Every Thursday evening from 19h45 to 22h45, Rivets Bar at the Durban Hilton offers a free session of quality live jazz sponsored by Johnny Walker Black. The series include a number of exciting new local bands as well as a variety of special jazz visitors.

Coming up this week on Thursday (March 23) will be the Brian Thusi Quartet, presented by this internationally acclaimed teacher and performer who always delivers quality jazz in a range of styles. They will be following by old Durban jazz favourites, the Johnny Williams Sextet on March 30 who stick with popular tunes from the Swing era and create happy vibes and foot-tapping sounds.

The programme for April includes visiting American saxophonist and flautist Mike Rossi and Standard Time. The group will play Rossi’s own compositions while paying homage to both American and South African jazz standards. The music of Canadian based composer and pianist Carol-Anne Weaver can be heard on April 13. She will blend elements of classical music, roots folk and free interpretative jazz in a section of intriguing and delightful songs.

Recognised as Durban’s most accomplished trumpeter, Feya Faku will play his own compositions on April 20 and the last Thursday of the month on April 27 will feature the six-piece band Crossfire who will play commercial jazz that’s easy on the ear. They also include a number of Latino-driven favourites in their party repertoire.

NB: Please note that the Durban Hilton has a strict dress code and smart casual is required.