Joe Blog

It’s not every day the stars align — but when they do, something truly special is born.We are honored and beyond excited to welcome the incredible Zara McFarlane as she pays tribute to the legendary Sarah Vaughan, celebrating her enduring legacy with soul, style, and reverence.Zara McFarlane stands tall at the forefront of the UK’s jazz scene — a genre-defying, multi-award-winning singer, songwriter, composer, and performer. Seamlessly weaving together threads of jazz, reggae, folk, nu-soul, and electronic music, Zara has earned critical acclaim and international recognition for her singular sound and vision.This intimate performance will also feature the brilliant Keenan Meyer, South African pianist and composer, known for his stirring performances and innovative compositions. With each new work, Keenan continues to carve his place as a vital voice in contemporary music.At its heart, this evening is about collaboration — a powerful extension of The Dig and Jazz re:freshed’s international project, a cross-continental celebration that marks Africa Day and our shared stories between South Africa, the UK, and beyond.It’s a “better late than never” moment — a joyful convergence of International Jazz Day, Africa Day, and most importantly, a tribute to the timeless legacy of Sarah Vaughan — “The Divine One.”Sarah Lois Vaughan — also known as Sassy and The Divine One — was born on March 27, 1924, in Newark, New Jersey, to a musical, working-class family. From singing in the church choir to slipping into nightclubs as a teen to perform at the Piccadilly Club and Newark Airport, her journey was one of audacity and genius.A peer of Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday, Vaughan possessed one of the most wondrous voices of the 20th century. With her astounding vocal range, controlled vibrato, and deep emotional resonance, she made it clear: there was nothing she couldn’t do with her voice.We can’t wait to sing, celebrate, and honor this moment with you. Come join us in the magic.