The 12th International Cape Town Jazz Festival - SA at its stellar best

Grammy winner Esperanza Spalding

Jazz is a massive part of South African culture. It has an impressive record for bringing like-minded individuals together, no matter their creed or situation. It is second only to gospel in it's SA popularity.

The SA jazz industry is also streets ahead of, well, everyone else, in terms of artist development, effective punting, and consistent delivery of quality choons. Oh yes, jazz leads the way. It's not surprising then, that even our Prez JZ gave The International Cape Town Jazz Festival a nod when opening parliament in February.

BeBe Winans

Even if you know balls about jazz, there are big names to make the day pass worth it. With appearances from legends such as Hugh Masekela, Earth, Wind & Fire and BeBe Winans, as well as relative newcomers Tumi & the Volume and Esperanza Spalding, there's little doubt as to the quality of ICTJF's offerings this year. High energy and good choons go without saying. If you're not too sure about forking out R500 for an artform you're not sure of, you can always attend the free warm up concert on 23 March at Green Market Square.

Going into their 12th year, the ICTJF has made a name for itself internationally and is a massive draw to tourists. This year it takes place on 25 & 26 March. Tickets go for R369 (day pass) to R499 (weekend pass) and are available from the website: http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/

Lineup:

Wayne Shorter Quartet with Danilo Perez, John Patitucci and Brian Blade; Earth, Wind and Fire (left); Dave Koz; Youssou N’dour; Simphiwe Dana; Ivan Mazuze; Sandra Cordera; Christian Scott; Patricia Barber; Dave Ledbetter and the Clearing; Lisa Bauer; Hanjin; Esperanza Spalding; Hubert Laws; The Flames – Official Reunion; Gang of Instrumentals; Gazelle; Monique Bingham; Danilo Perez & John Patitucci; Jack van Poll, James Scholfield and Hein van Geyn; Guitafrika {Steve Newman, Eric Triton and Alhousseini Mohamed Anivolla; Cape Town Tribute Band {Nick Williams, Wesley Rustin and Denver; Furness} joined by Buddy Wells, Mike Perry, Errol Dyers, Ian Smith and Sylvia Mdunyelwa; Conversations {Victor Masondo, Prince Lengoasa, Kevin Gibson, Mark Fransman and Donvino Prins}; Chieli Minucci; Special EFX; Chuck Loeb; Carmen Cuesta; Cindy Blackman – Santana; Tony Williams; BeBe Winans; Hugh Masekela and Larry Willis; Don Laka; Jazzanova {Paul Randolph}; Feya Faku; Tortured Soul; Orlando Venhereque; Tumi and The Volume; Naima McLean; Songbook {Lwanda Gogwana}; Sekunjalo Edujazz Band; Citie; Chad Saaiman; Mathew Moolman; Lloyd Jansen

Check out some of the acts at:http://www.capetownmagazine.com/out/Lineup-for-Cape-Town-International-Jazz-Festival/116_22_11716