Jazz evenings take place every Thursday at 20h30 at Durban Hilton International.

November 3: Contingent, the latest group on the Durban scene to be making jazz punters sit up and take notice is led by talented young alto saxophonist from Empangeni Leon Scharnack. Scharnack, who earlier this year attended a summer school in Paris has also been chosen to perform with the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz orchestra, along with his fellow musician drummer Ayanda Sikade who also features in this pro-active young band.

November 10: Bruce Baker Trio. Bruce Baker sets no limitations on himself as a drummer and explores a wide range of musical genres including gospel, rock, jazz and world music. Musically innovative and utterly committed he also teaches his instrument of choice. Baker always puts together an evening of quality jazz played with sophistication and fine attention to detail.

November 17: Paki’s Jazz Suite. Better known as a drummer Paki Paleoele is also a really hot percussionist. Chosen through a rigorous audition process to play with the Standard Bank National Youth Jazz Orchestra this talented young man, who reveals extraordinary musical sensitivity is definitely on the list of those whose stars are rising in the jazz firmament.

November 24: Skokiana. Led by lead guitarist/ethnomusicologist Sazi Dlamini Skokiana is a band that reflects the elements of township life re-interpreted through the abstract jazz. Although over the years the members of the group have changed the philosophy remains the same. Skokiana features Stembiso Ntuli on tenor saxophone and Lebohung Mathabeng on drums.