Now the fourth largest jazz festival in the world, outstripping famous names such as Montreux, Cape Town's two-day extravaganza sees more than 40 local and international artists playing five sound stages at the Convention Centre over a hectic, heady two days. It all kicks off however with a huge free Community Concert featuring a line-up of many of the featured artists in Greenmarket Square.
The 2011 Festival is headlined by an extraordinary quartet - legendary local trumpeter, Hugh Masakela; Senegalese superstar, Youssou N'Dour; 1970s supergroup, Earth, Wind & Fire; and the Wayne Shorter Quartet, led by a saxophonist who has changed the musical map during his long career. Behind them come a legion of performers from the United States and South Africa, Holland and Madagascar, Mozambique and Singapore including Afro-soul singer Simphiwe Dana (SA), Patricia Barber and Christian Scott (US).
Passes are available for the whole weekend, for a day or for a single concert. It is also possible to buy a complete travel package including accommodation via the official website.
Practical details
2011 dates: 25-26 March 2011
Website: http://www.capetownjazzfest.com/
Tel: +27 21 422 5653
Prices: Weekend Pass: R499; Day Pass: R365 ; Rosies Tickets: R25 per performance