Thomson to direct Durban International Blues Festival

She has been the backbone behind many a musical presentation and her involvement in the Durban International Blues Festival (DIBF) for the last four years cannot go unnoticed. She was one of the main keyboard musicians during the summit where she has performed on stage with the likes of the international guest artists Liz Mandeville, Fiona Boyse, Phillip Walker and Jimmy Burns to name a few.

"I'm very grateful to be part of such a wonderful festival and vibe and to be included with some great muzo's. It's really the highlight of my year," says Thomson who is a graduate from UCT with a degree in classical piano and who went on to study jazz and arrangement where she has made her mark in tribute shows, musicals, cabaret, children's theatre, jazz and rock bands.

Touring with cabaret stars

"I have had the tremendous opportunity to tour nationally with renowned cabaret artists Danielle Pascal, Mynie Grove and Rory Roetenberg and, of course, my time teaching in the UCT jazz department and City Varsity Multimedia College was an exceptionally rewarding experience," she says.

This year Thomson has been asked by the DIBF to put structure and musically direct the electric summit and she has invited Jo Rowland to assist her. She will also be involved with her husband Barry in delivering one of the series of master classes set up for this year's event.

The Durban International Blues Festival takes place at The Deck on Wilson's Wharf in Durban from 2-7 October. For more information, go to www.durbanbluesfestival.co.za.