Jazzy vibrations filled Club 7764 in Athlone on Sunday as live bands competed to be the best in the Cape.
The Scottish Leader Battle Of The Bands competition is in it’s fifth heat and one lucky group stands the chance to perform at the Cape Town International Jazz Festival free concert at Greenmarket Square, as well as pocket the R40 000 prize.
“As Scottish Leader, we have created this competition to revive jazz in Cape Town and keep it alive,” says the brand’s Craig Innes.
Each week, four bands compete and the winner of each night goes through to the final round at Hanover Street in GrandWest on 21 March.
On Sunday night, only three bands performed at 7764.
First up was Mr Mize and The Concept who performed John Legend’s Ordinary People.
SOUL: Mize and Concept performed a John Legend hit. Picture: Jack Lestrade
The second band was Major7 featuring talented vocalist Jodi Fredericks who impressed with her scatting.
The third and final band to take the stage was Sean Sanby who gave it their all with one of their own instrumental tunes, but it wasn’t enough to beat Major7 who made it through to the finals.
COMPETE: The final band to take to stage was Sean Sanb. Picture: Jack Lestrade
Making that tough decision was judges Joe Schaffers, Charlie Louw and Vicky Sampson.
The African Dream singer said she loved the authentic South African flavour that all the bands brought to the stage.
“It’s a brilliant platform that Scottish Leader has provided. We don’t have to follow the rest of the world. We have enough talent to develop our own beautiful sound,” said Vicky.
Meanwhile, MC Calvin Peters told mense that Daily Voice lensman Jack Lestrade was in the house, jokingly warning: “Make sure you are here with the person you’re supposed to be with.”
While the bands played, the ladies showed off their fancy footwork, including Latin dancers.
Pro dancers were not in short supply on the night, as jazz choreographers, teachers and dance champions were in attendance.
Ricky Weppenaar, 51, from Ottery, who has been dancing for 10 years, explained that his routine included a sliding dip - a dip so low that there were concerns that his partner wouldn’t be able to get up.
Are you ready to show off YOUR moves like Jagger?
The next round of Battle of the Bands takes place at the West End on Saturday, 14 March, and tickets cost R50.