Cape Town Jazzathon

The concept of Jazzathon is the brainchild of Craig Parks. Initially intended to run as a record-breaking marathon of jazz music, the idea was to allow local jazz lovers to experience jazz culture by any means necessary. In 1997, founding members of newly established JCQ Productions – John Esterhuizen, Craig Parks and Quinton Raaff – produced the very first, free jazz festival in Cape Town. The Cape Town Jazzathon has launched the careers of many well-known South African musicians, promoted South African music to international recognition and achieved award-winning status as a contributor to South African jazz culture. The festival soon became an annual event.