The hotel location is the closest hotel to exhibition area, it is only taking 5 minutes of your traveling time. We are pleased to offer our special rate during the exhibition with the detail as bellow:

• The above rates are subject to 21% government tax & service charge
• Additional person or triple occupancy with Extra Bed will be charged       US$ 40++ (subject to 21% tax & service) inclusive buffet breakfast
• Additional breakfast will be charged IDR 125.000++ per person  (subject to  21% tax & service)
• Internet access in the room (Premium, Towers & Suites room only) will be charged IDR 150.000++ per 24 hours (subject to 21% tax & service)
• The airport transfer service will be charged US$ 25 Net/Car/Way

Classic & Premium Classic Rooms Benefit :

• Including buffet breakfast for two persons at Breeze Café
• Free entrance to Acropolis Health Club Center and spa as well as Swimming Pool
• Complimentary 2 (two) pieces Laundry per day (not accumulative)
• Free transfer to – from Jakarta International Expo (PRJ) base on our schedule

Towers &  Suite Rooms Benefits :

• Personalized and Separate check-in and check-out
• Welcome tea or coffee at Towers Lounge
• Complimentary Cocktails from 5:00pm to 7:00pm at Towers Lounge
• Complimentary daily coffee or tea at Towers Lounge
• Complimentary breakfast for two persons at Towers Lounge
• Complimentary late check-out until 4:00pm subject to room availability
• Complimentary 2 (two) pieces Laundry per day (not accumulative)
• Free transfer to – from Jakarta International Expo (PRJ) base on our schedule

Method of Payment :

= Personal Account: Room & Breakfast, mini bar, telephone, laundry and so  than the above items will be charge to individual/participant account and a credit card imprint or cash deposit is required upon arrival by our Front Desk Associates. Unless there is an official and written instruction from you hat other charges to be settled towards the Master Account of this group.

= Payment can be made by :

-          Cash, Credit Card
-          Transfer to our Bank Account :

Sheraton Media Hotel & Towers Jakarta
PT Grahasahari Suryajaya QQ Sheraton Media
Bank Mandiri KCP JKT Gunung Sahari
Jl. Industri No.1, Jakarta 10720Rupiah Account : 119-00-0777888-7

Cancellation

= No cancellation fee will be charges on cancellation received by the hotel 24 hours prior to arrival date. For Cancellation receiver less than 24 hours prior to arrival, or in the event of no show, one night’s contracted rate room change plus applicable tax and service, will be changed. Cancellation should be made in writing.

= No, show must be paid without reliance on billed vouchers since as the clients did not arrive in the hotel, no voucher will be submitted.

= More information please contact info@wartajazz.net

The dREAMSCAPE VIP Java Jazz Festival 2010 Passport affords holders a variety of exclusive and special services includes :

• A three days  or  daily dREAMSCAPE  VIP JJF  2010 pass
• A personal invitation from Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival founder Peter F .Gontha to the by invitation-only opening dinner and performance, that will also include the creme de la creme of Asian society and top artists*  ** only available for the 3 days VIP pass holder
• A personal invitation from dREAMSCAPE to attend  the after party sessions that will feature many of the artists performing at the festival* ** only available for the 3 days VIP pass holder
• A reserved exclusive parking section & VIP parking valet service. Special entry with no waiting and lining.
• A special dedicated VIP team & meeting area with exclusive VIP Lounge Room(s) and enjoy free flow of exotic cocktails and a sumptuous snack buffet
• Exclusive goody bag with special dREAMSCAPE VIP JJF 2010 program book &  signed merchandises by artists and opportunity to  meet-and-greet performance artists  after the show including the special show artists.
• A VIP Jakarta Weekend Passport, which gets holders free entry to clubs, special benefits at key restaurants and free first drinks.* ** only available for the 3 days VIP pass holder

Packages will be released as per January 15, 2010 with 15% early bird limited to availability.

dREAMSCAPE VIP JJF 2010 Ticket Only is available for residence of Jakarta. Prices are nett inclusive 11% government tax.

