The Cape Town Jazzathon, which recently celebrated its 25th Anniversary, is the longest running music festival in South Africa.
Also fondly known as ‘The Peoples Festival’, the iconic event will feature at least 6 performances daily, between 12h00 – 20h00.
The line-up at the V&A from Friday 13 to Sunday 15 January 2023 will showcase the amazing talent as unearthed by community music schools.
The Cape Town Jazzathon takes on a different approach over the next few years with quite a few changes to both the format of the festival, and the programmes leading up to the festival.
Even more exciting for 2023 is that JCQ Productions, producers of the Cape Town Jazzathon, will host 2 Festivals – a free festival this week from 13th -15th Jan and a ticketed festival in July 2023.
- The Cape Town Jazzathon Summer Showcase – Amphitheatre, V&A Waterfront 13-15 January 2023
- Jazzathon Jazz & Jams in July – The Grand Arena, GrandWest on 28, 29, 30 July 2023.
The idea behind the 2 festivals is that Jazz lovers can enjoy the best South African and African music from development artists to professional performers in appropriately ambient locations in summer and in winter!
Most importantly is that one festival will showcase brand new talent while the second festival provides a platform for some of South Africa’s biggest performers.Jazzathon WorkshopsHaving already visited various community schools in Cape Town and surrounds, the Jazzathon team in Conjunction with Music Exchange will head out to Karoo, The West Coast and Garden Route in the new year to ensure that as many music organisations as possible are given the recognition they deserve. The line-up in 2023 at the V&A will showcase the amazing talent as unearthed by community music schools. “This Jazzathon Summer Showcase is a musical extravaganza that focuses on the discovery of completely unknown artists, community-based music schools, and young-and-upcoming artists, while simultaneously providing opportunities for skills development for youth, who wish to learn about the many elements of entertainment and production” says festival director, Craig Parks.
“Besides the 3-day showcase, we are excited to travel to various communities around the Western Cape, where we will conduct basic music business and development workshops.”
He further reiterates, “While patrons can expect the usual music filled fun in the sun with friends and family, we encourage promotors and producers to scout around at Jazzathon for fresh talent and interact with previously unknown artists”
The Festival Programme and Line-up will constantly be updated on the festival website – www.jazzathon.co.za The Festival is supported by The City of Cape Town and The Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport
Anyone who would like to become a sponsor or make any contribution towards the festival may contact our office via email – jcq@jazzathon.co.za
For all queries, please email info@jazzathon.co.za
Martin Myers 
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