Interview: Jarrad Ricketts talks about #HopeOnTheRise Virtual Showcase at the 2020 Cape Town International Kite Festival
When: Saturday October 24, 2020 Time: 7pm – live stream concert Where to book: www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnTheRise | Access: Avail for viewing as per view, until Oct 31, 2020 Line-up: Jarrad Ricketts, Dalin Oliver and Manila von Teez |
The #HopeOnTheRise Virtual Showcase includes music, kites, laughter and dance with singer/songwriter Jarrad Ricketts, comedian Dalin Oliver and drag artist Manila von Teez. The concert is going out as a live stream on Saturday October 24, 2020, from Penny Lane Studios in Cape Town. Thereafter, it will be available on a pay to view basis, when you buy a Kite Festival ticket. Link: www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnTheRise Your ticket to the three week festival, includes the concert. The admission is a suggested donation of R50 a ticket. If you buy your ticket before October 24 you will be sent your unique streaming link to watch the concert live – on October 24. If you click “the free ticket” option for the festival, you will not get the link.
TheCapeRobyn: Can you tell us about what we can expect from this online concert? You are sharing the stage with comedian Dalin Oliver and drag artist Manila von Teez. More info? Will there be separate sets by each of you or will you do some numbers together?
Jarrad Ricketts: The audience can expect to be entertained with some laughs and vibrant entertainment. Each of these performers are committed to sharing a message of hope and creating an experience to lift up people’s spirits for the time that we get to spend together virtually.
TheCapeRobyn: This concert will go out live?
Jarrad Ricketts: The show will be broadcast live on Saturday October 24, live and will include some pre-recorded segments, but if you are unable to tune in at that exact time, it will be available on a pay to view basis, until October 31- the end of the festival. This is being done in order to allow more supporters to, at their leisure, enjoy the show experience.
TheCapeRobyn: You have a long association with the Kite Festival. Can you tell us about that?
Jarrad Ricketts: I have been involved with the Kite Festival itself for more than 17 years, being the first festival to give me a platform and opportunity to perform to a live audience when I started out. And now one of the most meaningful and rewarding aspects of being a Brand Ambassador for Cape Mental Health, is born out of a desire to help people. It is great to be able to build brand awareness, and help to address and educate people around Mental Health, its misconceptions, and the challenges being faced.
TheCapeRobyn: The festival is the flagship event for Cape Mental Health. The 2020 theme is #HopeOnTheRise. Will the material for the concert feature songs of hope?
Jarrad Ricketts: The team is going to create a beautiful experience with various elements to re-enforce the theme of #HopeOnTheRise.
TheCapeRobyn: Congrats on your recent marriage, a few weeks ago to Kim Wentzel- your manager and “best friend” at St. Mark’s Anglican Church in District Six on Saturday, September 19, 2020. That must have been awesome to get married in that iconic church?
Jarrad Ricketts: St. Mark’s Anglican Church has an interesting and significant history and so does the area of District Six. Living through this pandemic is certainly going down in the history books, and getting married during this time is something we will never forget. Resting at the foot of Table Mountain, close to the harbour and the City Bowl, this beautiful church just felt right for the occasion.
TheCapeRobyn: You were SAMA Nominated 2019 for Best Pop Album category for your debut album Break The Rules. Is another album in the works?
Jarrad Ricketts: Being a songwriter, there is always a song in the making. During the lockdown period specifically, I released a gospel song and music video called ‘You are Lord’. It has also been great to experiment with various genre’s and styles of music in my virtual show performances over the past few months. I am by nature a creative, so there are some exciting projects on the horizon.
The Virtual 26th Cape Town International Kite Festival- preview- click here:
Where to book: www.capementalhealth.co.za/HopeOnTheRise |