On the 12th of March 2016, for ONE night only, at the Durban International Convention Centre, the Durban International Jazz Extravaganza (IJE) will host and present the international jazz icons, Lee Ritenour and Spyro Gyra who will indulge jazz lovers with some of their best pieces – both the old and the new.

“Music brings about social cohesion. Music by international acts in Durban bring more tourists to the city and allow us to contribute towards the country’s economic growth. As the warmest city in the land, Durban is proud to be the host city for this jazz extravaganza,” said Philip Sithole, the Head of Business Support, Tourism and Markets at The City of Durban.

The Line Up

Also known as Captain Fingers, the internationally renowned, Lee Ritenour will thrill fans with pieces from his new album, A Twist of Rit, a celebration of 40 years in the industry since his first recording. Revisiting selections from the 70s, 80s, 90s to now, attendees can expect 2 hours of pure pleasure.

Ritenour’s band consists of musos that have been in the industry for decades. He will be joined on stage by Patrice Rushen on piano and keyboards; Tom Kennedy on the bass guitar; and William Kennedy on the drums.

Spyro Gyra have become international contemporary jazz icons over their forty-year plus career and will complete the international line up at the extravaganza. During that time, they have sold over ten million albums and played over five thousand shows on five continents. Bandleader Jay Beckenstein says of their appearance in Durban, “South African music has been an inspiration to us for many years so it’s a great pleasure for us to be able to play our music on South African soil. It’s always a thrill to play somewhere that we’ve never played before so we’re looking forward to our Durban debut.”

Tickets to the Durban International Jazz Extravaganza will be available at Computicket from the 27th of January 2016.

The International Jazz Extravaganza is brought to you by The City of Durban; and is supported by its local partners, SA Tourism, SAA, Mzansi Magic and Kaya FM.