For  booking and more information please  contact sales@wartajazz.net

TERMS & CONDITIONS OF BOOKING :

1. Package price is nett ( inclusive of  11% government tax )
2. Package is  inclusion        :
   1. 3 x daily VIP entry to Java Jazz FestivalVIP reserved seating / entry to ALL Special Shows ( including sold out events).Personal invitation by Chariman of Jakarta International Java Jazz , Peter F. Gontha, to the opening gala dinner show.VIP 3 days passes to enter Java Jazz Festival 2010

      VIP lounge access & complimentary Food & Beverages.

      Meet and greet opportunity with local and international artists.

      Exclusive parking section and VIP Parking Valet Service.

      VIP welcome pack with 2010 JJF Program book, signed merchandise, Jakarta Weekend Passport offering free entry to clubs, lounge,etc.

3. For security reason, photo of the client is required.  VIP entry and access are non-transferable.
4. Tickets access is only available for residence of Jakarta.

We surely still remember that it was in JCC that we first witnessed a festival which would later establish itself as one of the best and largest in the world, a festival that is the pride of Indonesians. Moreover, the gargantuan jazz festival is the product of Indonesian young people’s hard work.

For the first and last time, we had the opportunity to catch “The Godfather of Soul”, James Brown, in action. Our hearts swelled with pride as we saw Indonesian talents sharing the stages with international artists.

For five years, Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival provided an abundant of treat for music lovers (especially favoring the jazz genre) from Indonesia and abroad with the sparkling stars of the jazz constellation, such as Tania Maria, George Duke, Ivan Lins, Bob James, Joshua Redman, Ron Carter, Sergio Mendes, Sadao Watanabe, Jeff Lorber, Kurt Elling, The Manhattan Transfer, Michael Paulo, Marcus Miller, Jeff Kashiwa, Lisa Ono, Incognito, Tetsuo Sakurai, Diane Reeves, New York Voices, Renee Olstead, Terumasa Hino, John Scofield, Harvey Mason, Eldar, Dave Weckl, David Garfield, Ron King Bag Band, Patti Austin, Isao Suzuki, David Benoit, Simon Phillips, Jamie Cullum, and many more. There were also the beyond jazz musicians who proved to be popular all around the globe: Babyface, Jason Mraz, Chaka Khan, the “The Godfather of Funk” George Clinton, Alex Ligertwood, Bobby Caldwell and Peabo Bryson.

Furthermore, we were also fortunate to witness Indonesian musicians who were the icons of jazz (and jazzy) music such as Bubi Chen, Benny Mustafa van Diest, Benny Likumahuwa, Margie Segers, Oele Pattiselanno, Jopie Item, Ireng Maulana, Kiboud Maulana, Jeffrey Tahalele, Yance Manusama, Tjut Nyak Deviana Daudsjah, Ermy Kulit, Elfa Secioria, Indra Lesmana, Pra Budi Dharma, Ruth Sahanaya, Dwiki Dharmawan, Adjierao, Cendy Luntungan, Glen Dauna, Glen Fredly, Bambang Nugroho, Tompi, Maliq & D’Essentials, Dira, to the promising future of Indonesian music Ayla Rao, Rafi and Zefanya.

We Relocated Because We Care

Since 2008, Peter F. Gontha, founder of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival and Chairman of Java Festival Production, already began to consider relocating Indonesia’s pride of a jazz festival to a larger area. JIExpo Kemayoran is the only representative venue in Jakarta, and Indonesia, to hold an event with multiple stages, hundreds of shows and tens of thousands of visitors.

Peter F. Gontha and the line-up of Java Festival Production became more assured with their decision to relocate Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival to JIExpo Kemayoran having seen the overflow of visitors in 2009. Approximately 30,000 people flocked to JCC per day, packing JCC solid with the visitors of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2009, that year sponsored by AXIS.

All people present at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2009 found it troublesome to move around JCC. The air was humid and seemed lacking ventilation. In such condition, the comfort and safety of the people attending the festival might be compromised. Java Festival Production desires and continues to actualize safety and comfort of all visitors of the next AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. Hence, the relocation of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival to JIExpo Kemayoran in 2010.

