​The City's libraries will host four music performances this Heritage Month in September.

'Our libraries already offer thousands of items which entertain and educate patrons of all ages. The concerts will provide another benefit as music improves one’s quality of life in many ways. It lifts the mood, reduces stress and anxiety, boosts health and can help one sleep better,' said the City of Cape Town's Mayoral Committee Member for Community Services and Health, Councillor Zahid Badroodien.

All the groups that will perform are affiliated to community-based organisations such as the Steel Band Project that works across the province, the Lansdowne based Little Giants and the Cape Philharmonic Orchestra.

The concerts will introduce the concept of libraries as multi-functional, cultural spaces.

'Music has the power to unite people and by providing the spaces for these community music groups, we are giving them the opportunity to showcase their talents. It gives them a platform to perform and boost their confidence.

'The City's Library and Information Services Department is continuously innovating. We aim to give our patrons the opportunity to explore interesting music from the rest of Africa and the world. We hope to see more music performances and music-related events in libraries and to change our facilities into vibrant cultural hubs,’ Councillor Badroodien.

The concerts will take place as follows:

• Thursday 5 September - Woodlands Primary Schools Steel Band will perform at Heideveld Library
• Thursday 12 September - Ned Doman High School Steel Band will perform at Athlone Library
• Tuesday 17 September – Cape Philharmonic Youth Orchestra will perform at Central Library
• Thursday 19 September – the Little Giants Jazz Band will perform at Langa Library

All concerts start at 13:00 and are free of charge and open to the public.

About the bands
The Steelband Project was set up in 1997 by Liz Brouckaert and David Wickham and provides quality music education to young people in the Western Cape, with a particular focus on youth in under-resourced communities and ‘youth-at-risk’.
The project is active in many suburban and township schools.
There are currently 16 steelbands being taught by the Steelband Project weekly.

The Little Giants Music Project was established in 1999 by Cape jazz legends – saxophonist Ezra Ngcukana and pianist George Werner.
The initial purpose of the project was to provide the youth from the townships of Cape Town with a positive outlet for their talent and potential and has evolved into an excellent jazz band specialising in South African jazz styles and repertoire. The project has assisted in the development of more than 200 youths and several of its graduates have become successful performers.

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