...during the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s free concert on Greenmarket Square, that is!
|||Amid dreary weather on Tuesday, the crew of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival’s (CTIJF) free community concert crew toiled for hours, lugging heavy equipment in preparation for tonight’s 13 500-strong crowd.
Fans can expect to groove as nearly 30 speakers, two screens and dozens of lights will illuminate the hottest talent on the 144m stage on Greenmarket Square.
The free community concert is seen as an appetiser for the main event this weekend.
While tickets to the festival were sold out weeks ago, jazz fans can get a glimpse of some of the hottest local and international talent at the free event.
Sizzling international acts are set to bring the heat, despite the expected cold weather. This includes new jack swing trio SWV and festival newcomer Laetitia Dana. The up-and-coming Parisian talent is set to entertain crowds with her smooth and soulful sounds.
Popular local band Dr Victor & the Rasta Rebels are expected to get the crowd on their feet with their pop-reggae fusion, while espYoungLegend winner Lana Crowster will display her strong vocals.
TopDog SA, a local jazz outfit, and the Arts and Culture Focus School’s All Star Band finish off the talented line-up.
A safety official in Greenmarket Square, who did not want to be named, said on Tuesday that some crew members would be working until midnight in preparation for the event.
“It’s my first year on-site as a safety official. I love working the job. It’s going to be a great concert! We hope everyone enjoys it.”
He said that 50 crew members have moved around the site on a daily basis and that preparations would continue until today.
“Our sound check is at noon. So we have to complete the stage (before) then.”
Technical crew member Rafeeq La Roux, 29, has been working at the festival for three years.
He said that on Tuesdayafternoon they were still waiting for more equipment to arrive at the stage’s location.
“As we handle the stage lighting, we’re usually the last on-site. I’ve been involved in the sound industry for six years and I love every minute of it,” he said.
Dignitaries attending include Arts and Culture Minister Nathi Mthethwa.
Festival organisers EspAfrika said the concert was a feature in a week of events which counted down to the CTIJF on Friday and Saturday.
The concert is for those who aren’t able to afford and attend the festival, with the Passenger Rail Agency of South Africa scheduling free trains on certain lines.
Festival director Billy Domingo said: “This event has always been a true highlight for me on the jazz festival calendar.
“I want to thank Cape Town and its people for allowing us to host such a remarkable event, which reflects the goals of togetherness our communities strive for, regardless of the prejudice surrounding gender, race and our historical background.”
Cape Argus