BRAAMFONTEIN – Joburg’s new home of live jazz, The Orbit, has opened its doors and already boasts an impressive line-up of forthcoming gigs.
The club, in trendy Braamfontein’s De Korte Street, offers live music, warm hospitality, fresh bistro food, and free wi-fi.
Manager Aymeric Peguillan said, “The club will provide a stage for South Africa’s established and upcoming musicians as well as visiting international stars to jam, collaborate and play special one-off shows.”
The launch programme, to run over March and April, features the Feya Faku Quintet, Estelle Kokott, the Uhadi Project lead by Sibongile Khumalo, as well as live salsa, blues, Afrobeat, and the all-new Orbit Big Band.
“The Orbit is the home so many of us have been waiting for,” said trumpeter Faku, whose quintet performed at the opening event.
“This is a space for artists to collaborate and for new projects to be born. All of us who love jazz will finally have a spot.”
Last year’s SAMA best jazz album winner, Herbie Tsoaeli, said he couldn’t wait to be a part of the life of the club.
“We are going to make sure The Orbit brings back the life of jazz to the city,” he said.
The club is housed in a converted warehouse, and features two stages on the the club’s two levels.
Lunchtime gigs will be held downstairs, with students from jazz schools across Gauteng invited to perform.
This initiative is backed by the Wits University music faculty.
“Evening performances will play to up to 200 seated guests at the main stage upstairs, with its permanent Yamaha C3 grand piano and back line, part of the club’s approach to sound design, to ensure the best live and recorded sound,” said Peguillan.
Forthcoming attractions:
20 March: Marcus Wyatt Quintet, 8.30pm.
21 March: Nduduzo Makhathini Quintet, 8.30pm.
22 March: Uhadi Ensemble featuring Sibongile Khumalo, 8.30pm.
23 March: Sydney Mnisi Quartet, 8.30pm.
26 March: Blue Note Tribute Orchestra featuring Marcus Wyatt, 8.30pm.
27 March: Orlando Venhereque Quintet, 8.30pm.
28 March: Tlale Makhene Sextet, 8.30pm.
29 March: Brown Baby Collaboration, 8.30pm.
2 April: The Brother Moves On (jazz version), 8.30pm.
3 April: Salsa Afro Cuban Band, 8.30pm.
5 April: Andile Yenana Quintet, 8.30pm.
9 April: Blues night, 8.30pm.
18 April: Paul Hanmer and McCoy Mrubata Duo, 8.30pm.
19 April: Estelle Kokott featuring Chico Freeman, 8.30pm.
Details: 011 339 6645; www.theorbit.co.za
