Posts Tagged ‘jazz’

The musical mastery of internationally acclaimed musician, Don Laka, will be available to Nelson Mandela Bay fans in one show on Friday, April 16, at the Boardwalk Vodacom Amphitheatre. Laka is the only South African jazz musician to achieve three platinum records and two gold records. His latest album, Poison, was inspired by the environmental plight of our planet.

“I feel this passion I feel for saving the earth has had a rejuvenating effect on me personally and my music,” says Laka. As a result, Laka refused to use the usual products in the production of the CD, eliminating 90% of the plastic generally used in production.

The 52-year-old began his musical career in 1969 at the age of 11 and made his first recording in 1972. The next few decades saw him perform alongside or produce hits with legendary South African musos such as Brenda Fassie, Sankomota, Sibongile Khumalo, Hugh Masekela, Ray Phiri, Mango Groove, Johnny Clegg, Bongo Muffin and Mafikizolo. As a solo artist, Laka has shone, locally and internationally, touring the UK, the US, Canada, Austria, Russia, Chile, Cuba and Jamaica, while achieving international recognition for his music in England, France, Germany, Italy, Switzerland, Spain, Portugal and the US.

Laka is visiting Port Elizabeth as part of a ten-city national tour to promote his album and raise awareness of the consequences of global industrial progression.

Tickets are available at Computicket for R120 or at the door for R140. The show starts 19h30. A percentage of Laka’s total record sales will be donated to making South Africa a greener place for all.

Media Release for The Boardwalk by Siyathetha Communications
The Boardwalk: Siya Mfundisi: 041 507 7777
Siyathetha Communications: Ed Richardson: 041 582 3750/083 656 9757

Ulagh Williams, Kyle Du Preez, Jason Humm (in hat)

CROONERS & COMPANY
The Playhouse, Uptown Theatres
25-27 March 2010 – 8 pm
Tickets: R105 from Computicket

They brought you diva Esther Miller, now the jazz continues! The Bay’s original Crooners, Ulagh Williams and the TwoTone Show Band return with a brand new installment of their Showtime Award- winning ‘Crooners’ series.

Joining musical director Ulagh Williams (piano and vocals) are, TwoTone regulars, Romy Brauteseth (Bass), Marcel Scullard (Drums), Dr Rudi Bower (Guitar) and Gareth Williams (Sax). Local crooner and trombonist Kyle Du Preez adds some smooth sounds to the mix, whilst newcomer Jason Humm (recently cast as the male lead in the Bay’s upcoming ‘High School Musical’ Production), will have audiences singing along in no time! True to form, TwoTone keeps its promise to feature new young talent, such as Alyssa van Rooyen (17) on trumpet, along with students from the TwoTone Vocal Studio, including CJ Daniell (16) and Carmen Stindt (17). Crooners’ Cameo artist and familiar face, Emma Sanan, returns on backing vocals as well as assistant producer in her capacity as TwoTone’s consultant. With young and old, blues and smooth, the new blend of faces is aptly named Crooners & Company and has all the standards to keep Crooner-regulars happy, but is also including new crooners to appeal to the younger audiences. This is the first ‘Crooners’ show of 2010.

Musical director Ulagh Williams calls this “new blood doing old jazz!”, and it is not all strictly jazz, as classy popular songs from the likes of honorary Crooners Michael Buble, Burt Bacharach and Stacey Kent are also being performed.

For last year’s ‘Crooners’ fans, there is plenty of classy jazz and sultry vocals from TwoTone’s songbird Ulagh Williams and the band. Songs from Steve Tyrell, Diana Krall, Nat King Cole, Peggy Lee and the Rat Pack will be performed. Original music by Ulagh Williams will also be featured for the first time.

In a new twist, original artworks by well-known PE artist Esme Goosen will be featured as part of the show. This event is sure to please lovers of all the arts, in a truly sophisticated blend of music and visual art. The paintings will also be available for sale.

Tickets cost R105 and are available from COMPUTICKET. Bookings are now open.