On its countrywide circuit, the Standard Bank Jazz Festival will present its KZN concert at the Harry Gwala Stadium in Pietermaritzburg on June 17 and features acts such as Busi Mhlongo, The Soweto String Quartet, the Noel Stockton Jazz Ensemble from Bloemfontein, Sipho Gumede and more.

The Circuit’s first series of workshop programmes was launched recently in Pietermaritzburg and sponsored by the MIDI Trust. One of the bands participating in the workshop will be selected by the tutors to perform at the Festival. This part of the programme enables bands to expose the benefits of the workshops and also have the opportunity of performing alongside some of South Africa's most renowned musicians.

Established in 1996 as a non-profit organisation dedicated to the growth of the South African music industry, the MIDI Trust brings years of experience in co-ordinating music education workshops to the Standard Bank Jazz Circuit 2000 National Workshop Series. This initiative aims to develop the Standard Bank Jazz Circuit into a sustainable educational platform for the local music industry.

More details on The Standard Bank Jazz Festival from Bongi Makama at T Musicman T: (011) 482-3667 or visit www.tmusicman.co.za