One of the most celebrated United States (US) jazz band, Anthony Stanco and the Crucial Elements will be in Gaborone this week for a cultural exchange programme. The band will run a series of workshops with local musicians, motivational talks and meet music industry stakeholders. The band will also contribute to local music by recording songs with local musicians.
This visit which is organised by Bona Naledi in association with Sereetsi & the Natives and also the US Speakers/Arts Program is expected to not only have both countries exchange and learn each other’s cultures but to also sensitise the youth who might be interested in the trade. The Executive Director of Bona Naledi, Salim Ogodile, mentioned that the activities will culminate in a free show next Friday at Old Naledi football ground headlined by the US band supported by Sereetsi & the Natives, Tshepo Lesole, Kayzee and Kabo Leburu, among other artists. He said they decided to bring Anthony Stanco and the Crucial Elements as it is a jazz quintet comprised of some of the most promising young talents in jazz today. “The musicians in the ensemble are Anthony Stanco (trumpet), Jordan Otto (drums), Marcus Elliot (saxophone), Paul Bratcher (piano) and Sam Cooperman (acoustic bass) who are all graduates of Michigan State University and this will not only motivate our local singers but will also show them that education is important and should always come first,” he said.
He continued that the ensemble is in?uenced by the history of jazz and draws from this to create their unique sound. “Their visit will benefit the other singers as they will share their musical experience with them and in this way our local artists may learn a thing or two from them plus they are also going to record songs with them which will be good for their musical background,” he said.
He continued that the cultural exchange program will start on Tuesday at Old Naledi Community Hall and it will include a workshop for musicians on Thursday, a meeting with arts associations and related interest groups, and free performances and motivational talks at SOS Children Village and the Baylor Centre. “The Anthony Stanco and the Crucial Elements will also host a free concert supported by Sereetsi & the Natives and other local acts at the Old Naledi grounds dubbed Jazz in My Township on Friday,” he said.
He added the activities will end on Sunday with a recording session with a select number of local musicians.
Anthony Stanco Ensemble has performed at festivals, music clubs, and has conducted workshops and master classes. They recently released their debut album entitled The Crucial Elements which has received international success. Their latest accomplishment has been representing the U.S Government’s Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. They’ve conducted two ?ve-week tours in Southern Africa and the Middle East where they taught and performed for a variety of audiences.
