South African Artists for Aids Awareness Concert

Event to celebrate SA youth and create awareness about HIV/AIDS through performing arts

The Africa Institute for HIV and AIDS Management, a non-profit organisation linked to the Africa Centre for HIV and AIDS Management at Stellenbosch University, is hosting its annual installment of the 'South African Artists for Aids Awareness' concert. on Sunday 9 June 2013. 'Let's Beat It' is the title of this year's production which takes place in the Artscape Theatre at 19.00.

Ushering in the significant June 16 Youth Day commemoration, this concert will celebrate and honour South African youth for the tremendous contribution and impact they are making in the country. It will also acknowledge unsung individuals who are doing exceptional work in the HIV and AIDS field and other areas of humanity.

Singer, actor and performer Jimmie Earl Perry directs this concert and will be joined by the Mike Campbell Rhythm Orchestra, Wolfgang Riebe as MC, vocalists Amy Campbell, Wendy Alexander, Spha Mdlalose, Manuel Losper, Luciano Swarts, Lana Crowster, dancers from the Waterfront Theatre Company and other artists.

'Using Michael Jackson's hit 'Beat It' as a metaphor to 'beat' HIV', gave me the idea for the title of this year's production says Jimmie Earl Perry. 'The words of the song resonated so profoundly with me because it's about a young man who is living dangerously and told to 'beat it' (go away) if he wished to stay alive.

Perry states that through the arts, the aim of these concerts is to continue making people aware of their individual responsibility to help turn around the HIV and AIDS epidemic as well as crime, violence and substance abuse among people in South Africa and around the world.

Musical direction and arrangements are by Mike Campbell who has led and worked with groups in Europe, the USA and throughout South Africa. He currently holds the position of Associate Professor and is Head of Jazz at the SA College of Music at the University of Cape Town. Wolfgang Riebe is a well-known motivational speaker, acknowledged for his original and unique approach as a comedic magician and Jean-Pierre Steyn is the vocal rehearsal accompanist.

The artists have between them won many accolades and prizes and had opportunities of performing with Mike Campbell, the UCT Big Band, Ladysmith Black Mambazo, Karen Zoid, Vicky Sampson, George Benson, Josh Groban, Loyiso Bala, Sibongile Khumalo, Kunjalo, The Rockets, Celine Dion, Luther Vandross as well as performing for many notable dignitaries and personalities.

'Let's Beat It' has an exciting, powerful programme that includes dance, theatre, jazz and adult contemporary music. It will inspire and educate and is suitable for the entire family.

Tickets cost R100 for this two hour concert and may be purchased from Artscape Dial-a-Seat 021 421 7695, Computicket, Shoprite and Checkers outlets, on line www.computicket.com or calling 0861 915 8000

'Let's Beat It' is a one-night-only event - get your tickets now.

Date: 09 June 2013
Time: 19:00 - 21:00
Venue: Artscape Theatre, Cape Town
Cost: R100