The 9 th edition of the Surya Nepal Jazzmandu will kick off on 20 th October for another musical feast for peace and compassion in the Kathmandu Valley. The international Kathmandu Jazz Festival, more popularly known as “Jazzmandu”, is bringing world-class musicians and famous national bands for a week of musical treats culminating with the grand finale on 25 th October. Jazzmandu 2011 will also feature a unique music competition to encourage and acknowledge upcoming musicians in Nepal and a special Afro-Latin Jam.

This annual “biggest Jazz party in the Himalayas” is organized by Upstairs Ideas Pvt. Ltd. primarily by Chhedup Bomzan of The Upstairs Jazz Bar, and Navin Chettri, drummer and vocalist for The Cadenza Collective.

Kathmandu, 16 October 2011 – Since its inception back in 2002, the Surya Nepal Jazzmandu festival more popularly known as “Jazzmandu”, has featured a wide range of excellent musicians from many different countries, cultures and musical backgrounds. The “biggest Jazz party in the Himalayas” has become a renowned event over the years. Those unfortunate to have missed it last year should mark their calendar for this year 9 th edition due to start in only a few days.

This International Jazz festival is organized by Upstairs Ideas Pvt. Ltd. primarily by Chhedup Bomzan of The Upstairs Jazz Bar, and Navin Chettri, drummer and vocalist for The Cadenza Collective.

Over the past 9 years Jazzmandu, has featured world-class musicians bringing Jazz to some Himalayan heights and placing this musical happening firmly on the International Jazz happenings map. The festival has attracted an ever growing number of Jazz enthusiasts at home and from abroad as it is now advertised by numerous travel agents.

“ We didn’t do anything about it, didn’t really think about it but some travel agencies around the world are now doing tours where Jazzmandu is the attraction for tourists who want to check out jazz in the Himalayas ” says Navin Chettri. “ That is why they are coming, that is the draw ” he adds. Guest houses are now following this trend with unique and wonderful initiatives such as the Jazz Legends photo exhibition opening on 20 th October at the Tings Lounge Hotel in Lazimpat.

Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 is offering us a week of musical treats with the ever popular Valley Jams, the impressive musical marathon of the Jazz Bazaar, the precious educational feature of the Jazz Master Class, the magical Jazz at Patan concert, and the energetic vibes of the Finale Big Jam. This year’s edition also features a welcome Jazz for the Next Generation Music Competition for local artists, and the Afro-Latin Jam that promises to delight us with exotic grooves.

For its 9 th edition Jazzmandu brings together the talents and creative energy of 9 bands coming from Australia, the USA, India, Switzerland, Sweden, and of course Nepal for a week of musical feasts. Many have never been to Nepal and all artists are excited about the upcoming festival in Kathmandu. “ I t’s gonna be the first time for us in Nepal. Honestly, we really don’t know what to expect, but we are sure it will be wonderful! ” says Eugene Montenero of Bconnected.

On Thursday 20 th October at the KJC, Jahmasikel, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 starts by giving a unique opportunity for young local musicians to be recognized as future jazz artists of Nepal. The Jazz for the Next Generation Music Competition finalists will have the chance to perform for the crowd and for the judges consisting of Jazzmandu International artists. One outstanding band will perform at the Jazz Bazaar and get an opportunity to engage in a private workshop with Jazzmandu musicians.

The Valley Jams and its fireworks of jazz performances is on Friday 21 st October starting at 7:30pm in three venues to choose from. The southern side of the valley will buzz with the vibrant musical expression of Bconnected from Switzerland at Moksh, Jhamsikel, while the northern side will pulsate to the nordic grooves of Neighbourhood from Sweden at the House of Music in Thamel, and the Afro-Latin jazz of the Cuban League at Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat.

On the following day, Saturday 22 nd October, the Jazz Bazaar will feature all Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 bands and musicians at the lush, serene Gokarna Forest Resort. The not-to be-missed event for all Jazzmandu fans, music enthusiasts and jazz lovers! The annual marathon of jazz and traditional folk and classical Nepalese music will start at 2:30pm and last until 10pm for an almost 8-hour long jazz party.
A shuttle bus service (but with limited seats availability) will be leaving every hour from 1pm-4pm from outside the Hyatt Regency gate, Boudha and returning from Gokarna to Lazimpat between 10pm and 11pm.

The Afro-Latin Jam is on Sunday 23 rd October from 7pm to 10pm at the Hotel Shangri-La in Lazimpat, for an evening of authentic, warm and exotic Afro-Cuban sounds of the Caribbean with the band Cuban League followed by Jazzmandu artists jamming to the grooves of Afro-Latin Jazz.

The following day features two musical events. The Jazzmandu Master Class from 3pm to 4;30pm t the KJC, Jhamsikel, is an opportunity for music students and jazz enthusiasts to interact with Jazzmandu international artists, share their experience and learn instrumental tips and techniques. Entry is free but with limited seating.

Jazz performances then move to Patan for the Jazz at Patan event starting at 6pm until 8:30pm in the historic and magical setting of the Patan Museum Square. International Jazzmandu artists will bring out their musical ideas and backgrounds with Nepal top-notch classical musicians and jazz band Cadenza Collective for an enchanting evening.

