03 Dec 2009 A unique mini-festival featuring the legendary Ray “Chikapa” Phiri from Stimela and Paul Simon Graceland fame; the long awaited re-union and new version of Neill Solomon and The Uptown Rhythm Dogs, and the exciting Afro-Asian outfit Strings and Skins takes place at Jus' Jazzin' in Umhlanga Rocks from 15 – 17 December 2009.

Ray Phiri, founder member of the ever-popular Stimela will be seen in a rare “up close and personal” fashion which promises to be a sheer treat. It was in the early 1990’s that American singer and musician Paul Simon asked Ray along with Ladysmith Black Mambazo to join his Graceland project, which was successful but also helped the South Africans to make names for themselves abroad. Ray was to collaborate with Paul Simon again on Simon’s Rhythm of the Saints album, which saw him perform on stages such as Central Park and Madison Square Garden as well as appearing on top television shows in the US. Ray has subsequently released a solo album, and has been active in education and cultural work, especially in his home province of Mapumalanga. His Mapumalanga based studio and production house have also had a hand in several productions.  Commencing 2003, Ray has been playing a part in a revitalised Stimela, who aim to take to the road in South Africa later in 2003.

Neill Solomon and The Uptown Rhythm Dogs is a new version of the highly successful and influential South African 80's group, The Uptown Rhythm Dogs.  One of the first South African groups to mix world music elements with rock jazz and folk, The Uptown Rhythm Dogs gathered a strong underground cult fan base before crossing over to a successful mainstream career which garnered them a string of hits such as Roxy Lady, Voices, The Occupant, Disposable Ladies, Don't Go Away, and many others.  Just as the band was beginning to break into the international arena they disbanded due to the tragic death of fellow band member Tony Hunter.  Now, years later, percussionist Dan Chiorboli and singer / songwriter Neill Solomon have teamed up once again to re-create the group with master guitarist Greg Hadjiyorki Georgiades. Playing songs off their multi-award album “The Occupant”, the group also performs some of Solomon’s solo music while exploring fresh new musical territory together for a new album.

Consisting of extraordinary multi-instrumentalist Greg Hadjiyorki Georgiades and Ashish Joshi and playing Afro-Asian hybrid beats on traditional instruments, Strings 'n Skins have played at festivals around the country such as Oppikoppi, Earthdance, Splashy Fen, Living Legends and the Grahamstown National Arts Festival, as well as abroad at the Zanzibar International Film Festival and the Namibia Arts Festival. Greg Georgiades composes a mix of north and south African ethno music, and has collaborated with music greats such as Syd Kitchen, Jeff Maluleke, Steve Newman and the late Mike Ratau Makhalemele, as well as with SAMA award winning group Not My Dog.  Having trained classically under greatly respected South African teacher, Jeram Bhana, Ashish dazzles audiences with his innovative percussive techniques and has recorded on albums with Not My Dog, Prime Circle and Tony Cox. 

Audiences can enjoy this unique event at Jus' Jazzin (ex Foxy's) corner Umhlanga Rocks Dr and Northway on Tuesday 15, Wednesday 16 and Thursday 17 December 2009.  Tickets are R80 per person excluding supper, and the music begins at 20h30.

Early booking is advised as seating is limited. Tickets can be booked 031-5634530 or via www.jusjazzin.com