Journey to Jazz 2025: Explore Jazz in the Heart of Prince Albert

The Journey to Jazz festival, held by the Prince Albert Community Trust, is a yearly celebration of music and community upliftment. The celebration features live performances, music masterclasses, local cuisine, stargazing, sunrise yoga and more. Here’s everything you need to know about the 2025 edition of the festival.

About Journey to Jazz

Journey to Jazz is a true Karoo festival celebrating the rich history, art, and natural beauty of Prince Albert. Set at the foot of the Swartberg Mountains, the intimate event features local and international artists performing across the town. Visitors enjoy music, masterclasses, local cuisine, stargazing, sunrise yoga, and time exploring the Wolvekraal conservancy.

A project of the Prince Albert Community Trust, Journey to Jazz showcases the talent and dedication of local youth who crew the festival and who have been trained in hospitality, event management, and media. It’s a heartfelt celebration of community and culture, welcoming guests to the true spirit of the Karoo.

The Prince Albert Community Trust is a non-profit organisation, focused on empowering children and youth, from early childhood development to entering the workforce. Through arts, culture, and education, the Trust fosters personal growth, social justice, and economic equality.

What’s On at Journey to Jazz

The 2025 edition of Journey to Jazz hosts multiple exciting performers, with the festival being opened by the Zolani Youth Choir, who won the Grand Prix at the 2024 A Cappella Moscow Music Competition. The choir aims to elevate South African choral music, empowering youth and promoting community upliftment

Meanwhile, the opening ceremony is handled by the People’s Concert, a collection of bands and artists of various genres. The ceremony is held at the Kritikom Koppie Theatre, a former disused and abandoned quarry, that has been lovingly restored by the town into a stunning amphitheatre.

Other performing artists include the Kyle Shepherd Trio, Ernie Smith, the Outeniqua High School Jazz Band, and the Paolo Damiani Last Land Band, who are based in Italy.

There are also various music masterclasses throughout the event, which involve understanding jazz, the art of a trio, and embracing the voice within you. The festival promises to be an uplifting and exciting look into the world of jazz.