International Marimba and Steelpan Festival, Joburg

All the marimba and steelpan players will perform a piece accompanied by a massed choir, two young rappers and local music luminaries Dave Reynolds and Pops Mohamed, as well as American musician Andy Narell, arguably the greatest steelpannist in the world today.

Hosted by Education Africa in partnership with St Benedict's College, the festival will have various marimba and steelpan competitions taking place over two entertainment-packed days, featuring players ranging from eight years old to adults. Audiences can also experience the world premiere of the Christo Jankowitz composition Carnival Faces, to be performed by Magda de Vries at the festival.

The participating marimba and steelpan musicians hail from all over South Africa as well as from Swaziland, Lesotho, Botswana, Zimbabwe and Nigeria. A truly inclusive event, the festival also provides platform for mentally challenged musicians and those living in townships and rural areas.

The festival includes small photographic, art and composing competitions, as well as short concerts and workshops in disciplines such as djembe drumming, percussion, steelpan, marimba, Orff (music education workshops) and African dance.

Learning the basics of playing a musical instrument

Enjoy vibrant, enthralling music by talented amateurs as well as professional musicians, while learning the basics of playing a musical instrument and trying your hand at traditional dance. There will also be a flea market and food stalls on offer.

All workshops and performances are open to the public, and are included in the ticket price. This is
perfect for introducing youngsters to the power of live music and performance.

In the run-up to the festival, on Wednesday, 31 July at 10.30am, Education Africa is treating 800 disadvantaged children from the Gauteng area to a free performance of the Sounds of Celebration concert on at the Theatre of Marcellus at Emperor's Palace. There is also a public performance in the evening at 8pm at The Theatre of Marcellus featuring Andy Narell, Alex Jacobowitz and the Stoneridge and the King David Marimba Bands.

A festival pass, which is valid for both days, cost R100 (pre-booked) or R120 (bought at the gate), with all entertainment included in the price. A one-day ticket costs R70. For pre-booked tickets, go to www.internationalmarimbafestival.org.

For more information, contact Joan Lithgow on +27 (0)82 266 4229 (office hours only) or gro.acirfanoitacude@naoj or Bongi on +27 (0)11 685 7300 (office hours) or gro.acirfanoitacude@ignob.