Thousands from far and wide throng 8th Borneo Jazz Festival

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OPENING ACT: Sarawak’s very own West Jazz Band in an electrifying performance.

RENOWNED BAND: Lisa Quartet taking centre stage.

HAPPY COLLABORATION: Lisa joining Gavin Hope (vocalist) and other members of The Nylons in entertaining the crowd.

 

MIRI: Thousands of music lovers from near and far thronged Parkcity Everly Hotel here on Friday to watch the 8th edition of the Borneo Jazz Festival, one of the international events held every year as part of the Miri May Fest.

Minister of Tourism Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg, Assistant Minister of Communication Datuk Lee Kim Shin, Miri City Council Mayor Lawrence Lai and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Datuk Rashid Khan were among those attending the festival.

WOOING CROWD: A member of West Jazz Band captivating the crowd with her unique performance.

Home grown West Jazz Band from the state started the ball rolling with their performance of the Hot Latin Rhythms to the Swing Jazz Era and electrifying Funky Rhythms.

The second band to keep the festival goers transfixed was the award-winning Lisa Quartet (‘Bell Awards’ Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album) which is well known to jazz and world music listeners as an ensemble of creative improvisers incorporating India and African elements in their work.

Lisa, known as an exceptionally creative vocal stylist and improviser, also joined The Nylons from Canada, the last band performing for the night.

The Nylons, renowned for their vibrant live show and good rapport with the audiences, are the perennial favourite for all age groups.

Equally entertaining was a performance by Grammy Award winner, The Scott Martin Latin Soul Band, from the west coast of USA.

The band featuring three generations of the Martin family is best known for the Poncho Sanchez Latin Jazz –a rich selection of jazz compositions.

Apart from enjoying the music and songs, the festival goers also could buy a good selection of food and drinks, souvenirs and craft products offered by vendors at the festival venue.

The two-day Borneo Jazz Festival which ended last night is an effort to promote the city on the world music map.