'Jazz on Friday' season in Franschhoek begins
30th October 2009
Jazz on Friday season in Franschhoek kicks off with a tribute to Alex van Heerden
The 11th season of Jazz on Friday kicks off on 30 October at La Brasserie with the launch of the CD "Tribute to Alex van Heerden".
Alex played with the top jazz musicians in Cape Town for many years and was vocalist and trumpeter of Franschhoek’s own band, the Cape Dutch Connection. He died tragically in January this year in a car accident. He was only 32.
It was pure coincidence that a few days before his death a live recording was made of the band featuring Alex and guest soloists.
The band decided to make a CD of the live recording in recognition of Alex’s extraordinary talent and contribution to the band and as a farewell to their beloved colleague. They will launch it on 30 October at the first Jazz on Friday of the 2009/2010 season.
Alex was well known and highly regarded in Franschhoek. Apart from being a member of the Cape Dutch Connection, he was also connected to Solms-Delta wine estate where he did research on the origins of Cape music, and where he formed the Optelband and a brass band with the labourers. He also presented a musical programme on the local radio station Franschhoek FM.
The immensely popular Jazz on Friday, presented in its sublime setting at La Brasserie – formerly La Fromagerie – is now in its 11th season and attracts audiences of between 200 and 300 guests each week. It is very much part of the Franschhoek tourist season and is the only place in the Winelands where you will find top jazz musicians from the Cape playing every week.
Cape Dutch Connection is a jazz quintet with vocalist Charlette Dickson, Wesley Rustin double bass, drummer Jack Momple, Derk Blaisse on piano and a guest soloist on saxophone, clarinet, flute, trumpet or trombone.
The band plays jazz in the style of Benny Goodman, George Gershwin and Cole Porter as well as Brazilian Bossa Nova’s in the style of Stan Getz and Astrud Gilberto, and even some Cape Goema. The song Pata Pata is a public favourite.
La Brasserie provides delicious outdoor-style food and the wines of the Franschhoek valley.
JAZZ ON FRIDAY from 30 October 2009 until 2 April 2009
Closed 25 December and 1 January.
LA BRASSERIE, 13 Daniel Hugo Street, FRANSCHHOEK
Entrance R 130 per couple for a bottle of wine and free jazz.
Tables will be held until 6 pm.
BOOKINGS 021 876 3420 or info@labrasserie.co.za