The Sparkles of the Jazz Constellation

Similar to its last five years, AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 will also showcase the sparkling talents of Indonesian and international artists. Due to perform, among which, are Tohpati, Bubi Chen, Indro Hardjodikoro, Oele Pattiselanno, Jeffrey Tahalele, Jakarta Broadway Team, Andre Hehanusa, Ligro Trio, Idang Rasjidi, Syaharani, Elfa?s Bossas, Aksan dan Titi Sjuman, RAN, Barry Likumahuwa, Soulvibe, Dewa Budjana, Gugun Blues Shelter, Opustre Soul Big Band, Lala Suwages, Ecoutez, Notturno and talented young pianist David Manuhutu.

Equally enthralling and diverse international musicians will also showcase their skills. Serious jazz twists will be performed by renowned jazz musicians such as Hubert Laws, Randy Brecker and Bill Evans accompanied by Steve Lukather (guitarist of Toto), renowned blues guitarist Robben Ford and Darry Jones (bassist of The Rolling Stones), George Duke, Christian McBride, David Murray, Carl Allen, Kurt Rosenwinkel and Roy Hargrove. The world’s best jazz vocal group The Manhattan Transfer is due to return for the second year, due to perform standards with the big band, and also a session where they perform pieces by jazz maestro Chick Corea.

For those preferring a more subtle jazz music, do not miss Bob James, Michael Paulo, Eric Marienthal, Everette Harp, Chieli Minucci, Mindy Abair, Jessy J, Lee Ritenour, Karen Briggs and Breakestra.

The Cuban Jazz, Latin Jazz and Brazilian Jazz numbers performed by Arturo O’Farril, Adonis Puentes, Bryan Lynch Latin Jazz Quartet, Emilio Santiago’s pristine voice, Ivan Lins and Hendrik Meurkens Samba Jazz Quartet will surely woo the audience with their sexiness. The audience should also prepare to be captivated by the performances of Eric Benet, Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, Toni Braxton, Roberta Gambarini and Jane Monheit. Those who wondered what The Rat Pack looked and sounded like must not miss impersonators of Sammy Davis Jr., James Dean and Frank Sinatra in Direct from Vegas The Rat Pack?.

Rufus featuring Sly Stone is certainly one of the highlights of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010; it has been a tradition of Java Jazz Festival, presenting world’s music legends from various genres, this time from the genre soul and funk.

Don?t Want to Miss A Thing

Do you remember the song performed by super group Aerosmith in “Armageddon”? The visitors of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 must not miss the opportunity to catch the songwriter of the song’s performance.

Diane Warren is the most productive and hit-making composer. She has sold more songs than The Beatles, Robbie Williams and Elton Jon combined. In addition to “Don’t Want to Miss a Thing”, Warren also wrote “Rhythm of the Night” (Gloria Estefan), “Nothing’s Gonna Stop Us Now” (Starship), “Blame It on the Rain” (Milli Vanili), “How Do I Live Without You” (LeAnn Rimes), “Un-Break My Heart” (Toni Braxton) and “Blue Eyes Blue” (Eric Clapton).

When she heard about Indonesia and Java Jazz Festival, Diane Warren wholeheartedly consented to perform her special project “Diane Warren’s Greatest Hits”. In addition to bringing along her latest find “Due Voci”, for the special project to be featured at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010, Diane Warren will also be collaborating with a number of Indonesian and international artists to sing her hits.

Aside from Diane Warren, not to be missed at AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010, is the debut of duet Due Voci (Kelly Levesque and Tyler Hamilton). Diane Warren dubs the duet as “The Ultimate Romantic Duo”.

Also to debut at the Festival is 21-year-old Griffith Frank. Hailed as a combination of Josh Groban and Andrea Bocelli (voice-wise), the coolness of Josh Groban and the good looks of Michael Buble, the 3-octave-range singer has won a number of competitions.

Tribute to Michael Jackson

Most certainly, those living on the face on this earth agree that the songs of Michael Jackson are divine and memorable. Indulge you ears and emotions; enjoy the songs of the King of Pop through jazz arrangements never heard before. The pioneer of the “Tribute to Michael Jackson” project is drummer Harvey Mason. AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 will the first stage of the beautiful project.

This will be the first year of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival at JIExpo Kemayoran. It is a beginning of a series of experience marveling at Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, this year, in its sixth year.

