Arts Writer
THIS month sees the third annual Women in Jazz Month feature at the CBD’s jazz venue – The Crypt Jazz Restaurant. August’s feature will highlight some of the city’s best jazz bands, led by, or comprised of women. The showcase will hone in on their originality and artistry, be it in the vocal or instrumental idiom, by both professional and student performers.
The venue hopes to engage young creators dabbling in the jazz art form, while also reaching out to potential audience members who may not have previously attended a jazz concert.
The Crypt hopes to capture the depth and diversity of the female jazz experience and bring new audiences to the CBD.
Listeners can expect to see the likes of artists such as veteran Sylvia Mdunyelwa, Zoe Modiga, Denay Willie, Amy Campbell, Amanda Tiffin, Amy Walton, Emma de Goede, Phathiswa Mangangane, Titi Tsira, Abigail Petersen, Lucrecia Rodriguez, Michelle Maxwell and Adelia Douw.
For big band enthusiasts, there will also be a performance by the fabulous Delft Big Band, conducted by Ian Smith. This ensemble features a number of excellent young female musicians.
The Crypt is open five days a week, from Tuesday till Saturday, for drinks and dinner from 6.30pm. Live jazz music is on offer in a relaxed listening atmosphere on Tuesdays through Thursdays from 7pm to 10pm and from 8pm to 11pm on Fridays and Saturdays, with a cover charge of R75 per person.
Parking is available on Queen Victoria Street and also in the Cathedral parking area. The venue is located on bus and taxi routes.
The venue’s jazz programme changes nightly, and is available online, at www.thecryptjazz.com
Midweek performances at The Crypt are supported by Concerts SA – a South African/Norwegian initiative.
l The venue is located at St George’s Cathedral, 1 Wale Street. Book: 079 683 4658, or [email protected] For information: Follow on @thecryptjazz Facebook: The CRYPT Jazz Restaurant