A is for All Styles of Jazz. Whatever you fancy, the Standard Bank Joy of Jazz Festival has it all for you - from Dixie to Latin and all of the hottest township vibes.
B is for Bebop. Get set for the magic of Joshua Redman at the Bassline. He was the first jazz musician to have a clothes designer - Donna Karan - as a corporate sponsor. So there.
C is for Cape Town. We know that Jozi's jazz is the best! But we thank the Mother City for sending us Mark Fransman (Dinaledi Stage), whose latest achievement is that he has been named the Standard Bank Young Artist for Jazz for 2008.
D is for the Diaspora. African performers from around the continent will be in action. Check out Nigeria's hot new sensation Asa (Mbira Stage) as well as Afro Fiesta (The Lab), from the DRC.
E is for Eclectic. There's something for all tastes. There are Latin rhythms from Yolanda Duke (Mbira Stage) and Spain's Sedajazz Latin Group (Bassline), while Tord Gustavsen (Bassline) is one of the most eclectic performers on the Scandinavian jazz scene.
F is for Fenced Off. Security is always paramount and for the first time in the nine-year history of Joy of Jazz, the entire precinct will be fenced off. Only valid tickets holders will be allowed access through three designated entry gates.
G is for Getting In. Entry to the precinct is at corner of Bree and Mgcingwana streets, next to Nikki's Oasis Restaurant; corner Henry Nxumalo Street and Barney Simon Road, behind 1 Central Place and between Dolly Rathebe and Barney Simon roads, along Henry Nxumalo Street and behind Bassline.
H is for Hooked on Hot Jazz. 'Nuff said!
I is for the Israeli Jazz Band. Avi Lebovich's band is the first big band from Israel to play at Joy of Jazz. Catch them at the Dance Factory.
J is for Joy of Jazz.
K is for Kickoff. The best way to start your weekend.
L is for Latin Rhythms. From Yolanda Duke and the Tito Puente Orchestra (Mbira Stage) and Spain's Sedajazz Latin Group (Bassline and Dance Factory).
M is for the Mahala. There are jam sessions and performances at Museum Afrika, Niki's Oasis, Capello and Sophiatown. Even better, there's no entry free for Joy of Jazz ticket holders.
N is for Newtown's new stage. Welcome the Dinaledi Stage, the biggest at Standard Bank Joy of Jazz. This new venue, which seats more than 3 000 people, boasts air-conditioning and great acoustics. Little wonder that greats such as the Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion and Motown's The Spinners will play there.
O is for Out-of-Town. Jazz lovers from around South Africa flock to Jozi for this weekend.
P is for Parking. There's plenty of secure parking in the Newtown precinct. The public parking areas are at the old Joburg Railway station, corner Carr and Miriam Makeba streets; The Market Theatre parking and street parking, which will be patrolled by accredited car guards, private security and Metro police patrols. (See map).
Q is for Question. So much jazz, so little time - so who are you going to see?
R is for Road Closures. From today to September 1, from 6pm to 2am, Bree and Jeppe streets will be closed to all traffic.
S is for Safety. The event will be managed by professional security companies as well as the Johannesburg Metro Police Department (JMPD) and South African Police Services (SAPS). Emergency services and MMC medical services will be on site at all times.
T is for the Trombone @ Trumpet. From Tom Browne and Wayne Henderson, of the Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion, to Feya Faku, who plays with both Pat Matshikiza and Tete Mbambisa (Bassline).
U is for the Universal Language of Jazz!
V is for the Vibes playing of Roy Ayers - Listen to the Original Superstars of Jazz Fusion and you will be converted.
W is for website. For the full line-up and more information go to www.standardbankjazz.co.za
X is for Xtra.You can download podcasts of interviews with some of the artists from the Joy of Jazz website.
Y is for Yebo Jazz!
Z is for ZZZZ - For all the shut-eye you're going to need after this jazz jol.