Also a highlight of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 at its new venue, JIExpo Kemayoran, there will be a collaboration with FTV Indonesia (a subsidiary of FTV International). FTV is an international TV channel dedicating its broadcast on fashion and lifestyle news. The station is broadcasted in more by 200 countries.

FTV’s participation in AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 will certainly emphasize how lifestyle is a part of music lovers’ lives. Due to collaborate elements of music and fashion, dubbed “Music and Fashion”, the project plans to treat music lovers with fashion shows dedicated to the street wear/urban look style which, in a way, is wearable by the visitors of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010. The collaboration between fashion and music will then be broadcasted by FTV International to various corners of the world! FTV Indonesia will promote Indonesia’s pride of a jazz festival by putting out teaser clips prior to D-Day, followed by clips of “Fashion and Music”. The collaboration will surely expand the echo of AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010 to the corners of world.

The AXIS Experience

AXIS, the fastest growing national GSM and 3G operator in Indonesia, this year will again present the AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. The company is for the second year in a row title sponsor this one of the largest jazz festivals in the world. AXIS has committed to a three year agreement as the title sponsor for AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival. In sponsoring the AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, AXIS aims to underline its long-term commitment to support both international as well as Indonesian music industry and making music accessible for all.

In order to accommodate overwhelming responses we received last year, AXIS will again hold “Road to AXIS Jazz Stars” prior to the festival. It is a band competion to find talented jazz band who will get opportunity to perform on one of the AXIS Java Jazz Festival stages. This year, the competition was held in six big cities, Jakarta, Surabaya, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Medan, and Palembang, starting 20 January to 21 February 2010. Apart from a special opportunity to perform on Java Jazz Festival, AXIS will also provide cash reward for the Road to AXIS Jazz Stars winners. Through this program AXIS is providing a medium for its subscribers to deliver its creativity and to show appreciation on the great talent that Indonesian young musicians have.

Only for its subscribers, AXIS has prepared the following special offers and benefits:

* Buy 1 Get 1 Free:

Reload Rp50,000 + buy 1 AXIS Java Jazz ticket will get 1 Free ticket

* Buy 1 Get 2 Free:

Reload Rp150,000 + buy 1 AXIS Java Jazz ticket will get 1 Free ticket for this year and 1 free AXIS Java Jazz ticket for next year.

**Exclusive AXIS BlackBerry Bold 9700 Java Jazz Edition, including:

- Free daily pass ticket on AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010

- Bluetooth headset

- Exclusive mini speaker

- Special video clips included of artists from AXIS Java Jazz Festival

- Free download AXIS Java Jazz Festival theme and RBT for their phone

Moreover, during the event, AXIS will provide special privileges, i.e. rest area complete with free snacks and drinks, shuttle bus to festival venue, the best seat to watch the shows in tribune and balcony, especially for AXIS customers

Bridging Indonesia and the World

BNI returns for the sixth time on a row to once again support international-class event Java Jazz Festival 2010. According to BNI’s President Director, Gatot M. Suwondo, BNI’s support for Java Jazz Festival 2010 is also an actualization of its support towards Indonesia’s creative industry. BNI is the Ministry of Trade’s partner in socializing and creating the blueprint of Indonesia’s creative industry. The creative economy is a culture-based product and innovative services industry with an abundance of business potential for the future. In addition to business consideration, the development of creative economy activities also gives tribute to art and cultural issues. There are 14 business sub-sectors encompassed within the creative industry, among which are: handicrafts, architecture, art market, design, fashion, advertising, video/film/photography, interactive games, music, performance arts, publishing, computer services and software, television & radio, and research & development. Its support for Java Jazz Festival 2010 is also a form of BNI’s commitment to appreciate and establish loyalty program for its consumers. Like the previous years, this year, BNI’s consumers will have access to the “Buy 1 Get Two” privilege (for debit card & credit card holders). BNI will also issue Java Jazz Festival 2010 themed pre-paid card, a valid payment method for the event.

In addition, BNI’s participation at Java Jazz Festival will strengthen BNI’s position in the youth segment living the modern lifestyle. In addition, by participating in the international-level music event, BNI strengthen its position as a local bank, highlighting the mission bridging Indonesia and the world.

Because You Wouldn’t Miss A Thing!

