The festival is set to take place at the Vastenburg Fort in Surakarta, Central Java, and will feature local and international keroncong musicians.

“Why [targeting] young people? Because the psychology of young people are dynamic and energetic. Youngsters love glamorous, over-the-top things,” explained Solo Cultural Agency head Sis Ismiyati, adding that those characteristics could be found in pop, disco, rock or jazz music but not in keroncong.

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Keroncong has always been associated with women in kebaya who sing at wedding ceremonies. “It’s far from the looks of [dangdut singers] Inul Daratista, Dewi Persik and others. That’s why in this festival we’re going to create a different nuance where the young people are allowed to express themselves,” added Sis.

Sis hoped that youngsters can appreciate keroncong music in a modern way and making it more alive hence they don’t have to feel embarrassed about liking and performing the music.

“Keroncong music is able to tell stories about love, the wonder of Indonesia and nationalism,” told Sis.

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This festival will feature keroncong groups coming from different cities in Java, such as OK Pandawa (Surakarta), OK Rinonce (Yogyakarta), OK Pempek (Kediri), OK Wahyu Tumurun (Surakarta), OKM Sendratasik Unnes (Semarang), OK Gita Abadi (Tulungagung), OK Ranisinar (Bandung), OK Marlubu (Malang) and OK SKF 17 (Surakarta).

SKF will also present guest stars like Waldjinah, Yati Pesek, Sruti Respati, Bambang Heri, Endang Laras, Iin Indriyani dan Singgih Sanjaya.

“Keroncong maestro Waldjinah will only perform one song, ‘Tanjung Perak',” said Solo Keroncong Festival committee head Cuk Subagyo. (kes)

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