For the first time the festival brings multi-Grammy award-winner, vocalist James Ingram (US) with hits such as Just Once and I Don't Have The Heart. Ingram is best known for his hit collaborations such as Yah Mo Be There, Baby Come To Me and How Do You Keep The Music Playing.
Returning to the festival is jazz saxophonist Dave Koz (US) with special guest Patti Austin (US), six-time Grammy nominee and jazz and jazz-fusion guitarist Mike Stern (US) performing with drummer Dave Weckl (US), as well as South Africa's own Virtual Jazz Reality.
Serious jazz lovers can look forward to international jazz veterans the Brubeck Brothers: Darius (piano), Chris (bass) and Dan (drums) with special guest Mike Rossi (sax) playing as Brubecks play Brubeck (US/SA). Jazz bassist, Ron Carter (US), saxophonist Donald Harrison (US), creator of the the Noveau Swing jazz style, and jazz fusion drummer Lenny White (US), from Return To Forever fame, will be cooking up a storm on the Rosies Stage. Other artist to look forward to on the Rosies Stage include the Andre Petersen Quintet (SA) who will be launching their debut album.
Attracting the younger audience is indie hip hop band Atmosphere (US), as well as South African-born female MC Jean Grae (US). Other artists included in the first artist announcement include Cape Town electronic duo Goodluck, South African songbird Zamajobe and local rising soul star Zahara.
Fresh from the release of their newest album "Outline" will be The Jason Reolon Trio (SA), as well as young pianist Alfredo Rodriguez (Cuba) and Grammy award-winning tenor saxophonist David Sanchez (Puerto Rico) invites Lionel Loueke (Benin) as his special guest.
Audiences will also see The Moreira Project (Mozambique) as well as youth development band the Alexander Sinton High School Jazz Band (SA), which has been selected to open the festival on the Saturday.
"Not only has The Cape Town International Jazz Festival become an iconic live music experience, but we are proud to say that it is also a significant contributor to the South African economy and tourism and entertainment industries. Last year's event contributed R498 million to the Western Cape's economy and created 2700 jobs," said Billy Domingo, COO of South African event management company espAfrika.
Ticket prices for the 2012 festival are R400 for a single-day pass. A two-day weekend pass is R550. As in previous years, there will be an extra fee of R30 per act for patrons wishing to attend concerts on the Rosies stage. Tickets are available at Computicket and Shoprite-Checkers stores.
For more information, go to www.capetownjazzfest.com