“Music is a universal language”. Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival is a concrete proof of that. Thousands of people from various profession and generation enthusiastically pack the halls of the concert venue, not excluding TEBS Lounge which features ‘cool’ music from the jazz’s top talents. This year, for the fourth time, TEBS is ready to support the showcase of international-quality music in Indonesia. It is festivals like this that will enrich the music horizon of music lovers in Indonesia and motivate us to move forward.

Open your eyes, hearts and ears to welcome Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010?because you wouldn’t want to miss a thing!

World-class Handphone, World-class Festival

The number three company globally in the mobile telecommunications industry, LG Mobile has confirmed its support for Java Jazz Festival 2010. Support is given since the star-studded event is not only a phenomenon in the Indonesian music world, but also internationally. This is in line with the LG Mobile Spirit, which has successfully released phenomenal handphone products in the global market. LG Mobile is not only advanced in design, but also versatile to the worshippers of technology and style. With LG Chocolate as its first generation, the South Korean vendor shocked the market by booking sales of 21 million units worldwide. With the same spirit in tow, LG Mobile introduced LG New Chocolate (BL40) as the fourth generation of Black Label Series. In regards to introduction to its latest product, with no hesitation, LG Mobile prepares 200 free tickets to enjoy and marvel in the wonders of Java Jazz Festival to the buyers of LG BL40. Through this program, LG Mobile hopes to provide the opportunity for more people to enjoy the grand event, Indonesia’s pride of world-class jazz festival.

This is the first year of Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival at JIExpo Kemayoran; it is the beginning of a series of remarkable experience at Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival in its sixth edition.

AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival 2010

Don?t Miss a Thing in Jazzin’ Up Remarkable Indonesia

Sponsored by Network International, the official presenting sponsor of the 8th edition of Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival, The Network Jazz Garden Concept was first created in 2009 adding more must-see jazz performances.

For the second edition, each of the seven nights will host two performances, with the first show starting at 8:30pm, and the second at 10pm.

As the opening acts, a collection of New York’s favorite Jazz bands to engage the crowd with fresh and distinct music, with improvisation of the most genial Jazz rhythms. These bands are known in their hometown for their different approaches to music creativeness and inventions.

What’s more, this year, the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2010 is joining forces with the Hamburg Representative Office in the UAE to bring a stunning ensemble of the best Jazz bands of Hamburg city, the home of the best European Jazz musicians and artists. Hamburg is increasingly becoming the centre for music in northern Europe. A fresh, youthful and authentic music scene has emerged there, comparable with the style-setting club scene of the 1960s, when it was there that the Beatles achieved their breakthrough.

Hamburg has also a multifaceted jazz scene, owing to its music academy offering a special “Jazz” major, but also to the world-famous NDR Big Band, among whose members are some of Germany’s best jazz musicians, i.e. Lutz Buechner and Reiner Winterschladen (Nighthawks).

Live jazz plays a big role, too: the most important German jazz event organizer is based in Hamburg, the Karsten Jahnke Konzertdirektion, which also runs the renowned JazzToDay and JazzNights events.

The compilation of the Hamburg Jazz artists will surely be a huge attraction for a large Jazz audience, for what they have achieved in terms of music professionalism and jazz repertoire.

Network Jazz Garden calls all jazz aficionados to join its exclusive program and “Jazzy” line-up, promising that the crowd will certainly enjoy the uniqueness about each and every artist’s style.

The cool December weather has always made Bangkok an ideal location for outdoor concerts, and this year on December 11 and 12, Niu’s on Silom jazz club, wine bar and restaurant at Baan Silom Arcade, will present the first Niu’s International Bangkok Jazz Festival, an open-air festival featuring Thai and international jazz and blues musicians.

Thai jazz star Koh Mr Saxman.

The two-day festival will see a world-class line-up of four bands on both nights playing outdoors in the atmospheric European-style piazza of Baan Silom Arcade on the corner of Silom Soi 19.

The night of Friday, December 11 will feature Thai jazz star Koh Mr Saxman with Gwilym Simcock, Phil Wiggins Corey Harris and James Carter.

