyanga, of BLK Sonshine, will also be performing, with a band that includes violins and tablas.
"This is a groundbreaking musical extravaganza, poised to become one of the most racially integrated family outings on Gauteng's social calendar," says Shado Twala, of Khano Entertainment, one of the organisers. "Jazz is a lifestyle, and a unifier," she adds.
The festival is being organised by Khano Entertainment, in partnership with City Parks and the City of Johannesburg.
In addition to the live music, the festival will also feature a photographic and artistic exhibition.
"The festival will introduce a unique concept, combining great musical entertainment with a visual exhibition that will ultimately become a representation of modern jazz images," Twala adds.
"Our mission is to promote a culture of listening, in an environment characterised by a natural setting - overlooking Johannesburg's Emmarentia Dam and its surrounds," she says.
Preparations are already well underway.
City Parks is determined to get people outdoors, away from television sets and play stations, and into the City's open spaces.
The project is in line with City Parks' mandate "to bring people into our open spaces", says City Parks managing director, Luther Williamson.
"The festival will go a long way to enhancing eco-tourism in the city," adds Williamson. "As Joburgers, we have so much to be proud of and our aggressive drive to develop eco-tourism and upgrade our open spaces for utilisation, will continue to be nurtured."
Anyone interested in taking part in the exhibition can contact Ratanang Lebeko at Simeka TWS on 011 712 9600.
The gates open at 10 am, with the festival scheduled to start at noon. Tickets are available at Computicket at R120.
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