Big names ready to jam for Jakarta

Dian Kuswandini, THE JAKARTA POST, JAKARTA | Thu, 03/05/2009 9:01 AM 

 

Tuning up: Renowned Italian jazz pianist Stefano Bollani performs solo at the Italian culture center in Jakarta on Wednesday. He, along with 150 other local and international artists, will take part in the Java Jazz festival. JP/J. ADIGUNA

The much-awaited Java Jazz Festival has almost arrived, with music enthusiasts bracing for three days of world-class performances from around 150 local and international artists. 

The line-up will feature renowned international musicians Brian McKnight, Jason Mraz, Daniel Reeves, Laura Fygi, Peabo Bryson, Matt Bianco and Swing Out Sister, who will headline the festival among others for the 72,000 jazz fans expected to bop and groove at the Jakarta Convention Center between March 6 and 8. 

Java Jazz founder Peter F. Gontha has said this year’s festival will once again bring together music lovers from many genres other than jazz in its truest form, as well as bring the world to Indonesia. 

“I’m happy to say that considering the unfavorable circumstances we face here, Indonesia has earned a good reputation globally because of this festival,” Peter said Wednesday. 

The festival will play host to musicians from jazz communities across the world including the United States, Japan, Mexico, Norway, India, Saudi Arabia, Jamaica and Malaysia. 

“All of these musicians have expressed great enthusiasm for playing at Java Jazz,” he said.

Titled “It’s a Festival for All”, Java Jazz will entertain not only the purists of the jazz movement but also fans of blues, fusion, acid, nu jazz, R&B, jazz soul and jazz pop. 

“We’re glad to say that we managed to secure great support from the government this year,” Peter said. The Trade Ministry, Tourism Ministry and State Ministry of Environment are among the festival’s sponsors. 

Trade Minister Mari Elka Pangestu, who also attended the press conference, said the government saw the festival as a great opportunity to promote Indonesia internationally. 

“With such great potential, the government hopes it can help promote Indonesia’s creative industry to the world,” Mari said. 

As well as embracing the local creative industry, Java Jazz is also promoting itself as an environmentally-friendly event this year. 

“Zero Waste Festival” and “Bike to Java Jazz” are among the festival’s programs, offering concert-goers more than just a musical experience. 

The festival will also feature a recycling center aimed at educating the audience on the benefits of adopting the “Reduce, Reuse and Recycle” concept.