Musicians set up club to exchange ideas
Musicians set up club to exchange ideas
JAKARTA (JP): Local performers of different music styles and
ages have agreed to establish a club, scheduled to be inaugurated
Tuesday by Minister/State Secretary Moerdiono, a popular patron
among local artists.
Dhani Widjanarko, chairman of the club, told The Jakarta Post
over the weekend that the club had nothing to do with politics or
any sociopolitical organizations.
"This group will not involve itself in political campaigns for
the coming election," Dhani said.
But individual club members will have the right to take part
in any political activities, said Dhani of Gigi band.
The inauguration of the club dubbed Musisi, short for
Musyawarah Insan Musik Indonesia (Indonesian Musicians Meeting
Club), will take place at Poster Cafe on Jl. Gatot Subroto.
The usually crowded discotheque will be closed to the public
on the day, said Dhani.
Jazz musician Indra Lesmana, an executive of the new group,
said yesterday that the main purpose of setting up the club was
to help musicians solve problems and encourage them to keep
creating great music.
"Musicians could use this club as a forum to exchange ideas
and discuss problems, such as royalties, which is still new to
many musicians here," said Indra.
According to Dhani, the club will hold an annual discussion,
such as workshop, at different places throughout Indonesia.
"We, for example, might ask a member of a foreign band touring
here to give a short course about their skills and experience for
local musicians," Indra said.
Indonesia has had many entertainers' organizations, some of
which have became a right wing of certain political groups.
Some existing organizations may take part in the campaigns for
the May 29 general election. The official campaign period starts
next month.
"Founding the club isn't intended to compete with existing
similar organizations. We just hope the club can be used as a
forum for organizations to exchange information," said Dhani.
Dozens of bands and musicians, including those from Bandung
and Medan, will perform at the inauguration of the club, said
club spokesman Tagor Siagian, adding that "There will be around
400 guests on the night." (bsr)