Friday, December 30, 2011

INDONESIA: Bali: Jazz Market by the Sea


There will be huge line-up of talent on stage at the Jazz Market by the Sea at Taman Bhagawan, Tanjung Benoa, Nusa Dua, Bali from 4pm to 11pm Friday 6th January, and from 2pm to 11pm Saturday 7th and Sunday 8th January, 2012.

Jazz Market by the Sea musical director, Jappy Sanger, praised Taman Bhagawan host, Astari Siswanto, for organizing the jazz festival to “promote growing Indonesian talents and for providing a ‘world stage’ with a local and international audience for Indonesia’s rising jazz musicians to share their passion in jazz, blues and world beat music, as well as to express creativity, art and harmony between jazz lovers.”

Jappy said, “Jazz Market by the Sea is now supported by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, and as an annual jazz festival, it gives young talented musicians the chance to share the stage with renowned local and international artists. Furthermore we will hold music clinics during the first hours on each day of the event so that aspiring young talents can polish their musical skills under the guidance of experienced world-class artists like Syaharani, Koko Harsoe, Balawan, Erick Sondhi, Ito Kurdi, Gugun Blues, Brian Batie (former bass player for Lionel Richie and the Commodores) and many others."

Taman Bhagawan host, Astari Siswanto said, " Our prime objective is to promote growing Indonesian talents right here in Bali, now the number one holiday destination in the world. In that sense we provide a world stage for Indonesia artists performing live jazz, blues, world beat music and improvised styles. And where better to hold such a festival than at Taman Bhagawan, located on a 100 meter stretch of Tanjung Benoa’s white-sand beach just north of Nusa Dua – a 20 minute car ride from Bali International Ngurah Rai Airport and a 5 minute drive from Nusa Dua complex, home to many top hotels, prestigious resorts and spas.

Taman Bhagawan ( which recently hosted the Jason Mraz concert), was envisioned as an event venue by my parents in 2008 to showcase Indonesian heritage, culture and craftsmanship. The lovely landscaped gardens, fine stonework, sculptures and intricate carving details on the antique Joglos – complimented with modern facilities, create the ideal event venue for music and culture lovers,” said Ms. Siswanto.

“Jazz Market by the Sea is a cultural event comprising of a variety of jazz genres ranging from the more traditional jazz to fusion jazz, funk and world beat music.”

Explaining the Jazz Market further, Asta said “the market concept is simply a way of wrapping up all this entertainment in a market environment – a bit like the traditional Balinese market, ‘pasar seni’, packed with unique stalls selling all kinds of tasty foods – satay, ribs, burgers, fish and chips, etc. We will have a huge central bar area selling a wide variety of beverages: soft drinks, fresh juices, beer, wine, and Indonesian favourites like es cendol, es campur and soda gembira. We will also have merchandise and handicraft stalls selling everything from fashion, jewelry and accessories to fine art, ceramics, glass, leather, sculpture, wood carving, and plants including beautiful Bali orchids.

The whole idea is to provide residents of Bali and visitors to Bali, with quality artists and entertainment in a vibrant market place featuring stroll-around cuisine, local talented artists and craft-makers showing extraordinary handcrafted work for which Bali is so famous… yet I’ve heard it said that Bali is the island of the unknown artist, and to some extent with the exception of a few legendary artists, this is true. There are just so many brilliant painters, sculptors, woodcarvers, jewelry makers, etc., where ever you look you see beautiful craftsmanship and art – anyone of these unknown artists would be famous in other countries”, Asta added.

“Of course we haven’t forgotten the kids – this is also a family event, and there will be lots of activities and amusements for the children, including pony rides, stilt walkers, jugglers, caricature portraits, face paintings, palm reading, tarot cards, magic tricks and more. And if its hot bring your swimmers and chill-out in our beachside swimming pool. See you there and don’t forget, early birds get in free!”
Jazz Market by the Sea