30th April is a day that was set aside as a culmination of the celebration of Jazz in the month April to become the World International Jazz Day by UNESCO in 2011.
It is an important day that brings together all Jazz lovers and musicians to celebrate the joy of jazz in their own unique way the world over. Jazz music has transcended every other music genre with its reach growing beyond its birth place -New Orleans in the U.S.
Locally, Jazz has slowly been gaining a fan base though it would be premature to state that we have a Jazz culture, not with the lack of a consistent Jazz Festival that take place annually. In my last article, I delved deeper into the chronology of Jazz festivals in Kenya. I am glad that Festivals such as the recently held Safaricom International Jazz Festival and the Jazz Safari have shown commitment in creating a consistent experience for Jazz lovers in Nairobi.
Last year there were 2 concerts that took place to mark the World International Jazz day. This year, there are 4, 1 taking place on 29th and the rest on 30th at different locations within Nairobi.
Mark your Calendar for the following;-
Ricky na Marafiki – An evening of Afrojazz
Line up: Ricky na Marafiki band
When: 29th April, 6pm- 9pm
Where: Alliance Francais
How much: Ksh. 500
All That Jazz Chapter XII
Line up: The Jacob Asiyo Trio & The Aaron Rimbui Quartet| Feat. Kavutha Mwanzia & Kato Change
When: 30th April,8-10pm
Where: Louis Leakey Auditorium (National Museums of Kenya)
How much: Ksh. 2,000 (tickets available at Capital Fm offices)
Classic 105 Jazz Night with Isaiah Katumwa
Line up: Ugandan jazz maestro Isaiah Katumwa featuring James Gogo of the celebrated Gogosimo Band as he launches his debut jazz album titled Finding The Keys.
When: April 30 (not sure what time it starts)
Where: The Carnivore in Nairobi.
How much: Tickets cost Sh2,000 at the entrance, and Sh3,000 for the VIP experience which comes with a free dinner, drinks and a complimentary album.
For the Love of Jazz
Line up: Different Faces Band, June Gachui, Chris Bittok, Mwai and the Truth, Juma Tutu Swahili Band, The Don Sax Therapy, Liron & Michel Ongaro and many more. DJ Set by Njukey
When: 30th April, (check the #JazzDayKe hashtag)
Where: The Tree House Restaurant
How much: Ksh, 1,000 (tickets available at the door)
The twitter Hashtag for the international festivities is #JazzDay, however, Kenyans On twitter have their own – #JazzDayKe, check it our for more updates on the above events.
Look out for the webcast for the All Star Global Concert live from Osaka Japan.
PS.I have decided to test my raving skills by attempting to go for all the concerts, it helps that there are two that are on opposite sides of the Museum road on the 30th, I will tell you how this worked out in a review post. Oh, look out for photos as well.