This evening’s curation is fresh and energetic, with both collectives demonstrating ideas that challenge expectations of South African Jazz and its embodied interpretation.

Opening this evening is Nala Collective followed by Damian Kamineth.

• For their appearance at The Commons Festival, NALA Collective will present a performance reflecting their core mission: to celebrate, platform, and support the presence of women in South African jazz. As a band created to carve out space for female jazz musicians to grow and be recognized, their set highlights the ingenuity of women composers, arrangers, and performers who have often been overlooked in this industry. Audiences can look forward to original arrangements and fresh reinterpretations of South African jazz favorites, brought to life through their signature sound featuring a bold horn section, tight vocal harmonies, and a rhythm section that grooves with intention. This night features: Hope (vocals and trombone), Sarah (vocals), Marzia (vocals), Becca (vocals), Carli (tenor saxophone), Emilie (alto saxophone), Adam (bass), Shandy (guitar), Rouxne (piano), Tanatswa (drums).

• Damian Kamineth will close the night with their themed sound: The word “home” carries a different meaning for everyone — but for most of us, it’s a place shaped by love, comfort, and safety. You are invited to this intimate evening of soulful instrumental music — a space where emotive melodies, warm textures, and quiet moments come together to guide you into a world of sound and stillness. Join Damian Kamineth and his band as they present *Where The Heart Is: The Journey Home*, a heartfelt musical experience inspired by the places, people, and memories that make us feel rooted. Band members: Damian Kamineth (drums), Roderick McKay (keys), Chadleigh Gowar (bass), Dustin Julius (guitar), Shaw Komori (trumpet), Zeke Le Grange (tenor saxophone).