Publication Date：07/02/2012 •Source： Taiwan Today •By Kwangyin Liu
The Taipei International Jazz Festival got under way June 30, bringing world-class performances by over 30 distinguished musicians and bands, according to the Taipei City Department of Cultural Affairs.
Entering its seventh year, the jamboree at the city’s Flora Expo hall boasts an array of internationally acclaimed jazz performers, including the South Korea-based Kenji Omae Quintet, French pianist Baptiste Trotignon, Japanese chanteuse Marica Hiraga and a band from Jerusalem Academy of Music and Dance, organizers said.
Another special feature is Jack Project, a new ensemble combining elements of jazz and rock, put together by veteran Taiwan musicians Hsieh Chi-pin and Chang Kai-ya.
An evening parade scheduled for July 21 will see a smorgasbord of music styles such as jazz, a cappella, Latin and percussion entertain music lovers at Taipei City’s Da-an Forest Park.
On the evenings of July 21 and 22, two marathon sessions of music will feature a dozen international jazz masters including a Belgium drummer, German guitarist, South African songstress, U.S. trumpeter and Japanese jazz quartet.
All eight events are open to the public free of charge. Organizers expect to see jazz lovers in the tens of thousands flock to the outdoor venues before the festival closes July 22.
