“Jazz music is one of our few indigenous art forms,” Metzger said. “It has been declared a national treasure in (nonprofit music organization) House Resolution 57. In many ways, it defines our culture and who we are as Americans.” Varcoe said most people don’t realize jazz is innately American.
“The United States utilizes jazz musicians as tools of international diplomacy, because the music is so free and creative,” Varcoe said. “Everyone can learn something from jazz music.”
The 13th Cape Town International Jazz Festival line-up has been bolstered by the addition of internationally acclaimed artists Jill Scott, Pharoahe Monch and Steve Tyrell. This year's festival takes place on Friday 30 and Saturday 31 March.
“At the moment there are only four jazz festivals in the South Island, Queenstown, Christchurch (where he’ll be playing in April) Nelson and Hanmer and I’d like to think that an international jazz festival here in Methven could be a real success.
“I could get five great bands from overseas here through my connections in jazz, and if six major sponsors came on board, it would be great for the area,” he said.
Mr Bradley said along with the obvious spin-offs for Methven’s businesses he would try innovative things like having musicians play at church services during the festival.
JEREMY PELT QUINTET
LA LOCOMOTORA NEGRA
PHILIP CATHERINE TRIO
RENÉ MARIE
LUIS BONILLA QUINTET
MARC AYZA GROUP
DAVID PASTOR & LA BIG BOM BAND
JASON MORAN AND THE BANDWAGON
