Local audiences and visitors to the city are in for a treat this festive season as Cape Town-born jazz musician and producer Jonathan Rubain prepares to rock music lovers with his latest show, Cape Jazz Is Lekke!, at the Baxter Concert Hall, from December 11 until January 13, at 8.15pm daily.
Rubain will pay tribute to and celebrate South African jazz legends such as Robbie Jansen, Abdullah Ibrahim, Basil "Manenberg" Coetzee and Zayn Adam to name a few.
He will be joined on stage by some of Cape Town’s finest jazz musicians: Kyle Shepard (piano), Hilton Schilder (piano and mouth bow), guitarists Dave Ledbetter and Allou April and vocalist Candice Thornton, accompanied by a band under the direction of Spencer Kennedy.
Cape Jazz is Lekke! is Rubain’s eighth production and his biggest show to date, showcasing the rich variety and culture in local jazz. He describes this production as “the vibe of this city, captured in one show”.
“Cape Jazz is a sound unique to this city, best played by local musicians. The show is packed with lively performances and songs that will uplift audiences’ spirits.
"This is a great opportunity for me and I’m grateful to be part of the Baxter’s festive line up. As part of the show we will include local Ghoema music and cover some of the Cape’s greatest jazz songs sure to put you in a cheerful mood and get you dancing,” Rubain said.
Rubain grew up in Hanover Park, training with and learning from artists such as Mac Mckenzie and Hilton Schilder.
He has played the bass guitar for musicians such as Errol Dyers and Robbie Jansen. Rubain also features on Grammy Award winner Kirk Whalum’s latest DVD Gospel According to Jazz Chapter 4 and his track Reason to Smile was a big hit on local radio stations.
He is widely regarded as one of the prestigious club of acclaimed Cape Town jazz artists.
Following a successful short season at the Baxter in August with I’m in Love with a Guitarist, Rubain returns to wow audiences with new compositions as well as classics that pay tribute to the legends of jazz that have inspired his own career.
Herald in the New Year with Cape Jazz is Lekke! and book for the Baxter’s hugely popular New Year’s Eve bash which will take place in the foyer of the Baxter after the performances onDecember 31.
The show will start at 9.15pm and the ticket price includes entrance to the party where guests can sip on a complimentary bubbly or orange juice with a DJ on the decks to ring in the New Year.
Book early to avoid disappointment.
* Booking for Cape Jazz is Lekke! is through Computicket at 086 1915 8000, online at www.computicket.co.za or at any Shoprite Checkers outlet.
For discounted school or group block bookings, fundraisers or charities contact Sharon Ward on 0216803962 or email [email protected] or Carmen Kearns on 021 680 3993 or email her at [email protected]