One of the most talented and critically acclaimed soul singers of the last decade, Rahsaan Patterson, headlines the opening night of the festival on the Dinaledi stage, with support from London-based guitarist and vocalist Brian Temba and the Cape Town jazz singer Auriol Hays.
Headlining day two, on the Dinaledi stage, are trumpeter Chris Botti and celebrated jazz singer Lala Hathaway. Producers TMusicman have confirmed that they will add at least a further 15 artists - local, African and international - to the final line-up in what is expected to be its strongest to date.
Rahsaan Patterson made a name for himself writing songs for acclaimed artists such as R&B sensation Brandy, Tevin Campbell, Chico Da Barge and Ray J before releasing three solo albums. Probably best known for the hit Where You Are, Patterson regularly performs with South Africa's Jonathan Butler.
London-based, South African-born soul and R&B artist Brian Temba makes his debut at the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz. Nicknamed SoulThemba, before releasing his debut album "Something Better", Temba's voice had already been backing up some South African jazz legends including Bra Hugh Masekela, Jonathan Butler, Joyous Celebration and Family Factory.
Auriol Hays will grace the Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz stages fresh from appearing at the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland. Only a year since the release of her debut album "Behind Closed Doors", Hays is fast making a name for herself and being likened to Nina Simone, with Amy Whitehouse flair.
Trumpeter Chris Botti is said to be the largest selling jazz instrumental artist in the US today. Working with a string of well-known jazz artists, including Frank Sinatra (with whom he toured whilst still at college), Josh Groban, Michael Buble, Andrea Bocelli, Joni Mitchell and John Mayer, Botti has four number one jazz albums as well as a string of Grammy awards.
Lala Hathaway, the contemporary jazz and R&B artist was born into music royalty - her father Donny Hathaway was one of the most influential soul artists of the 1980s. And like him, she too will leave a music legacy that includes five hit albums and collaborations with the likes of Marcus Miller, Mary J Blige and Meshell Ndegeocello.
Said festival producer, Mantwa Odutayo of T-Musicman': "We have gone to great lengths to secure the finest artists and we believe we have a heavyweight line up befitting 2010's stature. We will announce the additional 15 artists appearing at concerts in July."
The 2010 Standard Bank Joy Of Jazz will take place at six venues in the city's Newtown precinct. The Dinaledi Stage and the Mbira Stage will be erected on Mary Fitzgerald Square, creating two purpose-built venues to showcase this year's line-up. Other venues include The Market Theatre and The Bassline, Sophiatown and Nikki's Oasis.
For more information on the line-up, venues go to www.standardbankarts.com and www.joyofjazz.co.za
Tickets to the opening night performances are on sale at Computicket with a 15 percent discount for all Standard Bank customers.
