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| The 4th Hong Kong International Jazz Festival Hong Kong will be filled with sounds and rhythms of some of the world's greatest jazz performers this autumn. Being the first outdoor music event at the West Kowloon Cultural District with a full support of West Kowloon Cultural District Authority, Hong Kong Jazz Association announced today the complete performing line-up of the fourth annual Hong Kong International Jazz Festival to be held from September 25th to October 2nd, 2011. Sponsored by the Mega Events Fund, a HK$100 million fund set up by the HKSAR Government in 2009 to support mega arts, cultural and sports events in Hong Kong, the eight-day festival will feature over 300 artists from 24 countries across six continents. A total of 60 performances, interactive talks and workshops will be organized promoting Jazz music in the community. Five-time Grammy-winning trumpeter Terence Blanchard and Grammy-winning percussionist Poncho Sanchez will make their Asian debut for their hot new project Cubano Be Cubano Bop, a tribute to the legacy of the original Conga King, Chano Pozo and his co-conspirator in Latin Jazz, Dizzy Gillespie. Veteran jazz pianist and local jazz icon Ted Lo will make his world premiere of jazz strings ensemble on 1st October 2011, when he leads an impressive size of strings ensemble playing jazz music with special guest vocalists Justin Lo, Marsha Yuen, Elaine Liu and Howard McCrary. Other star-studded jazz legends to the 4th HKIJF include Chico and the Gypsies; Freddy Cole Quartet, the youngest brother of the celebrated Nat King Cole; Maria João & Mário Laginha, who are considered to be two of the most creative contemporary jazz musicians. This year's HKIJF also uplifts audiences with a wider range of genres such as Jewish wedding songs, gypsy swing, Moravian folk, Afro-Cuban, etc. And for the first time Hong Kong audiences will be able to enjoy live klezmer music, a genre consists largely of dance tunes and instrumental display originated from Eastern Europe. The Hong Kong International Jazz Festival stays true to its mission of education by organizing 2 Children Jazz Workshops, hosted by Ad Lib Music & Art Association. 'Writing poetry with jazz, ' another children workshop, will also be held during the festival and hosted by Hong Kong's most renowned storyteller and poet Uncle Hung. Both workshops aim at unleashing children's creativity and let them experience what 'improvisation, ' the essence of jazz, means. Besides, other free Festival activities will be held at WKCD Concerts where a number of local talents will also be highlighted, including SIU 2, Ginger Kwan, and Deafaids. Fringe activities of the HKIJF include a photo exhibition on American legendary jazz masters, a free-admission Opening Concert, talks and workshops. Ronny Lau has been invited on 27 September at the Tom Lee Academy Hall to share with audiences on how wine and jazz music can complement each other. For full programme line-up please refer to the appendix. About Hong Kong Jazz Association Hong Kong Jazz Association (HKJA) was founded by a group of closely-knit jazz lovers in 2000. The Association is a non-profit making organization with an aim to promote jazz among the Chinese communities. It has organized many events and months-long jazz programs, having a record of inviting talented and big-time overseas artists alike to take part in its pivotal Hong Kong International Jazz Festival and many other programmes. About Hong Kong International Jazz Festival Founded in 2008, the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival (HKIJF) is the only jazz festival in Hong Kong since the turn of the 21st century. Growing from a small jazz programme into an annual ritual, HKIJF is the signature event celebrated among the loyal jazz community. Having featured over 40 bands from more than 20 countries, HKIJF has been uplifting the audience with its global lineup. Highlight artists since its inception include legendary icons Bob James, Mike Stern, Stanley Jordan, Richard Galliano and Enrico Rava, the contemporary geniuses Tim Garland, Rusconi, and the local stars Ted Lo and Eugene Pao. write your comments about the article :: © 2011 Jazz News :: home page |