Edwin (centre) poses with the KWJF CSR posters together with the performers, Geikie (fourth right) and the general manager of Grand Margherita Hotel, Mark Ferguson (fourth left).
KUCHING: The date of the annual Kuching Waterfront Jazz Festival (KWJF) created in 2017 by the Sarawak Economic Development Corporation (SEDC) might be changed permanently.
SEDC deputy general manager, Edwin Abit, who is also Commercial Sector director, Tourism & Hospitality Division director, Corporate Relations and Communications Division director, said September seems not suitable for the festival to be held in open air at the original venue Kuching Waterfront.
“Maybe next year we have to change the date, in view that every year around this time we have the problem with haze, we may have to change the date permanently but we have to do thorough study first before we make any decisions,” said Edwin.
This year’s KWJF will be held from Sept 27 – 28 at MBKS Community Hall (Dewan Masyarakat).
“It may not be as comfortable as in the open air, but that is the best we can do and priority is always the public (jazz music lovers) and the artistes’ interests who are performing that night,” he said.
Meanwhile, the 3rd annual KWJF this year will see Sarawak talents performing alongside an eclectic line-up of musicians and performers from around the region such as Ning Baizura (Malaysia), Harvey Malaihollo (Indonesia), Sitti Navarro (Philippines), Dave Brewer & The DooDaddies (Australia), Saxx in the City (Indonesia), Xanaduduo (UK/Sarawak), Q Sound (US/Malaysia), Nisa Addina (Sarawak), Swaiv (Sarawak) and local KWJF Jazz Band Search winner, The Fingerprints.
Festival curator Gracie Geikie said the ticket sales are fast going, and running very well despite the venue being changed to MBKS Community Hall.
“The most difficult position for us as you know, the original venue is the open air by the Sarawak River but the executive decision is in the interest of health and the wellbeing of our people, festival goers, especially the children and families,” she said.
However, she said looking at the ticket sales they already have 3,000 people over the two days, which fits nicely with the current venue.
On the performers for the two nights, Geikie said the Jazz performers are new every year, with different singers.
On another note, she said the festival has grown since it was held two years ago.
“We are managing it to the objectives of the organiser who wants something good for the community, good brand to Kuching Waterfront, most importantly, achieve the tourism element of promoting another international event for Sarawak, where KWJF has positioned itself very well and especially Kuching known as ‘City with a Soul’,” she said.
Tickets are priced at RM100 per person and early birds get to pay only RM80 per person. Festival tickets can be purchased at the Grand Margherita Hotel, online at www.kuchingwaterfrontjazz.com or during the festival.
For more information, Jazz enthusiasts can call 082-555189.
Apart from the Jazz performances, there will be food and art bazaar.
For the very first time, she said this year they had the KWJF fringe, whereby they bring Jazz music to Sibu and Miri.
“This is to promote Jazz music to our people in Sibu and Miri and next year we will include Bintulu as well,” she said.
During the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) poster signing yesterday, all of the artistes signed a limited number of posters for KWJF 2019 which will be sold at RM50 each.
The proceeds from the sales will be donated to four local charities – Sarawak Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (SSPCA), the Penan Women’s Project, Kuching Autistic Association and Sarawak Community Based Rehabilitation Centre.