Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause

Jak Jazz opens to drizzle, applause

JAKARTA (JP): The fourth international Jakarta jazz festival
was officially opened yesterday by Governor Surjadi Soedirdja
with one of five stages still being completed amid drizzle which
washed across the capital.

Ireng Maulana, the executive director of the organizing
committee said a 'pawang hujan', a person believed to have the
power to stop rain, had been asked to intervene with the weather.

The rain misted down briefly in the afternoon to stop shortly
before the opening ceremony took place.

"It may be the first international festival assisted by a
shaman," Ireng said.

The incomplete stage, which was supposed to be the venue of
three performances yesterday, will be finished tonight, Ireng
promised at the opening ceremony.

Whatever the minor flaws, the international event is expected
to benefit Jakarta.

"It is important to hold such an international event here
because through this kind of festival, Jakarta will become more
famous as an international venue for meetings, for business
purposes and for tourism," Surjadi said before beating a drum to
mark the opening.

Ireng said that the festival, which first took place in 1988,
when it saw 17 countries participating, has now extended its
reach by inviting 23 countries. Among others represented are
India, Senegal, Iran, Ghana, Japan, France, Austria, the
Netherlands, Poland, the Philippines and the United States.

"Currently for Indonesian jazz musicians, this jazz festival
is the only venue in the country where they can meet
international musicians. I am glad that this festival has become
more widely known so that more and more countries are sending
their representatives here. It is a good chance for us all," he
said.

The opening ceremony, which took place at the Cafe Stage, one
of five stages built for the event, was enlivened by Betawi
(indigenous Jakartan) dances, children's Gambang Kromong music,
Ondel-ondel (traditional body puppets) and music by the Ireng
Maulana All Stars band, joined by prominent Indonesian jazz
singers and musicians such as Bill Saragih and Ermy Kulit.

This fourth Jakarta jazz festival, dubbed "A Mild Jak Jazz
1994", is organized by Ireng Maulana Associates and jointly
sponsored by A Mild cigarettes, the state-owned airline, Garuda
Indonesia, the Jakarta Hilton International Hotel and several
media agencies.

Five stages have gone up at the festival's venue, Plaza Timur,
Gelora Senayan, in south central Jakarta. They are the JVC Stage,
the Arena Stage, the Cafe Stage, the Gazebo Stage and the Natura
Stage, which is also called the "environment stage". These stages
will present the musical events of the festival which will end on
Dec.4. The music is to start at 6 p.m. every evening.

Stands selling food and souvenirs have also been built in the
festival compound.

The first day of the festival was not as crowded as expected,
probably due to the rain which fell in the afternoon.

Yesterday's presentations featured several noted Indonesian
singers and jazz groups, including singers Ruth Sahanaya, Ermy
Kulit, jazz groups the Ireng Maulana All Stars, Bubi Chen and
Friends and Embong Project.

Well-known jazz singer Phill Perry of the United States,
saxophonist Candy Dulfer from the Netherlands and Fumio Itabashi
Mix Dynamite Duo were among the international musicians
entertaining Jakartans last night.(als)