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Java Jazz festival: Sixth time a charm
George Duke’s fingers dance on the piano keys (photo above)
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George Duke’s fingers dance on the piano keys (photo above). A man chooses a CD of one of the Java Jazz performing artists from the rack.
The AXIS Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival provided a colorful playground for jazz enthusiasts and music lovers alike last weekend.
Visitors flocked to the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, with the capacity to hold more people compared to the previous venue, Jakarta Convention Center in Senayan, also in Central Jakarta.
The event was moved to the massive grounds in Kemayoran to accommodate the increasing number of stages and visitors.
Although bearing the label "jazz", traditionally the music for 40-something music buffs, Java Jazz in Indonesia has attracted enthusiasts from across generations, and this year was no exception.
This year's festival was the sixth since 2005, and it was star-studded as usual. John Legend, Diane Warren and Toni Braxton were a few international artists performing this year.
The list of local superstars included Idang Rasidi, Glenn Fredly, Simak Dialog and Andre Hehanusa, as well as emerging young talents such as Tika and the Dissidents, Gugun and the Blues Shelter, and Endah *n' Rhesa.
A number of glittering men engage in jazz mime on the Jakarta International Expo grounds. JP/P.J. Leo
International performers who have shared the stage with local musicians in the festival over the years include the father of soul James Brown, Sergio Mendes and Sadao Watanabe.
This year, visitors could do much more than just devour the music or engage in rendezvous with fellow jazz fans. Stalls offering anything from food to musical instruments were included at the venue.
The new location meant more space and more walking, which might have spurred complaints from high-heel sporting visitors. However, even sore feet was hardly a challenge for those who had set their minds to swing to the beat.
Toni Braxton, one of the most awaited artists at the event, delivers a soulful performance to the crowd. JP/RICKY YUDHISTIRA
