Please join us at the Mazza Castle for an evening of music with visionary artist Steve Dyer and the inimitable Kenyan pianist Aaron Rimbui.

South African composer, saxophonist, and visionary artist Steve Dyer joins forces with the inimitable Kenyan pianist Aaron Rimbui for an intimate musical conversation.

Steve Dyer is a saxophonist, flautist, composer, and conceptual artist whose music and biography make him an exceptional example of a South African Jazz Artist. From the 1980s to 2020s, his music has been reflecting the times. Refusing military conscription into the SADF, he left South Africa and lived in Botswana for 5 years. Here he came into contact with the exile sounds blowing through the horns of Hugh Masekela and Jonas Gwangwa. This included the historic Freedom Melody festival in 1985, featuring art and music that was symbolic of the liberation struggle. Forty years later, Steve Dyer’s next project, entitled Freedom Melody and celebrating the story of the festival, will be performed at the Lincoln Center, NY, in October 2025. At the same time, he releases a new album, Multipolar, which reflects different elements of Steve Dyer’s cultural makeup as an Anglo-African. Born into, influenced, and shaped by Africa, this music originates here and casts its creative eyes outward to a global world of accessibility and connection. We all have our stories to tell, and we can all learn from each other’s stories.

While Aaron Rimbui is inspired by many of South African Jazz’s piano masters, ultimately the style he has forged over the 20 years of his career represents something fully unique to himself: Kenyan Jazz Piano. “As a Kenyan, I wanted to come out with a different sound and different approach.” Known for his virtuosity and innovative style, he combines traditional jazz elements with Kenyan rhythms, creating a captivating and unique sound. His latest recording in a piano trio setting, Imani, has garnered critical acclaim, embraces this distinct style, and is a testament to healing, growth, and his personal journey.

Steve & Aaron’s rapport is exceptional. Come along for an engaging performance and a unique opportunity to find out how these unique personalities interact, and how various African musician traditions are woven into the art form of jazz.

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Doors open at 4 PM with complimentary light refreshments and wine. Music begins promptly at 5 PM.

Please Note:

The performance is approximately 75 minutes without intermission.
Music salons are for adults only.
No outside food or drink, spiked heels, or pets are permitted.
The Castle is not wheelchair accessible and tours require walking up and down some stairs.
The Castle is a non-smoking property.