The event’s promoter, A. Tony Prasetiantono, who is also a lecturer at UGM’s School of Economy and Business, said that Indonesian noted pianist Chandra Darusman as well as singers Ruth Sahanaya and Kunto Aji would also perform.

“I initially approached Fourplay. However, the jazz group has been non-active following the death of guitarist Chuck Loeb, so I decided to present the Bob James Trio for the event,” Tony said.

Born on Dec. 25, 1939 as Robert McElhiney James, Bob James cofounded legendary jazz fusion group Fourplay along with guitarist Lee Ritenour, bassist Nathan East and drummer Harvey Mason.

His hits include “Angela” (1978), which became the theme song for Taxi television series, “Feel Like Making Love” (1974), “Restoration” (1990) and “New York Samba” (1992).

Tony said this year’s event would be the 24th installment since the annual jazz program was first held in 1997 as the Economics Jazz, with a total of seven absences in between.

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“I can assure that this is by far the only world-class jazz event with the lowest ticket prices in Indonesia, and maybe in the world,” Tony said, adding that tickets were priced at Rp 200,000 (US$13) for silver class and Rp 800,000 for diamond class.

He said 3,000 seats were available for the performance. Of the available seats, around 500 of them go to the sponsors, which cover 70 percent of the total production cost.

UGM rector Panut Mulyono concurred, saying he was proud that UGM was able to maintain its tradition of presenting world-class jazz performances and at the same time commit to sticking to affordable prices.

Panut said the university was committed to preserving culture and developing it for larger interests.

“This is why UGM is always very enthusiastic in talking about art and culture, including music,” said Panut, expressing his support for UGM Jazz 2018. (wng)