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Thursday, January 14, 2021

BRASS & WOODWIND PLAYERS UNITE FOR ACTION IN AUTISM

(Mokgethisi Nkotsi. Pic by Sufi Don)

The Centre for Jazz and Popular Music (UKZN) and iSupport Creative Business will present the Brass and Woodwind concert featuring 17 talented brass and woodwind players. The virtual concert aims to raise funds for Action in Autism and will take place as part of the regular Unlocked Music Sessions on January 20 at 18h00.

Action in Autism is a dynamic and inclusive organisation that works from a social human rights paradigm, providing resource, learning, support and advocacy for Autistic people, their primary caregivers, extended families, educators, medical and allied health professionals and the wider community. Based in Haig Road in Park Hill, Durban North, this non-profit has served thousands of families since its inception in 2005. As a non-government, public benefit organisation, Action in Autism relies on the generosity of kind donors, local business and community fundraising initiatives for support.

(Cathy Peacock)

The online experience features trumpeter Cathy Peacock who plays for KZNPO, teaches trumpet part-time at various schools and runs the eight-piece jazz band Platform Jazz, and South Africa’s leading saxophonist and University of South Africa lecturer KarĂ©n Devroop, and well-loved Durban trumpeter George Mari.

Also contributing to this exciting virtual concert are Phumlani Mtiti, a Mthatha born saxophonist and composer, extremely talented saxophonist Mxolisi Mdlalose, Nokwanda Nkala, who is appearing alongside Heels over Head, Canadian band Avataar led by Sundar Viswanathan, New Zealand based UKZN Alumni , saxophonist Thabani Gapara and South African Music Rights Organization(SAMRO) overseas scholarship for best instrumentalist (2016) award winner Linda Sikhakhane.

Also showcasing their talents are theatre sensation saxophonist Kirsty van der Linde, Cape Town-born reedman McCoy Mrubata and Durban band Jazz Minkeys, whose performance is dedicated to the late Tom Hare who was part of the band.

Completing the line-up are Beatrootz, led by Stacey van Schalkwyk,  creative and versatile Lesley Jennings, the founder of Gigculture, Tembisa born trombone player Mokgethisi (Kgethi) Nkotsi, Mpumalanga born saxophonist Tshepo Mphela, fondly known as Kats Kats, and KwaMashu-based brass band Locrean Music Project.

This concert is made possible by The SAMRO Foundation/Concerts SA. It will take place as part of the regular Unlocked Music Sessions on Wednesday January 20, 2021, at 18h00. Tickets R80 available on Webtickets.