Amanda e la Banda promises fireworks

 Amanda e la Banda (Amanda and the Band) from Italy will definitely add an exotic flavour to Harare Jazz Festival 2011. Their appearance will add the international feel that is set to enhance the entertainment value of the high-profile annual jazz showcase.
The outfit’s eclectic repertoire is a fusion of music styles, traditions and genres and it is deeply rooted in New Orleans jazz, soul, R’n’B and classic blues.
Amanda e la Banda’s music has the typical 12-bar blues feel.
It is up-tempo and groovy     and one can easily recognise the influences of such greats as Aretha Franklin, BB King, Ray Charles, James Cotton and Tina Turner.
The five-member outfit is fronted by Amanda Tosoni (lead vocals and acoustic guitar), Andrea Caggiari (bass), Max Covini (drums), Gabrielle Tonsi (guitar and blues harp) and Matteo Boldini on keyboards.
Formed in Milan, Italy, in 2002, Amanda e la Banda have toured the world and performed at some of the most prestigious venues, concerts and festivals on the international jazz, soul and blues circuit.
They have featured at the Magic Blues Festival, the New Orleans Meets Festival and the Jazz and Blues Festival.
Amanda e la Banda comes to Harare Jazz Festival courtesy of the Italian Embassy in Harare and as part of the Embassy’s cultural programme to celebrate 150 years of Italian unification.
This cultural programme is also in line with Harare Jazz Festival’s strategy and focus of bringing internationally acclaimed artistes to Zimbabwe.
The festival’s objective is to provide world-class entertainment value to audiences while facilitating the exchange and sharing of ideas between Zimbabwean artistes and international ones.
This year’s venue for the main event of the Harare Jazz Festival is Rainbow Towers.
The festival will be held in the lush green surroundings of Rainbow Towers gardens under a marquee which accommodates over 2?000 people seated.
The festival will combine innovative décor and facilities to create a carnival atmosphere in line with international festivals.
The festival is growing thanks to support from major sponsors: Savanna Tobacco Company, Lion Larger, Coca Cola Zero, Rainbow Towers, Mahaka Media, The Financial Gazette, SFM and the Italian Embassy.

– Articles by Synergy!, the corporate communications agency for Harare Jazz Festival.