Lluís Coloma performing for the third time since 2006 well remembered for different music styles and compositions.
Capt Bernard Idit (second left) having his tattoo done at the festival while others watch.
In the groove as youths dance the night away.
Diehard jazz fans have no regrets going to the festival held annually at the ParkCity Everly Hotel, in conjunction with the Miri May Fest.
The Nylons with their vibrant live show and good rapport with the audience, remains the favourite for all age groups.
MIRI: The reunion of eight bands at the 10th Borneo Jazz Festival saw thousands of jazz lovers going ecstatic during Friday night’s performance at ParkCity Everly Hotel in conjunction with Miri May Fest.
Among VIPs present were Tourism Minister Datuk Amar Abang Johari Tun Openg and wife Datin Amar Juma’ani Tun Tuanku Bujang, Deputy Resident of Miri Division Abdul Aziz Mohd Yusuf, Miri City Mayor Lawrence Lai and Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) CEO Datuk Ik Pahon Joyik.
Sarawak’s very own jazz band ‘Shafiee Obe and All The Best’, featuring Miri-born Syafiee Obe Hairunie in a five-piece ensemble, was the opening act before the festival showcased ‘The Doodaddis’ (Australia), Anthony Strong from United Kingdom, Mo’ Blow (Germany), and ‘Dirty Dozen Brass Band’ from New Orleans (USA).
The top line-up of past favourites from the collection of the best performers has rendered a wide range of jazz genre to the enthusiastic Miri audience.
Initial reception to their performance was lukewarm but by the time the show spun its way to dizzying heights, the players received thunderous applause from diehard jazz fans.
Three other international bands – Lluis Caloma of Spain, The Nylons’ (Canada) and ‘Jump4Joy the Swedish high energy entertainers – captivated festival goers young and old to dance the night away.
The Nylons, renowned for their vibrant live show and good rapport with the audience, remains the perennial favourite for all age groups.
Apart from centrestage, the performers had jam sessions at the ruai of ParkCity Everly Hotel and gave photo opportunities to fans, signing albums sold during the festival.
Festival goers enjoyed a good range of food and drinks, souvenirs and handicraft products offered by 20 vendors, apart from having ‘instant’ tattoos done at the festival venue.
Also on sale were festival memorabilia such as performers’ CDs, and T-shirts.
The two-day (May 8-9) Borneo Jazz Festival which ended on a high note last night is a spirited effort to promote the city on the world music map.
The festival organised by Sarawak Tourism Board, supported by the Ministry of Tourism and Culture Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism Sarawak, and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia has grown steadily since its first edition in 2006, expanding from 3,000 spectators last year to nearly 8,000.