GEORGE NEWS - The talented Cape jazz pianist and composer Ramon Alexander and his accomplished band will be giving a free workshop and a concert in George on Monday 30 April.
Alexander is the last and youngest of the Cape Jazz disciples who build bridges between the old and the young. Cape Jazz is the music of the brown people of the Cape, a fusion of indigenous sounds mixed with Western and European music flavours. Influenced by "Kaapse" church music, "langarm" and folk music, it is appreciated by all with an ear for good music, melodies and rhythmCape Jazz finds its origins form early colonialist times where slavery was rife.
Ramon is especially inspired by the father of Cape Jazz, Abdullah Ebrahim. Another important and exciting influence and collaboration is that of Cape Jazz and fusion composer and pianist Ibrahim Khalil Shihab.
The two musicians will be launching a collaborative album in October. Alexander has performed at the critically acclaimed international Cape Jazz festival, the Borneo Jazz Festival and the Grahamstown Jazz Festival.
He also accompanies various solo artists such as Anton Goosen, Anna Davel, Mel Botes, Amanda Strydom, Danie Niehaus, Matthys Roets, Zolani Mahola (Freshly Ground), Bobby van Jaarsveld and Francois van Coke.
Details
The concert starts at 19:30 at the Oakhurst Insurance George Arts Theatre. Doors open for pre-drinks and last-minute ticket sales at 19:00. Tickets are R100 per person, R70 for theatre members and R40 for school pupils. To buy tickets or make bookings, contact Jolien at the theatre on 044 874 3142.
For any other enquiries relating to the workshop or concert, phone Luna Paige on 082 859 2420.
Free workshop
Alexander believes in educating the youth and using his teaching abilities to enable young aspiring jazz musicians to learn the Cape Jazz style. He often presents workshops for the youth and will be including a free workshop for music learners and musicians on Monday.
It will take place from 12:00 to 14:00 at Outeniqua High School. To attend the workshop, contact Lynette Pietersen on 078 286 4878.
For any other enquiries relating to the workshop or concert, phone Luna Paige on 082 859 2420.
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