Lisa Stansfield

Musicians and enthusiasts took part in one of the world’s largest musical gatherings this weekend, breaking away from routines to enjoy time together for a three-day celebration of jazz.

Bass player Barry Likumahuwa said the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival, now in its ninth edition, had become a special moment for local musicians. “We meet up at the festival and bid each other happy holidays. It’s so much fun,” Barry says.

Around dusk on Saturday, the duo of Bandanaira mesmerized hundreds of people at an open stage with its arrangements of classic Indonesian folk songs, including “Sio Tantina” and “Lir Ilir”.

Later in the evening, Polish singer and songwriter Basia Trzetrzelewska and then British pop-jazz singer Lisa Stansfield graced the main stage.

Basia TrzetrzelewskaBasia is known for her relaxing and up-tempo songs that feature a mix of 1950s and 1960s Latin, R&B and jazz songs. She sang a number of songs from her latest album, From Newport to London.

Stansfield, who has recorded six studio albums over her career, reached international fame with her signature R&B vocal features and textures after being signed by major label Arista.

“I really look forward to performing a concert here. It’s like being on another planet with all the musicians gathering in one place,” said Stansfield, whose song “All Around the World” became a global hit.

However, musicians are not the only ones paying special attention to the festival, held at Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, until Sunday.

Kiki Umar came all the way from Aceh to join the celebration.

Joss Stone“I come almost every year to this festival with my wife. I can’t stay throughout the event though. Age is a factor now,” Kiki laughed.

The 45-year-old made time on Friday to watch Indra Lesmana and his current project LLw, in which he collaborates with Barry, drummer M. Rafi and rapper Kyriz Boogieman.

The show was attended by thousands, curious to hear the latest work of the former whiz kid, which features his daughter Eva Celia and trumpet savant Maurice Brown.

One of the show’s highlights was when Kyriz’s rapid bursts met Eva’s serenade. “I am very satisfied. Indra can always deliver and is always surprising,” Kiki said.

Another jaw-dropping act was the Dwiki Dharmawan String Quarter Project, which featured Dwiki on piano, Indrawan Tjhin on acoustic bass, Yogyakarta-based Sa’unine Dimawan on cello, Adi Nugroho on viola and Fafan Isfandiar and Eko Balung on violin.

Kaori KobayashiAmong the compositions played by the group were arrangements of three Indonesian folk songs: “Cik Cik Periuk” from West Kalimantan, “Paris Barantai” from South Kalimantan and “Janger” from Bali.

A crowd of hundreds gathered on Friday evening for a tribute performance to Utha Likumahuwa, the Ambonese artist who rose to fame in the 1980s and died at the age of 56 two years ago.

An a capella rendition of Utha’s hits — including “Aku Ingin” (I wish), “Akira” and “Esok Kan Masih Ada” (There is tomorrow) — belted out by Dinni Budiayu and Jamaica Cafe, turned out to be a crowd-pleasing performance, bringing a nostalgic atmosphere to the outdoor stage.

Another tribute performance was also staged by Monita, Jemima and Netta on Saturday — this time for Elfa Secioria, the renowned musician who died in 2011 and who won many awards both home and abroad.

The festival has more to offer on Sunday evening, including a special show by British pop singer Craig David and a tribute to composer, musician and national hero Ismail Marzuki.

Celebrated singer and songwriter Oddie Agam — the man behind pop hits “Surat Cinta” (Love Letter), “Antara Anyer dan Jakarta” (Between Anyer and Jakarta) and “Tanda-Tandanya” (The signs) — will also have a performance to celebrate his four decades in music with the support of the Twilite Orchestra.