Koh has taken jazz saxophone in Thailand to new heights, playing a mix of standards and his own compositions. At 28, Gwilym Simcock is already a multi award-winning pianist who’s been compared with Keith Jarrett, and Chick Corea has described him as an original. Gwilym will bring a trio to the festival playing his unique blend of classical inflected jazz.

From the USA, harmonica player Phil Wiggins and guitarist Corey Harris, a former New Orleans street singer, have the authentic, old-time blues sound that is fast disappearing from the music scene. Harris starred in the Martin Scorcese documentary Feel Like Going Home, the story of the blues from its African origins, and he and Wiggins play roots music at its best.

US saxophone virtuoso James Carter blew Bangkok away at his Niu’s gig in August playing soprano, tenor and baritone saxes, as well as flute and bass clarinet, all with the same ferocious attack and broad palette of sounds. The Los Angeles Times called him “the Jimi Hendrix of the saxophone”, while Time magazine commented that his muscular sound “wraps itself around the listener like an anaconda”.

Multi award-winning pianist Gwilym Simcock.

Then on Saturday, December 12, Francois Lindemann from Switzerland will lead musicians from multi-ethnic backgrounds to build an exhilarating hybrid of cross-cultural jazz using a mix of traditional instruments.

Playing in the band alongside Francois at the festival will be trail-blazing Thai jazz and fusion legend Tewan Sapsanyakorn. Tewan has appeared on the festival circuit in Asia, Europe and the US with his band, Tewan Novel Jazz, with Tewan playing violin and Thai flute as well as sax.

Of vocalist Eden Brent, Blues Revue has said: “In Eden’s huge playing and singing you can hear the ghosts of the Mississippi in a duet with the future of the blues.” Eden lives by the Mississippi, close to the blues heritage site where she performed alongside BB King at the 2005 US Presidential Inauguration.

One of the finest young sax soloists in contemporary jazz, Chris Potter has played with many of the world’s leading names including Herbie Hancock, John Scofield and Dave Holland, and was featured on Steely Dan’s Grammy-winning album, Two Against Nature.

Born in Cameroon and now living in New York, bassist/vocalist Richard Bona is known as the African Sting. He brings a hard funk jostle to jazz that is peppered with bossa nova, Afro-beat and traditional song. He has played with a huge list of star names, including Steve Gadd, Pat Metheny and Michael Brecker.

Vocalist Eden Brent.

Richard’s music inspired the Los Angeles Times to enthuse: “Imagine an artist with Jaco Pastorious’ virtuosity, George Benson’s vocal fluidity, Joao Gilberto’s sense of harmony, all mixed up with African culture. Ladies and gentlemen, that’s Richard Bona!”

Tickets for Niu’s 1st International Bangkok Jazz Festival are 3,500 per night or 6,000 baht for both nights including one drink each night. Tickets are available from Thai Ticket Major (tel 02-262-3456, http://www.thaiticketmajor.com) or at Niu’s on Silom (tel 02-266-5333-4, reservation@niusonsilom.com).

Niu’s on Silom is a stand-alone jazz club and wine bar elegantly furnished with leather armchairs and candle-lit tables in an intimate ambiance. The bands are up close, like they’re playing in your own living room.

It’s also the place where you’ll find Concerto Italian restaurant, featuring the superb cuisine of chef Marco Cammarata, a virtuoso in his own right. For more information, call 02-266-5333/4 or visit http://www.niuson silom.com.

Source http://www.bangkokpost.com/entertainment/music/26586/al-fresco-jazz-on-silom

It’s a big event for Bangkok, and it’s an event TOO big to be held inside the friendly confines of Niu’s on Silom Jazz Club & Wine Bar itself… So…

On December 11 and 12 the open-air courtyard at Baan Silom Arcade will be transformed into a “dream of jazz, blues, and world music” for Niu’s 1st International Bangkok Jazz Festival!

This is the single biggest event with which Enlightened Planet has ever been involved, and we are finally able to live up to our long-standing company vision and present jazz, blues, and world music, all in one major event.

