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The Jakarta Post

Publication Date : 05-03-2013

The 2013 Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta concluded in style, having drawn more crowds than previous editions of the event

Jakarta's three-day Java Jazz Festival closed its curtains Sunday to a full house of music fans who had enjoyed a weekend of jazz.

This year’s Java Jazz was deemed particularly successful, according to programme coordinator Eki Puradiredja, who said the first day of the festival was the most crowded first day in nine years.

“Last Friday was the most crowded first day of Java Jazz in nine years. And the number of attendees on the whole was more compared to last year, but I don’t have the exact figures yet,” Eki told The Jakarta Post.

The ninth edition of Java Jazz was held at the Jakarta International Expo in Kemayoran, Central Jakarta, and offered a diverse lineup of artists that charmed both jazz and non-jazz lovers.

Thousands of music fans got to enjoy more than 1,500 international and local musicians playing a total of 187 shows, including four special shows, on 17 stages.

Eki said the festival’s formula was to have big names and young talent in the lineup from various genres.

And this year, he added, pop-jazz had coloured the festival. 

“For example, Joss Stone has been able to attract those who listen to music from the 2000s and Lisa Stansfield could entertain those who miss ‘90s pop-jazz,” he said.

One of the attendees, Yania Andarini, 28, said she was glad she was finally able to watch veteran jazz musician Phil Perry perform live.

“In his 60s, his performance was still brilliant - soulful. And he sang many of my favorite songs,” she said.

As far as highlights go, Joss Stone would be the first, wowing the audience with her attractive and energetic performance on day one.

Famous for her barefoot style on stage, she jumped off the stage, got in close proximity with fans, and brought them to their feet.

“This is the way it should be,” she said.

Jazz quartet Fourplay was another favourite of audiences with their performances on Friday and Saturday, that comprised of soothing melodies that took festival-goers to a time and place beyond the city's hustle and bustle.

Besides the international stars, local musicians held their own too.

Maliq & D’essentials, for instance, proved as popular as ever, particularly with younger crowds. Balawan, Indra Lesmana and Tompi also joined the list of local talents who attracted hundreds of festival-goers to their stages.

Reggy Poetiray who is a frequent Java Jazz attendee, said he very much enjoyed the local showcase.

“Every time I come here, I see more of our musicians putting up great performances,” he said.

Music lovers packed the venue on Sunday evening for a special show by British crooner Craig David, a fitting end to the festivities.