Bringing the smooth sounds of jazz to the West Coast, the 2018 Jazz on the Rocks left a mark as it has always done over the last seven years.
With an impressive lineup featuring some of the Western Cape's s jazz musicians, Jazz on the Rocks has proved itself to be among the leaders of the local jazz festival circuit.
While it was my introduction to some of these local artists I was immediately enthralled by the quality of music and experience the festival provides.
The festival happens in the The Cape Columbine Nature Reserve that boasts beautiful views and borders the quaint fishing village in Paternoster.
Tietiesbaai is an unspoiled stretch of beach within the Reserve, only 90 minutes outside of Cape Town.
With the stage mounted atop the boulders on the shore, jazz revelers perch themselves on the beach and dance the weekend away.
Jazz On The Rocks 2018. Picture: Facebook
The brainchild of radio personality and towering figure in the Western Cape jazz scene Clarence Ford, the festival attracted scores of people, many of whom have set up on the campsite surrounding the stage area.
It's a family affair, an outing that can be enjoyed by young and old while also allowing for a platform to be created for the local businesses. Nedbank also plays a big sponsorship role in making the festival a reality.
The weekend saw performances by Natano,Hassanadas, Miles Entertainment, The Rockets which were a clear crowd favourite, N2 who mixed the sounds of traditional jazz with trendy young vocalists that gave the music an edge and Dr Victor to name a few.
Some of the performances that stood out include the Sax on the Rocks exchange by UK based Andrew Young and Cape Town’s beloved Donveno Prins.
Vocal powerhouse Vuvu Khumalo’s performance had music lovers on their feet. Fancy Galada’s afro jazz had people also singing at the the top of their lungs.
But it was Jarrad Rickets connected with the audience in an unbelievable way.
All in all the 2018 Jazz on the Rocks was the best way to kick off a brilliant year music festivals.