Enlightened Planet is directly responsible for four of the international acts at the festival, all of which are making their first ever appearance in Thailand: 2009 Blues Music Awards Acoustic Artist of the Year Eden Brent on piano and vocals, the ultimate acoustic roots blues duo of Phil Wiggins and Corey Harris, the electric groove-oriented jazz of super saxman Chris Potter and his Underground quartet featuring Adam Rogers, Scott Colley, and Nate Smith, and the soulful sound of Cameroon-born jazz bassist and vocalist Richard Bona and his group.

The festival will also feature Thailand’s own Koh Mr. Saxman, a fusion of jazz and ethnic music with Francois Lindemann and Tewan Sapsangyakorn, rising British piano star Gwilym Simcock with his trio, and American sax sensation James Carter with his organ trio.

These are going to be two great evenings out: the cool night air of a Bangkok December, comfortable seating for 400 music lovers, fine wines, delicious food, and the famous hospitality of Niu’s on Silom and Concerto Italian Restaurant… and, of course, a splendid variety of music from around the world guaranteed to clear your mind, stir your heart, and free your soul! And you’re not going to find that anywhere else…

Tickets for the Niu’s 1st International Bangkok Jazz Festival are available through ThaiTicketMajor and their associated outlets, or by contacting Niu’s on Silom Jazz Club & Wine Bar on 02-2665333 or at reservation@niusonsilom.com. Tickets are 3500 THB for one night, or 6000 THB for a two-night pass.

The opening night of the festival will feature the following acts:

6:30pm – 7:15pm: Koh Mr. Saxman and Friends
7:30pm – 8:45pm: Phil Wiggins and Corey Harris
9:00pm – 10:15pm: Gwilym Simcock Trio
10:30pm – 12:00am: James Carter Trio

The closing night of the festival will feature the following acts:
6:30pm – 7:15pm: Francois Lindemann, Tewan Sapsangyakorn and Friends
7:30pm – 8:30pm: Eden Brent
8:45pm – 10:15pm: Chris Potter Underground
10:30pm – 12:00am: Richard Bona Band

From its African-American roots, jazz has always been an immigrant art form, welcoming contributions by various cultures. Asian and Asian-American jazz artists have established their own compelling, musically powerful voice in the contemporary jazz discussion, representing the fastest growing immigrant group in the United States. The AAJF will showcase their innovative artistic visions with three full days of music — October 30th, 31st, and November 1st — culminating with a gala concert at the Japanese American National Museum in downtown Los Angeles.

In addition to the renowned recording artists Hiromi, Charmaine Clamor, Prelude, and Mon David, 10 other Asian-American jazz artists representing Los Angeles, Honolulu, and New York City will share their sounds. The Festival launches at Caf Metropol, one of LA’s premier jazz venues, for two full days of music on Friday and Saturday, and concludes with all four headliners performing at the Democracy Forum at the Japanese American National Museum, on Sunday, November 1st, 2009.

AAJF headline concerts will be held on 11/01/09 from 1pm to 9pm at The Japanese American National Museum at 369 E. First Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012 and on 10/30/09 and 10/31/09 from 12pm to 10pm at Caf Metropol, 923 E. 3rd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90013.

AAJF is presented by Disruptive Management, LLC.

The IJF is being established in India in technical collaboration with The International Java Jazz Festival, one of the largest Jazz festivals in the world. “The IJF aims to position indian music as India’s most enjoyed cultural export, after curry” says Sachin Gopalan, an NRI from Jakarta, who has been closely working with the annual Java Jazz Festival (www.javajazzfestival.com) since its inception in 2004 and plotted to bring it to India for the enjoyment of music lovers in India.

The Network Jazz Garden is to come back with another attractive music theme and will host a remarkable number of musicians throughout the first 7 nights of the festival.

“As always the festival will bring together a diversified line-up of artists, which will surely be a great attraction for a great number of fans and quality music enthusiasts.” said Anthony Younes, Managing Director of Chillout Productions, founders and organizers of the festival.

The 10 nights of the Skywards Dubai International Jazz Festival 2010 to take place all at the Media City Outdoor Amphitheater with the largest gathering of live music shows and performances.

All details about the line-up, tickets, program and timings are to be announced in due course.

For updates please visit www.dubaijazzfest.com or contact 04 3911196.

The water stage had a great mix of styles, as did the entire festival; generally it featured smaller groups and locally-based favorites like Abraham Carmona, Coco Zhao, Erica Li, and perennial visitors from Japan–the band called YAA (Yokohama Artists Association).

