KUCHING, Monday – Sarawak Tourism Board today announced the full line-up for the 8th edition of Borneo Jazz that is set to take place at Parkcity Everly Hotel in Miri, Sarawak from 10-11 May this year. This year’s festival will be the most diverse in term of musical genres that would cater to all types of jazz fans.
Dubbed to be among the prestigious Jazz Festival in Malaysia and set to draw bigger number of festivalgoers this year, the festival will see for the first time, the energetic spicy groovy funk group from Germany, Mo’Blow who are described by Berliner Zeitung as “one of the hottest live bands”. The other international act confirmed is Hazmat Modine from the East-Coast of USA. Their song “Bahamut” will be used on the Fox television show “So You Think You Can Dance?”.
The other international acts confirmed for the Borneo Jazz this year include, the energetic and toe-tapping music by Jump4Joy from Sweden that is popular energy entertainment group with a strong New Orleans flavor. A capella jazz group from Canada, The Nylons well known for their slick performance and most heralded vocal groups in the world with seven gold and platinum records. Represented by members from Singapore, Hong Kong, Philippines and Thailand, The Asian Jazz All Stars Power Quarter is the big names of the Asian jazz circle, which consists of the most innovative and exciting drummers to emerge in the Asian jazz scene. Scott Martin Latin Soul Band from West-Coast of USA has performed all over the world with many artists but best known for his successful tenure winning a Grammy. Last but not least, the ethno jazz musician and artist from Australia, Lisa Young Quartet the winner of “Best Australian Jazz Vocal Album 2007” and was re-nominated in 2012.
As the Borneo Jazz name suggest, the organizer wish that the Borneo element to be presented by the local talent on this international platform. Deserved to be on stage will be the West Jazz Band from Sarawak who will play the fusion jazz and everything from Swing to Latin to electrifying funk jazz music.
Sarawak Tourism Board will also continue with its internship and volunteer programme, which was first initiated in 2011. “In this program we will provide a unique learning experience for international volunteers and interns whilst at the same time being exposed to the product experiences of Sarawak’s culture, nature and adventure on the island of Borneo” says Dato’ Rashid Khan, Chief Executive Office of Sarawak Tourism Board. The Board will also collaborate with the academia as part of an industry advisory platform in enhancing the quality of graduates that is relevant to the need of the industry and to undertake this initiative as part of the Corporate Social Responsibility program. The aim is to have majority of the students participating in this program from outside Sarawak. This is another step towards bringing the festival to the international stage. STB will also invite school bands to perform at the venue to expose them to such an international event.
The Board is also collaborating with the private sector to design packages to attract visitors not only from neighbouring Brunei and Singapore but also from the region and overseas. With these travel packages, visitors would be able to attend the festival and at the same time they can travel to various places of interest within Miri and its surrounding.
Apart from the main shows on 10-11 May, the event will consist of Previews on the 7 & 8 May in Kuala Lumpur.
There will also be fringe events comprising of Craft Bazaar that offered to local craftsmen and artisans as a venue to display the local handicrafts and arts for sale.
Since the past few editions of Borneo Jazz, the Board has sought to lessen the carbon footprint of the festival by following green initiatives during the festival. This year, the Board will continue organizing a tree planting ceremony that will be held at Curtin University Sarawak campus in Miri.
Borneo Jazz has grown steadily since its first edition in 2005, going from 3,000 spectators eight years ago to over 8,000 last year. This growth is a reflection of the successful plan and promotion by the Board over these years. In a whole, it is also a sign of growing appeal of jazz enthusiast around the region.
Organiser is expecting an influx of 9,000 fans from both local and international for this year’s two-days festival. This will thus augur well for the local business community and also contribute to a significant number of visitor’s arrivals into Sarawak as a whole. The festival will also have stalls selling a wide variety of local and fusion food and beverages as well as stalls selling festival memorabilia at the venue.
Tickets for the main shows are priced at RM63 for adults and RM33 for children aged 3-12 and RM103 for a 2-day pass for adults and RM53 for children. All tickets available on Internet purchase only at www.jazzborneo.com or www.ticketcharge.com.my. For enquiries, contact STB Leisure & Property at [email protected] (email) or +6 082-239171 (office hours only, 8:00AM – 5:00PM)
Borneo Jazz 2013 is organized by Sarawak Tourism Board, supported by the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia and Ministry of Tourism Sarawak and endorsed by Tourism Malaysia.
Issued by:
Corporate Communications Unit
SARAWAK TOURISM BOARD
