Java Jazz This Year is Bigger than Ever

In Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival was held for the first time in 2005 to great acclaim. Jazz music became a force in Jakarta, making enthusiasts long for the next dates of the event. This festival, presently the largest jazz festival in the Southern hemisphere, immediately became the pride of Indonesia. The continuous success from one year to the next has made it one of the most talked about jazz events around the world. There are many international opinions that The (Jakarta International) Java Jazz Festival has become the jazz festival destination and has even placed Jakarta as one of the most important cities for jazz.

In its 8th edition, the organizers are professing that the festival this year named ‘Jakarta International Djarum Super Mild Java Jazz Festival 2012’, will be even more special. Renowned jazz figures such as Herbie Hancock, Pat Metheny and Bobby McFerrin are confirmed to perform on the stages of Kemayoran.

Al Jarreau & George Duke Trio, David Sanborn and Phil Perry are other musicians which Java Festival Production have successfully confirmed for this year’s event.

It was also announced that Stevie Wonder will also be performing. Wonder is a living legend for music himself. His musical prowess began at a tender age and has crossed over many forms of music during the last four or more decades. There is much anticipation for the magic of this Stevie Wonder performance.

Colorful Jazz is also not to be missed as Bobby Caldwell, Laura Fygi and Swing Out Sister, will be performing with the big bands.

And shows with a romantic touch will be offered by Barry White Show & the Pleasure Unlimited Orchestra, D’Sound, Dave Koz, Depapepe, and Chris Standring will be of interest alongside Robert Randolph and the Family Band, Frank McComb with his groovy funk, and mainstream jazz by Alfredo Rodriguez Trio.  Ron Carter is due to perform with Juilliard Jazz Quartet, Manhattan Transfer (with Margaret Dorn standing in for Cheryl Bentyne who has been taken ill) or Carl Allen with Rodney Whitaker Quartet, and the temptuous Latin tunes to be rolled out by Sheila E. & Escovedo Family and the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz Band.

Erykah Badu, the famed jazz songstress will also be performing at Jakarta International Djarum Super Mild Java Jazz Festival 2012.

Mayer Hawthorne & The County, Simon Grey “Live”, Soil & Pimp Session and Taylor McFerrin promise to pump up the vibe in the large arena.

There are plenty of quality acts again to be seen at this year’s Java Jazz Festival at Jakarta International Expo (JIExpo), Jalan Kawasan PRJ Kemayoran, Kemayoran from March 2 to 4, 2012.

Check their website for more info: www.javajazzfestival.com

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