Durban July bets on jazz festival to hit right note
Musical event will attract a more mature crowd
It seems there won’t be any sleeping at the Durban July this year.
In addition to the racing event that attracts thousands of revellers across the country and various marquees that promise entertainment the whole weekend, a jazz festival has been thrown into the mix.
The Jazz in July seeks to be the main attraction for the more mature crowd at the racing event with favourites such as Ringo, Ray Phiri, Naima Kay and Amanda Black billed to perform.
According to organisers, the first annual Jazz in July will be held on a Sunday following the horse racing event.
“Taking place at the Juventus field at the Botanical Gardens, the festival aims to deliver a supreme and sophisticated outdoor musical experience to cater for a more musicorientated crowd,” the festival’s publicity manager Melanie Ramjee said.
The festival is organised by Big Touch Africa, which is owned by Wanita Ngcobo. It promises a laid-back feel with “patrons encouraged to bring their camping chairs, umbrellas and cooler boxes”.
Other featured artists include Thandiswa Mazwai,
Joe Nina, Robbie Malinga, Zandi Khumalo, Scelo Gowane, Sands Mondli Ngcobo, DJ Kotin and the UKZN Jazz Ensemble.
Entrance to the venue starts from R290.
Ngcobo said through the Jazz in July festival, his company was hoping to unearth talent from KwaZulu-Natal.