Nick Ford and his quartet play the fourth concert in the Delheim Jazz and Cheese Fondue series on Sunday (23 July) at 12:30.
Ford, a Cape Town bassist, will perform with some of the city’s finest musicians, including guitarist Mike Bester, keyboardist Kingsley Buitendag and drummer Langa Dubazana.
He has experience playing with musicians such as Buddy Wells, Mark Fransman and Ian Smith as well as having been taught by some of Cape Town’s most experienced bassists such as Hein van der Gein and Shaun Johannes. He recently returned from the music tour of the hit jukebox musical We Will Rock You, based on the music of legendary band Queen.
Now in its sixth year running, jazz is the perfect beat to accompany an authentic hearty traditional cheese fondue held in the cosy unique atmosphere of a leading Stellenbosch wine estate. Delheim Estate, one of the region’s most acclaimed wine farms set on the majestic Simonsberg.
The events are hosted in conjunction with the Cape Town Music Academy (CTMA), which selects an eclectic line-up of diverse local jazz talent to accompany the experience of Delheim’s sumptuous cheese fondues, the events are held every Sunday from 12:15 to 15:00 until 27 August.
According to Nora Thiel, co-owner of Delheim, the Jazz and Fondue events have become an institution at the estate. “The atmosphere created by the stunning jazz talent organised by the CTMA is a perfect complement to the spirited, informal vibe for which the fondue dining experiences are known for,” she says. “Back in the 1970s everybody had a fondue set at home. Since 2010 we have revived the Cheese Fondue to coincide with cold wintery Sundays in the Cape. Coupled with the sultry sounds emanating from leading jazz artists and a fantastic selection of Delheim wines, this has become a popular day out. The fact that the food, wine and music are enjoyed in the ambience of our traditional tasting venue adds to the appeal.”
Luvuyo Kakaza, Cape Town Music Academy Projects Director and leading South African jazz impresario, says the Delheim Jazz and Fondue events have become a highlight on the local jazz calendar, with the artists looking forward to the Sunday wineland sessions as much as the members of the public attending.
“The Western Cape is one of the world’s great jazz destinations, both in terms of the quality of our artists as well as the vibrancy of the local music community,” he says. “With the Cape winelands being a leading tourist and general recreational destination, it has been great integrating our jazz culture with that of the winelands. These Delheim events reflect the melting pot – fondue and other! – of South African culture in bringing together the culture and tradition of Delheim Estate and the Cape winelands with the spirited diversity of various jazz musicians appearing in the line-ups. And this year we have curated an extensive display of world-class local talent to provide captivating music to enhance the overall experience.”
Other upcoming attractions:
- 3 August: Melorie Jane Trio
- 6 August: Soisoi Gqeza Quartet
- 20 August: Lady Felicity and Trumpets
- 27 August: Thembelihle Dunjana
Ticket details: Guests will be welcomed with a hearty glass of gluhwein before enjoying an authentic cheese fondue served with bread and vegetables for dipping, followed by coffee and dessert at a cost of R520 per person. A selection of Delheim wines is available at cellar-door prices, by the bottle of by the glass. Tickets available exclusively from Quicket at https://www.quicket.co.za.
