Carlo Mombelli and the Prisoners of Strange: Edition 2 Carlo Mombelli and the Prisoners of Strange: Edition 2 - featuring Marcus Wyatt on horns, Maria Mombelli on voice and piano, Mark Fransman on woodwinds, and Justin Badenhorst on drums.
Image: Supplied
The Journey to Jazz Festival returns for its third edition, aiming to spark curiosity about origins, culture, and society. It will take place in the town of Prince Albert, in the Western Cape from May 1 to May 4, 2025.
Festival organizers have revealed some of the incredible artists who will immerse visitors in a world of sonic explorations and storytelling.
Additionally, festival organizers have announced Early Bird tickets, which will be available for purchase via Quicket starting December 18, 2024, for a limited time before prices increase in 2025.
Prince Albert, located in the heart of the Great Karoo, is establishing itself as a premier cultural destination, highlighted by the Journey to Jazz (J2J) festival.
The festival is set against the backdrop of a UNESCO World Heritage Site, featuring a vibrant ecological environment, multiple venues, and a welcoming diverse community.
In 2025, the J2J festival will transport visitors through time with a thoughtfully curated lineup of South African and international musicians, led by Creative Director Brenda Sisane and Artistic Director Kyle Shepherd.
The first announced artists include:
Hilton Schilder: A Cape Jazz pioneer known for his mastery of over 16 instruments and exceptional storytelling.
Ernie Smith: A multi-award-winning artist celebrated for his soulful fusion of jazz, African rhythms, and RnB.
Carlo Mombelli and The Prisoners of Strange – Edition 2: An ensemble presenting avant-garde, bass-driven compositions that explore the fine line between sanity and brilliance. -
Siya Makuzeni: A pioneering trombonist and vocalist whose genre-blending performances push musical boundaries.
Paolo Damiani Last Land Band: This Italian trio, featuring Damiani (bassist), Antonio Jasevoli (guitarist), and Elena Paparusso (vocalist), takes audiences on a sonic journey exploring humanity and Earth’s infinite possibilities.
Kujenga: A Cape Town-based collective that celebrates Black culture through spontaneous and vibrant improvisation.
Outeniqua High School Jazz Band: A talented youth ensemble blending traditional jazz with local influences.
A Karoo Reception
The true hospitality of the Karoo is reflected in the diverse and engaging ‘Groet is n Moet’ (greeting is a must) activity program that the J2J festival organizes each year, along with the warm welcome from the local community.
Activities include artist-led masterclasses, a "night at the museum" dinner, ghost tours, bike rides, guided walks in the surrounding Swartberg mountains, a neighborhood goods market, and a series of world-class exhibitions, making the Journey to Jazz festival and Prince Albert an all-encompassing experience.
Tickets for the various experiences will be sold separately, with more details available on the J2J website.
A Festival with Purpose
Journey to Jazz boasts many unique features, including a relaxed atmosphere where performances occur in a friendly setting, allowing attendees to walk around the town, mingle, and explore.
Perhaps the festival's most important attribute is its focus on sustainable development. Established by the Prince Albert Community Trust (PACT) in 2023, the festival empowers the local community through skills training, employment, and cultural exchange.
Over 70 local youth, primarily from Noord Einde, are involved in co-producing the event, ensuring a positive social and economic impact.
Event details:
Name: Journey to Jazz
Date: May 1 – 4, 2025
Where: Venues throughout Prince Albert
Ticket prices: Limited Early Bird tickets are available at R250 per person per performance.
For more information: www.journeytojazz.co.za
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