On Tuesday 25 th October, the Jazzmandu Finale big jam of the Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 festival is once more held in the Shambala Garden at the Shangri-La Hotel in Lazimpat. Musicians from different bands play their set and later jam together for a not-to-be-missed high-energy improvised jazz treat. The festival finale will start at 6pm and lasts until 10pm.

Tickets are available at respective venues on concerts days or can be purchased at Jazz Upstairs in Lazimpat, Moksh in Jhamsikel and at Nepa Music Outlets in Thamel. For advance booking call 9803516450 (10am to 5pm).

With again this year an international palette of world-class jazz artists and famous national bands on the programme for a feast of musical diversity, Surya Nepal Jazzmandu 2011 further promotes Jazz in the country and places Nepal and the Himalayas ever more firmly on the international Jazz map.

This year’s program features:

•  Nick Aggs (Australia) – Nick Aggs, has thrilled Jazzmandu audiences in the past (it is his fouth time here) with his crisp saxophone improvisations and deep heavy groove.

•  Cuban League (USA) – A trio with contagious and dynamic rhythms for an innovative musicality that aspires to preserve the legacy of Cuban music.

•  Bconnected (Switzerland) – This six-member band engages with energy and talent in an open and creative musical freedom to give the best to their audience.

•  Window Seat (India) – A quartet with melodies, harmonic statements and improvisations mixing jazz with afro beat and funk idioms for upbeat numbers.

•  Neighbourhood (Sweden) – A six-member band with pulsating grooves and a new generation of horn players for an energetic fusion of jazz, funk and soul.

•  KJC Faculty (members from Nepal, UK, Korea, Australia) – Debut performance for the talented and versatile members of the KJC Faculty.

•  Cadenza Collective (Nepal) – A cclaimed Jazz fusion style with blends of Nepali Classical and Folk, Afrobeat, Funk and experimental music for both the mind and soul.

•  Robin Lal Eastern Classical Trio (Nepal) – For a classical delight of Tabla, Sitar and bamboo flute.

•  Ghandarva (Nepal) – With traditional instruments such as the Sarangi, Madal and Kartal the band plays a significant role in the preservation of Nepali musical culture.

Nanjing International Jazz Music and World Music Festival has been successfully held for 9 times since 2002. 54 musicians of 10 bands from Germany, Holland, Belgium, Canada, Japan, Thailand, Malaysia and China are invited this year. They will hold concerts at Nanjing Culture & Art Center, Southeast University, Nanjing University of Science and Technology, Jiangsu Drama School and on public squares of counties and districts.

Many famous musicians and jazz, percussion music bands come to the festival. They will also make interactive performances with local musicians. A well-known guitar player will come to stage “Classical & Jazz” with Yang Yulun, the world famous flute performer and distinguished professor of Nanjing University of the Arts and Nanjing Normal University on the evening of October 15. Local band “Jinling Dragon” will invite a African-origin French percussion performer to make performances at Nanjing University and Jiangsu Drama School.

These 11 masters of jazz include internationally renowned jazz musicians, faculty of European and American conservatories. They will gather in Taipei in late July to do a demonstrative concert and teach in our Summer Jazz Academy.

Long-term cultivation of talents, cross-regional fusion of ideas is the motto of TIJS, Taipei International Jazz Season. This original guiding concept comes from the two founders of TIJEPA, noted jazz violinist Chi-pin Hsieh and noted jazz pianist Kai-ya Chang—they have persisted in carrying out their dreams and ideals.

Thanks to the effort of the two initiators, the festival this year is full of prominent jazz musicians, their diverse styles the embodiment of the inclusive nature of jazz music. The musicians this year include the seasoned American saxophone master John Ruocco; the rhythm section still constitute two fabulous musicians, the prestigious drummer Mimi Verderame from Italy and the premier European jazz bassists from Belgium, Bart De Nolf. They also have two broadly high praise records with Chi-pin and Kai-ya in Taiwan, “Jazz Promenade” & “Mimi Meimei”.

We appreciate these musicians will appear in Taipei again. Include Tutu Puaone, born in South Africa and is now based in West Europe; The unflappable German guitarist Joachim Schoenecker and passionate Dutch Latin pianist Peter Van Marle will also join this impressive group! Also the tremendous vitality Italian saxophonist Rosario Giuliani, who gave unforgettable performances for the concert audience in 2010.

For keep the passion and promotion of the Jazz Brass, we are proud again to invite David Smith, the much sought-after trumpet player in New York; And the new comer this year, Alan Ferber, recognized as one of the leading trombonists of his generation in Down Beat magazine’s International Critics’ Poll and Readers’ Poll, his latest album were chosen as the Best Album of the Year 2010. They are both jazz musicians with great skills and critical acclaim.

All these 11 international jazz musicians will play at the finale of Taipei International Jazz Festival in July. This is the only opportunity to see the global EXCHANGE of jazz in Taipei. All the musicians will bring their best and inspire each other on stage for you to see! Besides, for the Jazz Promenade series of festival, we will invite more great jazz sensations from overseas to Taipei, every concert will be high standard and inspiring, this will help the cultural & art exchange between different regions.

