The little festival with a big heart. That’s one way of describing the unique Journey to Jazz experience in Prince Albert, which had both artists and audiences aglow with a feeling of cultural and emotional connection. KAREN RUTTER was swept up in the joy:
For the third time in as many years, the Journey to Jazz festival was held in Prince Albert, this past weekend, running from 1 to 4 May. The picturesque Karoo town is not large, and it’s not an obvious site for an arts event, being a longish drive from anywhere. Unlike other jazz or arts festivals, like the CTJF, or the KKNK, or the NAF, you won’t find it overly packed with multiple performances. Or heaving at 4 in the morning.
But you will be able to experience the magic of an alfresco sunrise salutation with award-winning trombonist Siya Makuzeni (pictured above). You can immerse yourself in a masterclass of story-telling and music-making with legends like Carlo Mombelli and Hilton Schilder. You can get up close and personal in astounding sets by the likes of Kesivan Naidoo and Paulo Damiani in a stunning art deco theatre; and rejoice in the stirring sounds of Kyle Shepherd in the majestic NG Kerk. You can celebrate young voices like Kujenga and the Outeniqua High School Jazz Band. And you will be able to see every artist on the programme, because it’s well managed and just about all venues are within walking distance. Plus you’ll be able to skip home at the end of an evening under a big Karoo sky filled with stars.
A force for good
Besides being a really cleverly curated jazz festival, Journey to Jazz is very much a cultural movement, a community action, a force for good. This could be a big reason why the feels are so good – apart from the phenomenal music. The event is conceptualised and produced by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT), with nearly 100 young crew members supported by a group of experts. The festival is described as a “vehicle for social justice,” being the flagship event amongst many ongoing programmes in Prince Albert, mainly aimed at enabling and empowering youth.
And there are so many passionate, driven people behind this project. From Kyle Shepherd, the Artistic Director of the festival (pictured above), to Creative Director Brenda Sisane, to Ingrid Wolfaardt, PACT Executive Leader – and so many more – it’s hard not to be moved by their enthusiasm. But then it’s also not hard to be utterly drawn in by this special thing happening in the Karoo.
So many highlights
Highlights for me included the Kyle Shepherd Trio (with longtime collaborators Shane Cooper on bass and Jonno Sweetman on drums), presenting one of their best sets ever (in my opinion), peaking with a virtuoso version of Massive Attack’s Teardrop. I’m still hearing that song in my head. It was also so good to see drummer Kesivan Naidoo (pictured above) back in the country (he’s been super successful overseas), bringing his own band of locals and internationals together for a high energy mash up including a Mandela tribute. Siya Makuzeni astounded on both vocals and trombone, delivering an Afro-beyond repertoire. And the Nomadic Orchestra’s crazy brass-driven instrumentals made me immediately want to buy a kilt and a tuba.
All this, plus the option to snack on a roosterkoek, try a witblitz tasting, go star-watching, do a ghost tour, catch a yoga session and see a jazz photography exhibition…
The drive home felt meditative and mellow – that full, chilled feeling you get when something has been soooo good and you want to cuddle it inside you forever.
The great thing is, there’s going to be a Journey to Jazz next year. This is honestly one of the best festivals I have been to in ages, and it’s going to be a hot ticket in the future. You have been primed, people.
More info:
WS
