With buzzing restaurants, street performers and multiple stages hosting some of the world’s most sought-after performers, the Newtown Cultural Precinct overflows with things to enjoy at the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival. F
ood vendors, art and crafts stalls and CD stands pop up all over Newtown, and there is merchandising of caps, T-shirts and other festival paraphernalia aplenty.
Newtown Gears Up
For days in advance the area is a hub of activity thanks to the considerable task of erecting the stages. Over the past few years, a specially designed Jazz Dome and the Mbira Stage have been erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating two massive venues to showcase the array of talent on display. Other venues include The Bassline and the Dance Factory, and there is usually free entrance to Newtown venues Shivava, Sophiatown and Nikki’s Oasis, where the lesser-known bands perform.
From Across the Globe
The festival attracts scores of jazz lovers from all over the world and is undoubtedly one of Gauteng Province’s biggest musical attractions. Promoter Peter Tladi of T Musicman elaborates: “As the festival promoters we spend a great deal of time searching for artists who will appeal to a broad base of music fans.”
From British jazz/pop pianist Jamie Callum and home bred-international jazz and R&B superstar Jonathan Butler, to veteran musician George Duke, the incomparable Miriam Makeba and exciting young talents like Kwani Experience and Siphokazi – everyone wants to play at the festival. History was made in 2007 when the first 
American big band, the multiple Grammy-winning Count Basie Orchestra, played in South Africa for the first time in 30 years.
Sharing the Spirit of Jazz
In addition to the performances, the festival is also a great opportunity for local artists to interact with their international contemporaries and idols – which in the past has included the likes of bassist Stanley Clarke - in the form of free workshops. While revelers enjoy tight bass lines and horn riffs by night, the musicians are hard at work by day, sharing ideas, jamming, networking and imparting invaluable skills and knowledge.
The spirit of the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz is best summed up by Mandie van der Spuy, head of jazz and arts at Standard Bank: ‘At the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival we discover and explore both the heritage and riches of home-grown talent, host an enviable clutch of international stars, and meet the young jazz stars of the future. We are proud to sponsor an event that not only brings jazz lovers together, but is also allows us to stage a wonderful collaboration and celebration of jazz in the heart of Johannesburg.’
© Photographs are courtesy and copyright of Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images
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