Besides, the major feature of our festival, which cannot be found elsewhere, is the participation of these 11 excellent musicians in TISJA, Taipei International Summer Jazz Academy. They will share their first-hand experience with Asian jazz students and give them suggestions about live performing skills. This is the core value of TIJS. We welcome anyone interested in learning jazz and those wishing to take their jazz skill to the next level to audition for TISJA.

More Info:http://www.taipeijazz.com/2011TIJS-en/index.php

SimakDialog is one such group. Founded in 1993, the band combines contemporary jazz with traditional Sundanese music to create an original sound that has brought it international recognition.

This year it have been selected as the only band from Asia to play at the annual jazz trade fair and festival Jazzahead in Bremen, Germany.

“People in other countries have finally realized that there are many great musicians in Indonesia,” said the band’s frontman, Riza Arshad.

Scheduled to take place from April 28 to May 1, Jazzahead is one of the world’s largest jazz gatherings. The event is a melting pot of people from all over the world involved in the jazz industry, including musicians, media representatives, recording companies, festival organizers and promoters.

Last year, Jazzahead welcomed more than 3,000 people.

Riza said people in Western countries were now searching for alternative music from foreign countries, including Indonesia.

“They are looking for different and unique sounds,” he said, adding that musicians had to work hard to respond to this demand by exploring their own originality.

The keyboardist took on this challenge with the other members of his trio, bassist Aditya Pratama and celebrated guitarist Tohpati Ario Hutomo, by inviting three Sundanese musicians — kendang players Endang Ramdan and Erlan Suwardana, and Cucu Kurnia, who plays Sundanese toy — to inject a traditional sound into their music.

The band has released five albums since coming together in 1993. The last two albums, “Patahan” (“Fracture”) and “Demi Masa” (“For the Sake of Time”), were recorded and distributed by American label Moonjune Records.

Under the international label, SimakDialog has received at least 200 positive reviews from music critics worldwide, helping to raise the profile of Indonesian music worldwide.

Riza said music lovers around the world had long been familiar with the tabla, a percussion instrument from India. But if they knew what the Sundanese kendang could do, he said, they might consider replacing the tabla with the Indonesian equivalent.

Riza said the kendang, a drum from West Java with two surfaces, could produce unique sounds by “manipulating the rhythm.”

SimakDialog has often been labeled an ethnic band due to the distinctive sound of the kendang in its music. Riza, however, is quick to dismiss the label.

“We call our music contemporary,” he said, adding that the band didn’t want to get pigeonholed in the traditional music category.

“It’s not really about how we play the kendang, but how to play the music deeply,” he said.

The band’s self-described style is “Karawitan jazz,” or jazz inspired by traditional Javanese music.

Project manager Agus Setiawan Basuni said SimakDialog’s success was a sign of the rise of jazz music in Indonesia.

Agus, who represents 12 other Indonesian jazz bands, said plenty of international jazz acts had already visited the country, so now it was time for local musicians to venture out and perform overseas. He said recent developments in jazz in Indonesia were promising, with more jazz festivals being held not only in Jakarta but also on other islands, including Sumatra and Sulawesi.

“We hope that more Indonesian jazz musicians will follow on to play at the international level,” Agus said.

According to Riza, SimakDialog’s upcoming performance at the Jazzahead festival is a good first step.

“As the only group from Asia to perform at such a prestigious event, this performance will be very important for the future development of Indonesian jazz,” the classically trained keyboardist said.

SimakDialog is scheduled to give a 45-minute performance on the first day of the event. As the day’s closing act, the band will play alongside acts from Australia, Brazil and Canada.

Guitarist Tohpati said SimakDialog had not been doing anything special to prepare for the event, but said the band was looking forward to playing live in Germany and sharing its music with an international audience.

Riza said his goal for the performance was simple. “I just want to inspire people through my music because I am always inspired by other musicians too.”

Remarkable Indonesia
It is a phrase often included in the tagline of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in the past two years. IIn 2010, the tagline was “Jazzin’ Up Remarkable Indonesia”; this year, for AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 scheduled for 4, 5, 6 March 2011 at JIExpo Kemayoran, we proudly announced the tagline “Remarkable Indonesia, Harmony Under One Nation”. Although it is a country located far from the birthplace of jazz, a country that in the past did not receive acknowledgement from the jazz scene, Indonesia remarkably became the host of one of the best and largest jazz festivals in the world. A number of renowned jazz musicians dubbed Jakarta (Indonesia) as one of the upcoming jazz centers of the world, on the same level as jazz epicentrums New Orleans, New York and Chicago.

Remarkable Indonesia’s position as a destination for jazz musicians is not only something Indonesians can be proud of, but also serves as a challenge for the music industry, most especially the Indonesian jazz musicians. AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival has become one of the largest and must continue to thrive as a venye in which jazz enthusiasts from all over the world may marvel at the prowess of Indonesian jazz musicians, a worthy adversary to the international jazz musicians. The festival should not be the only element receiving the ‘remarkable’ status, so should its performing musicians and Indonesian in general.

