KOTA KINABALU: The fifth Kota Kinabalu Jazz Festival was the best ever in terms of attendance and lineup, according to co-organizing chairman Roger Wang.
The two-day event, which was attended by more than 2,000 jazz fans at the Sutera Harbour Marina, Golf and Country Club over last weekend, featured local and international bands.
“We are happy with the increased attendance this year. It shows that more people are now aware of this annual event and at the same time ready to donate for the needy,” said Wang, who is one of the finest Malaysian fingerstyle guitarists.
“We will definitely arrange for another festival next year, which is in the third weekend of June,” he said, adding that he hopes the city will become synonymous with jazz music in the future.
On Saturday, local bands Elixir, Agung Beat, Momain Blues and Spice of Tones performed with Juzzie Smith from Australia, Indonesian Idol, Lucky and WVC Trio from the USA.
Yesterday’s concert featured Sabah’s SIA Little Jazz, Aseana Precussion Unit from Kuala Lumpur, Malaysian Chinese Bossa Nova singer Z Yan and Benjamin Lackner Trio of Germany.
Wang said Juzzie Smith was the crowd favourite, as his music has the feeling of freedom pulsing from within it.
“As you listen you feel the joy and playfulness that makes Juzzie so loved by people of all ages and from all walks of life.
“Using a combination of keyboards, guitars, harmonica and precussion, his unique music embraces elements of the blues, folk, groove and roots,” he said.
One of the fans, Cheri Gilong Avriett, said she enjoyed all the performances so much even though she is not really into jazz.
“The event totally changed my perspective about jazz music; it was very relaxing,” she said.
“I’m glad I brought my mom and two brothers to the festival and we enjoyed the show. It is a fun festival and very exciting to be involved,” she said.
A 25-year old blogger, Alfred Bonius, who attended the event for the first time, said he was impressed with the performance of Juzzie the One Man Band.
He said the feel good music soothes the soul and makes his heart sing.
“To me, the ticket pricing is worth it, for the experience of live jazz music and the up close center stage performance, which to me is something new,” he said.
“Food and beverages are there for convenience, no lack of seating space, and the weather was very kind to us, no rain,” he added.
Alfred noted that the organizers have put up a great effort to ensure a smooth flow of the event, and making it happen again for the fifth time.