Amid the coldest spell in August, Jazz Gunung Bromo brought some warmth to the famed mountain range of East Java. Over two days on Aug. 19-20, a mostly young crowd of jazz lovers flocked to Jiwa Jawa Resort Bromo in Wonotoro village, Probolinggo regency, to enjoy the ethnic-influenced jazz performances.

Taking the outdoor stage in the eighth holding of the event —  themed “Independence Party at the Peak of Jazz Festivities” — was a roster of accomplished, internationally recognized musicians including Dwiki Dharmawan Jazz Connection, Ermy Kullit, Shaggydog, Ring of Fire featuring Bonita and Ricad Hutapea, Djaduk Ferianto and Rieka Roeslan and The Groove.

“We don’t just present famous musicians and artists, but we prioritize those who have something that has been acknowledged internationally. Take for example Peni Candra Rini from Surakarta. She is not a household name here in Indonesia, but her arrangements receive great appreciation abroad,” said Djaduk Ferianto, one of the initiators of Jazz Gunung.

Consistency is maintained in the use of the natural element of bamboo as the main decoration of the stage, added Djaduk. All these carefully chose elements, from the choice of performers to its location in Bromo Tengger Semeru National Park and stage decoration, combine to make Jazz Gunung something extraordinary.