Harmony Under One Nation
Musicians, the audience, managers, artists’ agents, event organizer, stage management team, sound engineers, lighting engineers, artistic designers, journalists, booth personnels, sales promotion girls and whoever present at JIExpo Kemayoran on 4, 5, 6 March 2011 for AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 are our fellow countrymen, a nation who loves jazz.

With their own roles in interweaving harmony to achieve the success of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, ensuring that joy is unanimously felt and leaves a memorable memory of a harmony in jazz. This is the message we wish to spread to the world, “In a remarkable country like Indonesia, Jazz brings harmony under one nation”.

Let’s Spread a Nation-wide Harmony

Special offers from Java Festival Production (JFP), AXIS, BNI, Garuda Indonesia and First Media add enhanced experiences when purchasing tickets. Promotion activities offering prizes in the form of passes to watch AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 have been held, some starting December 2010, are methods opted by the organizer and sponsors to ensure that enthusiasts get the opportunity to see Indonesian and international musicians in action.

AXIS, for example, offers 50% discount from the price of Daily Pass offered via the official site by topping up users AXIS phone credit by Rp 100,000 for every ticket. As the years before, BNI returns with its ‘Buy 1 Get 2′ program. For the first time, this year, First Media also has a special offer for its subscribers. Garuda Indonesia, Indonesia’s premier airline company which recently held its Initial Public Offering, will also release its special offer enabling JJF enthusiasts from select countries to participate in enjoying the music of the festival. One thing for sure, every sponsors involved in ensuring the success of the 7th edition of Indonesia?s pride of a jazz festvival synergize to actualize “Remarkable Indonesia, Harmony Under One Nation”.

Names such as Benny Likumahuwa, Maliq ‘n D’Essentials, Glenn Fredly, Sandhy Sondoro, Andien, group Shadow Puppets, group Notturno, Dira Sugandi, Dwiki Dharmawan, group Simak Dialog, Fraya, Ade Irawan, group Indonesia Nu Progressive, Idang Rasjidi, group Tohpati Bertiga, group Indra Lesmana-Barry Likumahuwa-Sandy Winarta (LLW), GIGI Big Band, group Chamber Jazz (Iwan Hasan, Andien, Enggar, Merry Kasiman), Jopie Item, Oele Pattiselanno, Nial Djuliarso, group The Husbands & Wives feat. Otti J., Yance M., Endah N Rhesa, RAN and Nikita Dompas will perform their best for the audience of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011. Johanes Radianto, Dhani Syah, Elfa Zulham and Sri Hanuraga, who just finished their education in Holland will also be there. Magenta Orchestra is due to collaborate with George Benson in the Special Show titled “George Benson’s Tribute to Nat King Cole with Magenta Orchestra”.

These artists will share the time slots allocated between 17 stages with international names such as George Benson, Santana, Corrine Bailey Rae, George Duke, Kenny Loggins, Charlie Haden, Joey DeFrancesco, group Fourplay, Sondre Lerche, Rhoda Scott, Jamie Lidell, Kamal Musallam, Ernie Watts, Steve Smith, group Acoustic Alchemy, Ed Motta, Jose James, Brian Culbertson, Kai Eckhart, group Juan de Carlos Afro-Cuban All Stars, group Bauchklang, Maurice Brown, Roy Hargrove, Roberta Gambarini, group Rasmus Faber & RaFa Orchestra, Vinny Valentino and Robert Glasper Experience.

Approximately 100 thousand people are due to attend AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 will become the communication agents in spreading the message that the world is more divine when we unite in harmony, despite differences in backgrounds, views, culture, through jazz.

Come and take a part in unifying people in our lovely nation
Remarkable Indonesia
Harmony Under One Nation

Conveniently located in Plaza Senayan Arcadia, BlackCat presents an extraordinary lineup of top Indonesian and world-class Jazz artists, warm hospitality, perfect sound, and comfortable seating. From classic jazz to swing and funk, Black Cat presents the legendary artists of today and the brightest stars of tomorrow.

Black Cat’s interior design is black & white tile floors in the bar area, where guests are invited to drink and snack at small round cocktail tables; and polished wooden floors in the raised dining room area, where dining tables are dressed with placemats, linen napkins and candles. Framed images of Jazz legends line the walls and a baby grand piano sits on the raised stage, along with the live band equipment.

Black Cat introduces New Orleans style Cajun/Creole Cuisine to the Jakarta marketplace and will open daily for lunch, dinner and late night supper. Originating in New Orleans, Louisiana, Cajun and Creole cuisines are rich, diverse cuisines based on French cooking, with a mélange of French, Spanish, African and other influences. Our most popular dishes include Jambalaya, Lamb Shank, Steaks & Ribs, Seafood and Salmon.

Our beverage selection features fine wine and champagne, classic cocktails, cognacs, single malt whiskies, premium vodka and cordials, and authentic New Orleans cocktails.

