Arts writer
BIG band enthusiasts are in for a major treat when the 10th Brass Band Extravaganza comes to Artscape Theatre tomorrow. Formally known as Kader Miller’s Brass Band Pops, the annual big band festival is now a collabora-tion between Artscape Theatre and well-known bandleader and jazz musician, Ian Smith.
The purpose of the concert has always been to provide a platform for emerging young bands. While continuing to do this, Saturday’s showcase has also got a new look this year under Smith’s baton.
As director, the trumpeter has taken a more selective approach to the production, together with promoting more interaction and collaboration between bands. This Brass Band Extravaganza is an opportunity to bring together bands that wouldn’t necessarily be seen elsewhere on the same stage.
This year sees Wynberg Girls ‘ High Jazz Band and Steenberg High School’s wind and jazz bands performing alongside community project bands such as The Wellington Big Band and the renowned Delft Big Band. They will also be joined by Brass Band Theory and the Santam District Big Band, who have both evolved from minstrel groups.
Although these ensembles all come from very different backgrounds, they share the commonality of having all worked with Smith in some capacity, from training and development to mentorship. The six orchestras have participated in workshops with Smith throughout the year, with a focus on promoting musical literacy.
Their concert on Saturday will feature a diverse mix of instrumental, vocal jazz, popular light classical music with an Andrew Lloyd Webber medley, some Michael Bublé and Ella Fitzgerald favourites, a Stevie Wonder selection, a medley of Abba hits and Johann Strauss’ Radetzky March amongst other items on the programme.
The production will end off with a bang when the bands’ more than 150 musicians join forces for an ‘extravagant’ grand finale.
l Brass Band Extravaganza will be on stage at Artscape Theatre from 3pm. Tickets: R40. Book: Artscape Dial-a-Seat: 021 421 7695, Computicket 0861 915 8000.