Ahead of BassFest, three free concerts in De Hillevliet
During BassFest, jazz, classical, global, funk, hip-hop and pop will be heard in Theater Zuidplein on 8 and 9 November. In the run-up to the only festival in the world programmed around the bass, BassFest and De Hillevliet are organising three free concerts by Zenzele Mthembu-Salter's Ingoma Yesintu, Marilonah and Aäron Bouwman. Free snacks will be served by Mensa Mensa.
On Wednesday 29 October, Zenzele Mthembu-Salter's Ingoma Yesintu will give the first performance at 12.30pm. Zenzele Mthembu-Salter is a Cape Town-born jazz bassist and composer, and an emerging voice within the European jazz and improvisation scene. He mixes traditional South African rhythms such as kwela, maskandi and township jive with contemporary influences from jazz, hip-hop, gospel and house. His project Ingoma Yesintu brings together choral singing and groove. The group draws inspiration from African gospel choirs, classical chorales, traditional songs, jazz and free improvisation.
Marilonah follows on Saturday 1 November. She is best known as bassist of the energetic band Arp Frique with which she plays on major stages and festivals around the world. As a solo artist, she develops her own sound in which funk, disco, Afrobeat and electronic grooves come together into an energetic, adventurous mix.
Bass guitarist Aaron Bouwman will perform on Wednesday, 5 November. Known from the band SMANDEM, he is creating a furore as a fresh and inventive voice within the Dutch jazz scene. With his deep, groove-driven playing style and penchant for layered textures, he creates worlds of sound that touch dancers and dreamers alike.
BassFest
The free concerts are the prelude to BassFest. With more than 18 performances in one weekend, including Victor Wooten, Vincen Garcia, Mohini Dey, Dave Holland and Mehdi Nassouli & Marmoucha Orchestra, BassFest offers a unique platform where international luminaries and new voices meet. It features funk, classical, jazz, electronic experimentation and free improvisation.
