SONGBOOK SESSION: MELVIN PETERS

 

(Melvin Peters)

 The Centre for Jazz at UKZN invites music lovers to join them for The Songbook Sessions on March 9, featuring the legendary pianist and educator, Melvin Peters. Peters is a master navigator in his own right and brings decades of insight and improvisation. Together with his sophisticated swing and soulful expression make this performance a must-see.

Ostensibly a Monday night jam session presented in two halves, The Songbook Sessions begins with a curated set of selections chosen by the invited bandleader. Tunes are made available in advance to participants, complete with charts and audio resources, and are graded from beginner and easy to intermediate and advanced levels—creating an inclusive and accessible platform for musicians of varying experience.

The second half of the evening opens into an open jam session, encouraging spontaneous collaboration and musical dialogue. The initiative aims to bring together musicians from diverse backgrounds, alongside other performance practitioners, students, educators, and audiences who value live musical exchange. The series seeks to uncover new repertoires, interrogate the concept of “standards,” acknowledge shared and diverse histories, and celebrate the multicultural landscape of contemporary South African society.

Held weekly on Mondays from 18h00, the sessions take place at the Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, located at the University of KwaZulu-Natal’s Howard College Campus (Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Durban). Entrance is free for participating musicians and artists.

The Songbook Sessions Monday night jam session is made possible through the generous funding support of Concerts SA, Festival Enterprise Catalyst, SAMRO, and the National Treasury Jobs Fund.

Tickets: R130 (R100 (Pensioners), (R70 Students with valid student card).

Tickets available via Webtickets or cash at the door https://www.webtickets.co.za/v2/Performance.aspx?itemid=1587429957  

 

Event: The Songbook Sessions Monday 02

Monday, March 09, 2026

Doors open: 17h30. Concert from 18h00 – 20h00

Venue: Centre for Jazz and Popular Music, UKZN - Howard College Campus, Dennis Shepstone Building, Level 2, Durban

 

For audiences and musicians alike, The Songbook Sessions offers a vibrant platform for collaboration, learning, and musical exploration—continuing its mission to cultivate community through live performance and shared repertoire.