Black Cat is open daily:

For Lunch on Monday-Friday from 11:30 AM to 2:00 PM

For High Tea from 3.00 to 5.00 PM

For Happy Hours from 5.00 to 7:00 PM

For Dinner from 6:00 PM to 12 midnight

For Live Jazz & Blues Bands from 9:00 PM

Black Cat Jazz & Blues Weekly Music Programming:

Dinner Time Solo Piano:

Wednesday through Sunday from 7:00 to 9:00 PM

Live Bands:

Monday through Saturday from 9:00 PM on

Open Mic Mondays

With BYSS Trio feat Ryan on Vocals

Guests are invited to Sing on Stage with our House Band!

Tuesday Night Blues

With Ina Blues Bands and Special Guests!

Wednesday Swing Night

With Idang Rasidi Trio feat. Kemala Ayu

Thursday Urban Jazz Funk Attack

With Barry Likumahuwa Project!

Friday Cool Jazz

With Cendy Luntungan Trio or Otti Jamalus Trio

Saturday Jazz Pop

Sam Trio feat. Asty Amanda

Sunday Piano

Abe Simpson on the Piano with Guests

From time to time, Black Cat will invite or host international guest performers to Jakarta, for special events. Black Cat Jazz & Blues – fabulous food, fine wine & spirits, and Jakarta’s best live jazz & blues!

For further information, please contact:

Ditha at BlackCat Jazz & Blues Club Tel. 021-57901264 or HP 0818-261200 or BB Pin: 21491E07
www.blackcatjakarta.com blackcatjazz@gmail.com

Delayed due to last year’s deadly Merapi eruptions, a one-day jazz festival featuring national performers will be held in Yogyakarta on Saturday.

Called “Ngayogjazz” or Yogyakarta jazz, the event will take place from afternoon to midnight in the yard of noted artist Djoko Pekik’s house in Sembungan sub-district, Kasihan, Bantul, Yogyakarta.

The event, the fourth since it was first launched in 2007, had previously been scheduled for Nov. 20.

“The eruptions of Mount Merapi postponed it and now we will have it this Saturday,” Ngayogjazz 2011 director and noted musician Djaduk Ferianto told a press conference on Thursday afternoon.

The world’s most active volcano, situated on the border of Yogyakarta and Central Java provinces, started erupting last October, continuing until November and killing nearly 400 people and displacing a half million others in the two affected provinces.

This year’s event takes the Javanese philosophy of mangan ora mangan ngumpul, which refers to the importance of togetherness in times of happiness and sadness among the Javanese community.

“This is a saying that, according to our interpretation, carries a message about the need to foster solidarity whatever the conditions. Such a spirit has been proven effective especially in difficult times,” he said.

Djaduk was referring to the solidarity of people in the region during the eruptions, in which they independently and voluntarily provided survivors with meals.

“No one told them to do so. They did so because of the spirit of togetherness. This is what is special about the region,” said Djaduk, who is also a younger brother of noted monologue performer Butet Kertaradjasa.

This spirit is said to have inspired the attending jazz performers to agree to perform for free.

“Visitors will not be required to pay for entrance tickets as all is performed for free. Everyone can just join and enjoy the performance together.

“This is indeed not a festival. We prefer to call this a gathering, a meeting forum for everyone to join, including performers, audience, locals, artists and even vendors of traditional foods,” said Aji Wartono, another member of the event organizer.

The event will present not only jazz music performances but also various traditional performances by local performers.

During the event, a special jazz album presenting repertoires adapted from Javanese traditional songs will also be launched. Titled Sesarengan (Togetherness), the album was produced jointly by Ngayogjazz and the Jogja Jazz Community.

The singers, musicians and jazz bands confirmed to perform at the event include Glenn Fredly, Iga Mawarni, Syaharani, Chanda Darusman, Tohpati Bertiga, Jogja Jazz Community, Bali Jazz Community, Ngisor Ringin Jazz Community (Semarang) and Gugun Blues Shelter.

Syaharani, who will perform for his third time at Ngayogjazz, said she enjoyed performing at the event and considered it the cosiest and most relaxed jazz event she had ever participated in.

“Everyone from any genre of music can come here, as there are no limitations at all,” Syaharani said, adding that she especially liked the event’s traditional ethnic parade.

“It’s really interesting,” she said.

AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 is the seventh edition of Indonesia’s pride of a jazz festival. Music enthusiasts (especially from the jazz genre) make sure that they mark their schedule on 4, 5 and 6 March 2011 as the days when the world’s largest jazz festival is held. The venue: JIExpo Kemayoran.

Due to Attend: Jazz Legends>
This year, JFP successfully invited a number of world jazz legends, some of which will be coming to Indonesia’s premier jazz festival for the first time. The legends that had been here previously promise never-been-performed musical experiences.

After six year of incessant endeavor, Santana finally agreed to perform at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011. To make it even more phenomenal, Santana will be performing in two special shows: on Friday, March 4 and Saturday, March 5. Santana’s ‘visit’ to Jakarta is part of the “Guitar Heaven 2011 Tour”. It is expected that Santana will perform the band’s classic songs, including those featured in “The Supernatural: Legacy Edition” album.

