USA-based pianist, keyboard player and composer, Joe Sample and R&B jazz singer Randy Crawford are the latest exciting additions to the already star-studded list of headline acts at this year's Luanda International Jazz Festival. It was announced today that the Joe Sample Trio and Crawford will appear on the festival's main stage on Sunday, 1 August, at Cine Atlantico.
Festival director Antonio Cristovao said, "We've been trying to get this amazing duo for some time and were elated to discover that they were both available and as excited to perform at this year's festival."
Sample first teamed up with singer extraordinaire Randy Crawford for her debut album 'Everything Must Change' in 1976 to give birth to one of the finest pairings in contemporary jazz. Off and on through the years, these soulmates have made sweet music together - from the now classic 'Street Life', which Randy sang with Joe's group The Crusaders, to Randy's own album 'Now We May Begin', which Joe co-produced. These stellar guest appearances eventually led to the inevitable: a duo project as co-headliners.
All preparations have been finalised and its all systems go for the 2nd annual Luanda International Jazz Festival which will once again play host to some of the world's most amazing African and International artists' right here in Luanda!
International headliners include jazz scatman, George Benson (USA), the Joe Sample Trio featuring Randy Crawford (USA), Chucho Valdes and the Afro Cuban Messengers (Cuba), Waldermar Bastos (Angola), Lenine (Brazil), Gabriel Tchiema (Angola), Jonas Gwanga (SA), 340ml(Mozambique), Ronny Jordan with his full band, Freshlyground (SA), Wyza (Angola), Oliver Mtukudzi (Zimbabwe), Nanutu (Angola), Blick Bassey (Cameroon), Lura (Cape Verde) and Felipe Mukenga (Angola).
Due to scheduling conflicts Dianne Reeves and Lizz Wright will not be performing at the festival as previously announced. "We are obviously disappointed that they won't be able to join us, but are excited about the latest addition of Joe Sample and Randy Crawford to deliver top class performances" says Rashid Lombard, CEO of espAfrika, the co-producers of the Luanda International Jazz Festival.
"This year is going to be even bigger and better than last year and we couldn't be more excited at the amazing line line-up. Due to the capacity of the venue, this event has the makings of a private intimate concert, because these amazing artists don't generally perform to small audiences...," commented Antonio Cristovao.
The festival kicks off on Thursday Music Workshops at Elinga Teatro which are conducted by 340ml. Friday workshops 'Composing and Arranging' will be facilitated by Ronny Jordan and Lura. These workshops are free.
Produced by: RITEK Investment Group and espAfrika, Gold Sponsor: UNITEL, Silver Sponsor: Internet Technologies Angola, Associates Sponsors: DDM, British America Tobacco Angola, Coke Zero and Peroni, Alliance Française, Purimix, TAAG, Ensa, and Miami Beach Restaurant; Broadcast Sponsors: TPA (TV) & Radio RFM.
Tickets prices are 15200 kwanza per day .Tickets will be available Ritek Empredeementos, Miami Beach Restaurant, Ritek Rent a Car and Zoda Bar. Please visit the www.luandajazzfest.com for more info or contact Carenza Van Willingh at .
