September 1, 2005
By Tammy O'Reilly
SOME of the major international artists scheduled to perform at this year's Arts Alive festival have arrived in Johannesburg, ready for their performances.
One of the most anticipated events is Jazz on the Lake, on Sunday, 4 September. It features some of the hottest local jazz acts and is the culmination of the four-day Arts Alive programme. The highlight of the Johannesburg music calendar, the daylong concert is expected to draw thousands of people.
As in previous years, the annual, free concert is taking place at Zoo Lake in Parkview.
One of the organisers of the Arts Alive festival flanked by local jazz singer Simphiwe Dana and Andy Brown of Zimbabwe
Arts Alive, on from 1 to 4 September at venues around Johannesburg, covers a range of arts and culture, from the diverse musical mix of Africa Unites to rapper Busta Rhymes' Live in Jozi, from the gospel performances of Spiritual Experience to the poetry-fest of the Speak the Mind sessions.
Also on the bill are theatre productions, art exhibitions and arts and culture workshops. The City of Johannesburg is the main sponsor of and key stakeholder in Arts Alive.
For the last 14 years, Jazz on the Lake has taken place on the last day of Arts Alive. This year's line up includes two international artists in US bassist Gerald Veasley and Singaporean lute player Farid Ali, who is also known as Mr Gambus.
Over a 15-year career, Ali has performed at more than 40 international festivals and has recorded with names like Bobby McFerrin and Grammy Award-winning saxophonist Ernie Watts.
Speaking at a press conference at the Bassline in Newtown on Thursday, Ali said he was looking forward to entertaining the crowds at Sunday's Jazz on the Lake.
"It is an honour for me to play at this festival and Johannesburg truly has the friendliest people. I am looking forward to spreading the words of peace and friendship through my music."
Arts Alive's marketing company, Zanusi Brand Solution's Nomahlubi Simamane, the City's director of arts, culture and heritage services, Steven Sack, and jazz singer Simphiwe Dana
Describing his music as a mix between traditional Malaysian and jazz, he said few people outside Asia's boundaries had been exposed to the kind of music he played.
"Jazz has been globalised but the world is yet to know about Malaysian music. I hope that by my playing at this festival it is the start of some kind of cultural exchange."
Accompanying Veasley are locals Sydney Mnisi on saxophone and Rob Watson on drums.
Jazz songbird Gloria Bosman and newcomer Simphiwe Dana are also on the bill. Soweto-born Bosman has performed with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo and the legendary Hugh Masakela, and has received countless nominations for music awards.
Judith Sephuma is another highlight.
Performances are as follows:
- Mac Jays: 10am - 10.40am
- Simphiwe Dana: 11am - 11.45am
- Salaelo Selota: 12pm - 12.25pm
- Farid Ali: 1pm - 1.45pm
- Gloria Bosman: 2pm - 2.45pm
- Judith Sephuma: 3pm - 3.45pm
- Gerald Veasley: 4pm - 4.45pm
The concert begins at 10am so get there early. Organisers are encouraging the public to bring umbrellas, fold-up chairs and picnic blankets. Strictly no alcohol is allowed into the venue, but there is a beer garden.
Safety is being taken seriously and the Parkview and Rosebank police will be monitoring the area.
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