George Benson is a name bound to draw significant crowd. Although he has performed on a number of occasions in Jakarta, this would be the first time that George Benson will be performing at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. He will be performing in two formats (both Special Show): George Benson Greatest Hits and George Benson Tribute to Nat King Cole, in which he will be collaborating with an Indonesian orchestra to pay tribute to the legendary singer and pianist.

Due to perform at the festival is hits maker Kenny Loggins, a Special Show. Kenneth Clark Loggins is not only a notable songwriter, but also acknowledged pop singer. A Grammy Award winner (1980) for “Best Male Vocal”, his fans are from all over the world. His songs are the signature soundtrack to classic movies such as “Caddyshack”, “Footloose”, “Top Gun” and “Over the Top”.

There are two legendary jazz names worthy of highlighting that are due to perform in March 2011. The first is Charlie Haden, a double-bass player who will be flying all the way to Indonesia with his quartet. Haden has won three Grammy Awards, the “Jazz Educator of the Year” from Los Angeles Jazz Society and a “Lifetime Achievement Award” from Bassplayer magazine.

The other legend is Joey DeFrancesco, the best organist of the decade. The Hammond B3 specialist is a most acknowledged jazz musician with an unparallel talent. He had his first show at the age of 10. By the time he was 17, he was already recruited by jazz giant Miles Davis.

Furthermore, for the first time, Bob James, Harvey Mason, Nathan East and Chuck Loeb will perform as Fourplay at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. Ever since it was announced at www.javajazzfestival.com that the foursome would perform at the festival, fans incessantly inquire exactly on what dates Fourplay would grace the stage of the festival. For the 7th edition of the festival, for the first time, Fourplay will perform with their latest line-up.

Returning for the second time at the festival is Roy Ayers. For the 2011 edition of the festival, Roy Ayers will collaborate with Robert Glasper Experience. It can be said that Roy Ayers is one of the pioneers of modern jazz. The collaboration heightens further in ‘coolness’ with the presence of rapper Pete Rock.

When it was announced that Maria Schneider has confirmed her attendance at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011, a number of Indonesian musicians were thoroughly thrilled. Without a doubt, Maria Schneider is one of the world’s best jazz songwriters and arrangers. She has collaborated and performed with various orchestra and jazz ensembles from various countries. Definitely a performance that should not be missed.

Sondre Lerche would be the musicians that cater beautifully to the youth market of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011. The Norwegian singer is also a hit in Europe and the US. Also a treat for the younger crowd, Rasmus Faber & RaFa Orchestra and also Jamie Lidell.

Hailing from Leeds, Corinne Bailey Rae is one of the finest singers (and guitarists) in the UK. She has won a number of awards, including some awards for her latest album, “The Sea”, which won “Best R&B Album of the Year” from Soul and Jazz Awards. The same institution also crowned her as “Best Artist of the Year Act Soul/R&B” in 2010.

Also in the roster are Indra Lesmana, Barry Likumahuwa and Sandy Winarta due to perform modern jazz numbers. It will be full of surprises!

AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 proudly presents two young Indonesian pianists. Ade Irawan and David Manuhutu. Despite their young age, the two are extremely proficient in performing classic jazz numbers.

Also due to perform at the seventh edition of the festival: Benny Likumahuwa & the Young Jazz Connection, DREW, Dwiki Dharmawan, Otty Djamalus & Yance Manusama feat. Endah ?n Rhesa, BLP, Indonesia Nu Progressive, Ello, Nial Djuliarso – Tribute to the Jazz Soul of Ismail Marzuki, The Groove Reunion, Iwan Hasan Chamber Jazz feat. Andien and Pitoelas Big Band (who will be performing alongside Maria Schneider).

AXIS & Java Jazz Festival
AXIS, the fastest growing national GSM and 3G operator in Indonesia, this year will again support the AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. AXIS is very proud to be part of one of the best and largest jazz festivals in the world. We continue to actively support events that have a positive impact to the development of our music industry. We are delighted to prove that jazz can be enjoyed by all segments as some people take jazz as a music genre that is too difficult to listen to and it is only the music of selected segments. This initiative is in line with AXIS’ commitment to make mobile communication more affordable and simple for all Indonesians. There is a clear connection between music and mobile services that provides the perfect opportunity for AXIS to increase its relevance to a wide range of segments by embracing both innovation and performance in both music and mobile services.

Well known as a mobile operator that always makes every effort to deliver the best offer for its customers, AXIS is offering an amazing early bird deal for daily ticket price at only Rp99,000 with the purchase of Rp100,000 AXIS reloads This limited special offer is valid from 22 – 31 December 2010. However, AXIS’ best offer does not stop here! Starting 1 January 2011, AXIS will offer an amazing deal of 50% discount off the published rate for daily pass ticket with the purchase of Rp100,000 AXIS reload. This offer is exclusively available at AXIS Shops in Plaza Semanggi Jakarta, Istana Plaza Bandung, and by calling to AXIS Customer Care at 0838 8000 838.

AXIS will also soon launch Road to Java Jazz, a talent search contest to recruit young talented Indonesian musicians and provide them with a prestigious opportunity to perform at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011. Customers can log in to AXIS Java Jazz Festival group in facebook, or follow @AXISJavaJazz on twitter to receive instantly updated information.

