Java Jazz Festival 2016 Promises Top International Stars, Indonesian Legends
Jakarta. Visitors to the 2016 Java Jazz Festival this weekend will enjoy unprecedented collaborations by international music stars as well as live performances by Indonesian jazz legends, the festival organizers said during a press conference on Monday afternoon (02/03).
Held from this Friday at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, the festival — which enters its 12th edition this year — boasts more than 110 international and local musicians on its 11 stages throughout the weekend.
R&B crooner Robin Thicke will perform in a special show on Friday, followed by a collaboration between Grammy-winning trumpeter Chris Botti and Brit rock star Sting on Saturday and Sunday. Patti Austin, the legendary jazz singer, will also grace the stage alongside the Netherlands' Jazz Orchestra of Concertgebouw.
Other international big names include David Foster, Tokyo Ska Paradise Orchestra, Level 42 and Relish.
"Jazz music has a very dynamic character, so festivals like the Java Jazz always give a chance to the musicians to express themselves and explore [their music] outside of their comfort zone," said Ifa Fachir, the festival's program coordinator. "As such, these collaborations will offer a new and interesting performance for not only jazz fans, but all kinds of music fans."
Numerous Indonesian musicians will also collaborate with one another. For instance, the nostalgia-tinged group White Shoes & The Couples Company will team up with the ska band Sentimental Moods, while singer Dian Pramana Poetra and Elfa's Singers are set to hit the stage with Fariz RM.
A variety of shows centering on Indonesian jazz legends, meanwhile, will satisfy more mature fans. Singer Harvey Malaihollo will tackle classic songs like "Nurlela" and "Irama Hidup" ("Rhythm of Life") and transform them with jazz-inflected arrangements. In a show called "Indonesian Real Book by Indonesian All Stars," eleven jazz luminaries — ranging from Benny Likumahuwa to Jopie Item — will offer a look at the history of jazz music in Indonesia by way of their popular songs.
Rising local singers like Teza Sumendra and Dira Sugandi will be showcased in "Indonesian Duets" event, while three Indonesian theater singers — Andrea Miranda, Aimee Saras and Lea Simanjuntak — will deliver enthralling jazz numbers from Broadway musicals in a show aptly called "Jazz on Broadway."
Dewi Gontha, the director of Java Festival Production, said the festival aims to welcome 110,000 visitors this year. "This event will be able to prove that Indonesia is safe and sound, as we can hold an international-scale music festival here and attract many visitors," she added.
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For more information on the 2016 Java Jazz Festival's artist lineup and show schedule, visit javajazzfestival.com.
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