Forget about the blues. Jazz is bringing joy to the city of Jozi this month! The Standard Bank Joy of Jazz, Joburg’s premier jazz event, will be held across eight venues in the city’s Newtown Precinct, from 23 – 25 August 2012.

The event is going to be huge! Three purpose-built venues -the Dinaledi Stage, Conga Stage, and Mbira Stage – will be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square to showcase this year’s line-up. Bassline and The Market Theatre will also be used as venues for the festival. Free concert venues include restaurants Sophiatown, Shikisha, and Nikki’s Oasis.

Marking 12 years of celebrations, the 2012 Standard Bank Joy of Jazz festival presents a line-up of top international artists and home-grown talent. The sensational mix of performances has often led to exciting collaborations and we are certain this year will be no different. World-famous jazz musicians gracing the stage include Grammy Award winners Clarence Carter and Eddie Palmieri, as well as French phenomenon Manu Katche. Palmieri and Katche join the opening night line-up and will be performing with the likes of Sax Summit, which boasts five of the world’s top female saxophonists, and the extraordinary Tribute to Miles Davis.

Other international artists who have committed to the event are Lizz Wright from the United States, Jamaican legend Monty Alexander, as well as Ken Philmore, from Trinidad and Tobago, who is one of the world’s top solo steel-drummers. The Orchestre National de Jazz (ONJ) from France, who have created an innovative musical trademark over the last quarter of a century, will also be joining the extravaganza.

Other artists that have been announced for the festival include Grammy-Award winners Kurt Elling, hailed as the jazz male vocalist of his generation, and guitarist, Earl Klugh. Trombone master Wycliffe Gordon, and the world-famous Duke Ellington Orchestra will also be performing, along with a host of African talent, including the likes of Caiphus Semenya, Bakithi Kumalo, Manu Dibango, and Mory Kante.

Since its inception, Standard Bank Joy of Jazz has grown from 2,000 to 20,000 music lovers and has seen an astonishing growth in the number of developing jazz artists. The attraction of people into the Newtown Precinct has made a significant impact on the restoration of Jozi’s inner city.

Weekend passes for Standard Bank Joy of Jazz have already sold-out, but day passes and all other ticket classes are still available. Tickets are selling fast and festival-goers are encouraged to book early to avoid disappointment. Come and explore South Africa’s heritage and support the riches of home-grown jazz talent.

LekkeSlaap has some great accommodation in and around Newtown. Contact us for convenient, hassle-free bookings.