AXIS is for the third year in a row title sponsor this biggest jazz festival in Indonesia. AXIS has committed to a three-year agreement as the title sponsor for AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival.

BNI: Spread Your Wings Indonesia
BNI proudly sponsors Java Jazz Festival for the seventh year in a row. From 2005 to 2011, BNI has been a partner to one of the most impressive annual music event, which is a barometer for development not only for jazz in Indonesia but also the world.

At this year’s Java Jazz Festival, BNI will once show its appreciation to its customes by once more reviving its “Buy 1 Get 2″ program by utilizing the BNI Credit Cards (Platinum, Style Titanium, Gold, Blue), and also the Emerald and BNI Debet Card. In addition, BNI also releases the Java Jazz Card Pre-paid Card, which can be used as payment device for merchandise and food & beverage during the event. The design of the card features various international artists, making it collectible items.

BNI positions itself as the partner of creative events in Indonesia, in line with BNI?s communications theme “Spread Your Wings Indonesia”. BNI aspires for Java Jazz Festival to inspire Indonesia’s creative individuals to develop and spread their wings.

Keep Yourself in the Loop
Save the date to AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011: 4, 5, 6 March 2011. Music enthusiasts from all over the world have planned their trips to the Festival for months.

Keep yourself updated through the AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 info loop on Twitter (@JavaJazzFest, @AXISJavaJazz), Facebook (Java Jazz Festival, AXIS Java Jazz Festival) and the website (www.javajazzfestival.com).

Tickets to AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2011 are available for purchase via www.javajazzfestival.com and a number of ticket boxes.

See you at the 7th edition of Java Jazz Festival!

Let’s contribute to the Harmony Under One Nation in Remarkable Indonesia.

As part of Sarawak Tourism Board’s transformation and continuous improvement, the organizing of this festival is geared towards a commercial basis to bring it to greater heights. As such the organization of the festival for 2011, will be undertaken by STB Leisure & Properties, a subsidiary of Sarawak Tourism Board (STB). STB however will continue to focus on the marketing and promotion of the event itself.

Under the transformation, new initiatives have also been planned, among them, the Internship and Volunteers Program whereby STB, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility initiative, will collaborate with the academia as part of an industry advisory platform in enhancing the quality of graduates that is relevant to the need of the industry. The intent of this program is to provide a unique learning experience for international volunteers and interns whilst at the same time being exposed to the product experiences of Sarawak’s culture, nature and adventure on the island of Borneo. The aim is to have 70% of students participating in this programme from outside Sarawak. This is another step towards bringing the festival to the international arena.

The Board is also collaborating with private sectors to design packages to attract visitors not only from Peninsula Malaysia, neighbouring Brunei and Singapore but also from the region and overseas, eg in Japan, Korea, China, Taiwan, Australia & Europe. With these packages, visitors would be able to attend the festival at night and during the day, they can visit places of interest or participate in the local activities.

Next year’s Borneo Jazz will be an exciting one with its extension to a 3-day event. The festival will see new features around few venues in Miri, Sarawak. It will kick-off with the Opening Night on Friday, 12 May 2011 which will be opened to the public. There will also be musical meetings during Saturday afternoon of the festival followed by a Sunday Matinee. Tickets will be offered for sale to the public. Featuring at the festival is the headline act, Grammy nominated Maria Muldaur from the United States. Sharing the stage will be Cunha & Piper from Brazil, Les Doigts De L’Homme from France, SIU2 from Hong Kong, State of Monc from Holland, Miri born, Victor Yong and the Electric Carnival from Malaysia/Canada and Yuichiro Tokuda’s RALYZZ DIG from Japan. They will feature a range of jazz genre from gypsy jazz to traditional jazz.

As in previous years, previews will also be held and may be extended even to KL and Singapore.

For 2011, the Board hopes to attract 4,800 visitors from outside Sarawak. This will augur well for the local business community and also contribute significantly to the arrival figures to the state as a whole.

Daily tickets priced at RM60 for adults and RM30 for children aged 3 to 12 are now available on-line at www.ticketcharge.com.my. For purchase/booking/enquiries please call TicketCharge Hotline: +603-9222 8811 or at TicketCharge @ No 42A-1, Jalan Metro Pudu, Fraser Business Park, Off Jalan Yew, 55100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. Tickets will also be available at Visitors’ Information Centres in Kuching, Sibu and Miri, Sarawak from March 2011 onwards. Watch out also for ticket specials.

Besides the good music and great company we will also have stalls selling a wide variety of local and fusion food and beverages as well as festival memorabilia at the venue.

Look out for more new and exciting initiatives for the coming Jazz festival!

For more details, kindly log on to www.jazzborneo.com

As in past years, the “Jazz By The Beach” Stage (Main Stage) programmes a variety of groups with different styles and this year is no different with varied musical styles being performed from a thirty five (35) piece Philharmonic to World Renowned Solo Guitar Players to Standard Jazz Trio / Quartet to an Aca Pella group to Funk / Fusion Bands to Experimental / Nu jazz / Ethnic jazz groups in an idyllic open air setting beneath the stars by the side of a beach.

