One of the nation’s largest music events is back, as the Taichung Jazz Festival is set to kick off this weekend.
Starting Saturday, 20 jazz groups will perform over nine days in Civic Square (市民廣場主舞臺), the city’s premier outdoor music venue.
With large-scale music events just resuming, organizers are hoping the festival, now in its 18th year, returns to its pre-pandemic splendor.
Photo courtesy of Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau
“People are so excited about this year’s jazz festival,” said Hsiao Jing-ping (蕭靜萍), head of performing arts for the city’s Cultural Affairs Bureau. “We’re expecting the same size crowd as before.”
As in years past, upwards of a million people are expected to revel in the free carnival-like atmosphere.
Last year’s festival was a scaled-down event with limits on crowd size. And in 2020, the festival was canceled outright.
Photo courtesy of Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau
One notable difference this year is that spectators will not find the array of food and beverage vendors that typically line the park. However, people will be allowed to bring in their own supplies.
Another difference will be more performances by Taiwanese jazz bands, with fewer coming from overseas. In all, musicians from seven foreign counties, including Germany and the US, will take the main stage.
With upbeat rhythm and brass sections, the Taipei Jazz Orchestra will get things started at 7pm on Saturday.
Photo courtesy of Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau
Later in the week, award winning singer-songwriter Lo Yen-ting (羅妍婷) takes the stage on Tuesday to show off her take on modern vocal jazz. The Kaohsiung native will debut new songs with her octet.
Closing the festival on Oct. 23 is German singer and pianist Julian Moreen, who also performed at the 2019 Taichung Jazz Festival. He is joined by a troupe of Taiwanese and international musicians to make a sound that’s described as a blend of pop, folk and jazz.
For the complete lineup and performance times visit the festival’s Web site: www.taichungjazzfestival.tw
Photo courtesy of Taichung City Cultural Affairs Bureau
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