Of course it was the main stage’s eclectic mix of local and foreign jazz, funk, blues, rock, and pop groups that managed to draw such massive crowds all weekend, and listeners stayed around even through the (luckily short-lived) rainstorm Saturday afternoon. Sunday’s hot and humid weather didn’t keep anyone away either, and in the evenings the temperature was ideal.

Highlights

Friday night’s opening ceremony was just that, the symbolic gesture of cooperation with the JingAn district to put the entire thing together. The bands that night played short sets, with just a few tunes from Rolf Becker’s JZ All-star Big Band before and after the ribbon-cutting ceremony, a few tunes from the Shanghai Latin Project, and then a longer set from Tian Square, a Beijing jazz group. But of course, the main draw Friday night was Gilles Peterson’s DJ set, which didn’t disappoint. He got the crowd dancing through his hour-long set, and it felt too short when it ended. I guess it’s always good to leave everyone wanting more.

Saturday was packed full of shows, and the rain only managed to interrupt the water stage’s schedule. I’m sure I missed some great bands during the time I was playing on the water stage Saturday afternoon, so please leave comments if you caught the bands on the main stage at that time. That would have been the Rhythm Junks, Xiao Juan, and Tuan Jie Hu Groove.

I did get to hear Bai Tian’s sextet start the day off on the main stage, which was excellent. Bai Tian, or Mark Bai, has been establishing himself in town as quite a skilled composer and arranger in recent years, and his set at the festival got the day started right in spite of the quick but heavy rain that hit during his set.

That evening, after the 3 bands I missed, I witnessed Joanna Wang hypnotizing the packed field of fans with her gorgeous singing before Incognito rocked the house with their funky soul grooves. Incognito’s show was probably the most fun I had all weekend. But it didn’t end there, because the after party at JZ club saw plenty of musicians jamming together late into the night.

After Andy Hunter and I got the show started with one sextet set, Alec Haavik and Toby Mak continued with another set which segued into a crazy jam. I saw some musicians from the Rhythm Junks jamming, as well as most of Alexandre Cunha’s band at one point (who played at the festival the following day) and then later on most of Incognito played a few long, rocking funky jams. That pretty much capped the evening, however I couldn’t keep my eyes open to stay any longer but I believe more jamming ensued subsequently. There was also a killer trumpet player jamming with them at the end, a woman who must have been playing with a band whose set I missed because I didn’t recognize her from any of the sets I saw. Anyone know who that was?

Sunday was generally a bit louder, though it started with a low-key set from Lawrence Ku’s guitar trio. Things got rolling when Sugar Mama and Eugene ‘Hideaway’ Bridges each did a half set with Greg Smith and the Cotton Club band, doing some rockin’ down home blues. Zhang Ling’s band from Beijing followed with an even more rocking set, and then things turned a fresh direction when Alexandre Cunha’s band came on with their tight, rhythmic Brazilian jazz. Cunha’s group was my favorite among those who played on Sunday, perhaps because it was such a nice contrast to all the other groups that played that day. Li Quan, a local favorite, followed with some better-than-average jazz-pop songs before Laura Fygi did her festival-closing set backed up by the JZ all-star big band led by Rolf Becker. She brought down the house with her solid voice, voluptuous dancing, and suggestive commentary. I have seen her perform at other events to a CD backing track and always been disappointed, but she really was fantastic with the live big band. That band creates some intense energy onstage.

Now what?

As great as the festival was, there were plenty of problems. Since most of them were small, it didn’t detract much from the overall great vibe; however I hope that they manage to set up some ways to receive feedback about it so that many of the issues are resolved for next year’s event. As I understand it, this year was really a sort of test year for the Jing’an district government to see how it went so they can perhaps increase the scale for coming years.

I’ve already put together a list of suggestions I’d like to give them to improve for next year, including things like selling food inside the festival grounds (or at least letting you re-enter the gate to buy the food outside! To their credit, they did in fact finally allow re-entry on Sunday), not running out of beer at the drink stand, more trash cans around the field, etc. If you have suggestions, leave them in a comment and I’ll pass them on to the right people also!