Keeping in line with past editions, the performers for the main stage programme this year are a mixture of local Malaysian and International acts. They are Penang Philharmonic featuring Ray Rozells and James Boyle, Celso Machado ( Brazil), SC Yun Trio ( South Korea), Electric Barbarian ( Netherlands / USA / Brazil), Stouxingers ( Germany), Carefree ( Malaysia), Roger Wang Trio ( Malaysia), Boi Akih ( Netherlands), Rain Sultanov Quartet ( Azerbaijan), PELbO ( Norway), Tommy Emmanuel ( Australia) and ZHAN ( Malaysia / Japan / Australia).

The afternoon Fringe stage sessions have increased from three (3) last year to four (4) stages this year – the “ORIS Stage” at Bayview Beach Resort, the “Rock Stage” at Hard Rock Hotel Penang, “G Stage” at G Hotel and “Javana Stage” at ParkRoyal Hotel. Performances are held from 3.00pm to 5.00pm simultaneously at all four (4) stages on Friday, 3 rd Dec. and Saturday, 4 th Dec. On Sunday, 5 th Dec. there will only be performances at the “ORIS Stage” at Bayview Beach Resort.

The performers for this year’s “Fringe Stage Programmes” are Rozz & Frequency, Raggy Project, Sound of Light, Florence Koh Quartet, PRIORity, Sax Organ Project, Ocean of Fire & Dasha, JazzHats, Aseana Percussion Unit, sTrAiT sAx aHeAd featuring Russell Curtis, Reza Salleh, Clair V Rozells & Allan G. Murrilon, Jonathan Tse Trio and Winner of “Get Inspired” Competition.

Tommy Emmanuel

Other supporting activities for this year include the ongoing “An Evening with series” at G Spot at G Hotel and this year the featured acts for the series are Aca Pella group – Stouxingers from Germany on Thursday, 2 nd Dec. and Malaysia’s own Carefree on Friday, 3 rd Dec. The “Jazz With A Heart” Charity Dinner will this year be jointly hosted by Bayview Beach Resort and Bayview Hotel Georgetown and the “After Hours Jazz Jam” sessions will as usual be held at Celsius Pub at the lower lobby of Bayview Beach Resort.

There will be five (5) “Workshops” this year – “Brazilian Guitar and Rhythms” by Celso Machado, “Musical Unity in Diversity” by Boi Akih, “Voices in Harmony” by Stouxingers, “Boogie Woogie Piano” by Razif “Jeep” Mohd and “Finger Picking Guitar” by Tommy Emmanuel. The annual “Community Drum Circle” will once again be held at the Bayview Beach Resort Gardens.

The 6th Edition of the Festival saw a gradual growth in participation of more than 100 performers from 12 countries in all its’ activities and over 4,000 audience attendance from all over Malaysia and countries from around the Region.

Exhibitions being held in conjunction with the Festival this year are the Penang Musical Heritage Exhibition at the Penang State Museum from end November to end December. The Jazz Gallery at the Bayview Beach Resort will house the exhibition of the past editions of the Montreux Jazz Festival posters courtesy of Montreux Jazz Festival and supported by the Embassy of Switzerland in Malaysia, the Photography exhibition of renowned jazz photographer William Ellis, Festival’s collection of photographs, posters, paintings and percussion instruments, the ORIS Jazz Legend series Poster Collection, Musical Instruments and other exhibitors.

For the first time, the Festival will be introducing a “Big Band Programme” featuring two (2) Big Bands performing for 30 minutes each per day in the afternoon on Saturday, 4th Dec. and Sunday, 5 th Dec. at the Grand Ballroom of the Bayview Beach Resort. The featured bands for this year are PFS Jazz Jam Crew, Northern Jazz Ensemble, Jeep Jazz Band and UPSI Big Band from Sultan Idris University of Education Malaysia.

Tickets for the “Jazz By The Beach” – Main Stage programme on Saturday, 4th Dec. and Sunday, 5th Dec. is RM60 per day. Ticketing information available at www.ticketpro.com.my.

The Penang Island Jazz Festival 2010 is organized and managed by The Capricorn Connection, with Partners, Bayview Beach Resort, Mercedes-Benz Sdn. Bhd., ORIS, Red FM and supported by Embassy of Brazil, Royal Norwegian Embassy, Ministry of Culture & Tourism and Embassy of the Republic of Azerbaijan to Malaysia Kuala Lumpur, Embassy of Switzerland, Goethe-Institut Malaysia, Penang Global Tourism, Penang State Museum, IJM Land Berhad, AmBank Group, KK Jazz Festival, G Hotel, Hard Rock Hotel Penang, ParkRoyal Hotel, Starbucks Coffee, Heineken, JS Music, Roland Asia Pacific, The Guitar Store, Homegrown Productions, LBS Music World, Penang Philharmonic, Danai Spa, Tree Monkey @ Tropical Spice Garden, Little Penang Street Market, Penang Jazz Community and GR8 Music.