Durban will experience a brass showcase that will be held at the University of KwaZulu-Natal (UKZN) Centre for Jazz and Popular Music on Wednesday 24 July.  The brass showcase will feature the UKZN Big Band which is comprised of Sinalo Zulu and Phuti Mofakeng on trumpets, Kgethi Nkotsi and Siyalo Zulu on trombones, Zinhle Msani, Tseleng Mokhatla, Lwandile Khoase, Thami Zungu and Thembelani Mkoka on saxophones, Owen Balaram and Tazlo Jacobs on piano, Mdu Mthethwa and Blessing Thwala on bass, Siya Zulu and Boy Mokhatla on drums, as well as Courtney Pendy and Sne Cele on vocals.  The UKZN Big Band features a programme that ranges from classic and student arrangement of contemporary music.  They will also play one of the compositions by their lecturer Burton Naidoo.

Trumpeter Curt Rix. Picture by Ayanda Mfiki

Also participating for the showcase with their ensembles are trombonists Siyalo Zulu and Kgethi Nkotsi, trumpeters Phuti Mofokeng and Sinalo Zulu who will be playing his original compositions “Olanis” and “Eshakaville”.  Port Elizabeth born trumpeter Curt Rix is currently a 2nd year jazz student at UKZN.  Curt started playing the trumpet at the age of 12 and has played with Stellenbosch international Chamber Festival Orchestra.  After high school, Curt became more interested in improvised music, which led him to play with local jazz musicians in PE.  Curt has played with the likes of Sibongile Khumalo, Gloria Bosman, Khaya Mahlangu, Feya Faku, Lira, Judith Sephuma, and the Nelson Mandela Bay Big Band at the Joy of Jazz in 2017.  He will be playing “Untitled” and “One for Sakhi” by Eldene Bruiner.

This looks and feels like one of those showcases jazz enthusiasts just cannot afford to miss. UKZN Centre for Jazz and Popular has already hosted the piano and bass showcases this year already.  The Centre is located at Level 2, Shepstone Building on the Howard College Campus.  Cover is R80 for the general public, R50 for pensioners and R25 for students.  Doors will open at 17h30 and the show will start at 18h00.