USA COLLABORATION WITH NORTHERN ARTS FESTIVAL

With only days remaining before the Festival, excitement is building as the countdown to the 8th annual Northern Arts Festival kicks off. The organizers and participants are hard at work to make this year's milestone event, starting on Thursday, 19 March, with a Gala Dinner at the ICC Boardwalk. The keynote address will be delivered by Rashid Lombard founder of the Cape Town International Jazz Festival.

Apart from the many popular artists who'll be performing there are also two world renowned Grammy nominated musicians from the USA who will be conducting workshops and perform at this year’s Northern Arts Festival.

Bill Maxwell, founder of the jazz group, Koinonia, has worked with the likes of Elton John, T Bone Burnett, Cassandra Wilson, Ray Charles, Billy Preston, Quincy Jones, The Crusaders, Freddie Hubbard, Anita Baker, BeBe and CeCe Winans, Luther Vandross and others.

Renowned musician, Fletch Wiley is a flautists, arranger and producer. Over the last four decades he has received multiple Grammy nominations as arranger for “Take Me Back” with Andraé Crouch and the Disciples and Best Recording for Children. His own recordings include instrumental projects: five for Star Song Records, nine for Word Records, two independent jazz releases and arranging and producing projects in classical, Christian, pop and rock idioms.

Workshop will be conducted by these outstanding artists and participants can be sure to draw from their wealth of experience and skills.

Wed, 18th March:

1st Workshop will be conducted on Wednesday, 18th March, by Fletch Wiley with the NMMU Wind Ensemble Greenwood Primary School from 2:30 pm – 5:00 pm

2ndWorkshop will be conducted onThursday , 19th March, by Bill Maxwell with local musicians, songwriters and Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University (NMMU) music technology students at NMMU, Bird Street Campus from 09:30 am – 12h30 pm

Entry fee to all workshops are free but RSVP is important. SMS 0792468199 or contact info@twotonemusic.co.za

Entrance to the festival from Friday to Sunday is R10 per person. Contact info@northernarts.co.za

Included in the line-up for the weekend festivities will be Dr Victor and the Rasta Rebels who will be performing some of their latest hits. Other favourites include Jonathan Rubain, Neville D, Justin Leigh Band and popular dance crew Dejavu and a host of brilliant talent from the Bay.

The ever-popular Rockets, who are no strangers to our shores, are guaranteed to get the feet tapping when they take to the main stage on Saturday.

Apart from the performing artists there will also be a host of crafters who will be displaying their handiwork. Various other stands will be selling tasty food and a variety of products. The organization, A fighting Chance, who have been very involved in combating the scourge of drugs in our community, will also, be present to highlight the dangers associated with drug abuse.

This year, in commemoration of the Festival's 8th year, five community-based organizations will again be setting up stands in order to highlight the services which they offer as well as to sell products in order to raise much-needed funds.

The jam-packed weekend programme will culminate in a gospel extravaganza on the Sunday, where popular artists like Jonathan Rubain will provide the entertainment. Neville D, who is also a well known contemporary gospel artist of international acclaim, will also be performing some of his gospel hits.

Festival organizers have been liaising with the SAPS and Traffic Department to ensure that there will minimum disruption to residents. Notices will shortly be circulated amongst the residents in the areas surrounding Marock Road. A team of volunteers is being trained to assist with keeping the area in pristine condition. A comprehensive security plan has been drawn up whereby the SAPS, Sector Policing and two security companies will ensure the safety of visitors and residents.

With such a wide variety of activities on offer this year's Festival is definitely worth notarizing in your diary!

The Northern Arts festival:  - a legacy for generations to come.