CAROLS GO JAZZ

Carols Go Jazz is a programme of soulful jazz-inspired traditional Christmas carols and carefully-chosen contemporary festive songs featuring Standard Bank Young Artist Award winner for jazz, 2010, Melanie Scholtz, which will take place at Howard College Theatre on December 15 and 16.

“As we know throughout time and history December time is a time of laughter, sharing, connecting and good food. Music also forms an integral part of this festive season and this is what ADnovate Media aims to offer during these December holidays,” says event organiser Mahlasela Nhlengetwa.

Melanie Scholtz will be supported by the Sylvester Mazinyane Trio.

“Christmas carols have been and are a tradition in many countries and homes during the Christmas season and South Africa is no exception to this. To honour this, we will host our annual Carols Go Jazz concert. This is an exceptionally exciting concept that gives a twist to Christmas Carols by adding a jazzy element and swing to them. This is to offer Christmas carols to not only its general audience but also to a wider audience by attracting jazz lovers and others,” continues Nhlengetwa.

“The birth of The Carols Go Jazz in 2009 was greatly received by jazz and carol lovers. This year we are taking it to the next level by collaborating with well-known jazz artists. This year our main act is Melanie Scholtz - a world-acclaimed artist, winner of the 2003 Best Jazz Vocalist of the Old Mutual Jazz Encounters and Standard Bank’s Young Artist for Jazz 2010 and performed in the 2010 Joy of Jazz sharing the stage with the likes of Chris Boti. Scholtz has released three albums, Zillion Miles, Connected and Living Standards which have taken this accomplished composer/lyricist and writer to places such as Holland, Morocco, Sweden, Spain and Portugal. Scholtz will be accompanied by a seven piece band.

The Carols Go Jazz tour kicks off in Durban then moves to Pretoria before closing off in Cape Town. Performances take place in Howard College Theatre, UKZN on December 15 and 16 at 19h00. Tickets R100 at the door.