Singapore shows its all that jazz
By Harry Bhaskara
SINGAPORE (JP): After decades of persistently high economic growth, Singapore is gearing up to become a world class cultural hub in the region.
When basic needs have been fulfilled, people long for the fulfillment of their cultural and spiritual needs. That is why the upcoming jazz festival is relevant.
The festival is only one of a string of events in recent years held to boost the image of Singapore as a cultural event city.
The government's plan to inaugurate the Esplanade, a group of world class theater buildings by the bank of the Singapore river, sometime in October next year is a move in that direction.
"We want to put Singapore on the map of the international cultural event circuit," CEO of the Esplanade, Benson Puah, told The Jakarta Post.
Interest in the performing arts, including music, has been growing in recent years, according to Dr. Carole Faucher, a music lover who teaches sociology at the National University of Singapore.
"There are more and more opportunities to enjoy live music and the interest is growing," said Carole who has lived in Singapore for seven years.
Another trend has been the return of Singapore artists from abroad.
"They are mostly those who have won international acclaim," said Belinda Choo, assistant manager for public affairs of Singapore Airlines, one of the companies sponsoring the jazz festival, together with Heineken and American Express.
"Local Singaporeans have more respect for artists who have won international recognition."
However, that should not automatically be the case, Carole said.
"Local artists are not necessarily less good than international artists. They only need to get themselves known," she said.
And the upcoming festival offers opportunities for them to become better known abroad.
Program:
Main Stage
Double-bill concerts (one ticket valid for two concerts)
May 18, 2001 at 8:00 pm: Big Band Sounds
* The Thomson Big Band featuring Ernie Watts and Eldee Young * The Woody Herman Orchestra with guest artist Vanessa Rubin
May 19, 2001 at 8:00 pm: Contemporary Jazz Nite
* Tuck and Patti * Lee Ritenour and Friends
May 20, 2001 at 1:30 pm: All-star variety show
* Vanessa Rubin, Eldee Young, Ernie Watts, lee Jung Chic, Tots Tolentino, Terumasa Hino, Redd Holt, Michael Carvin, Mei Sheum, Eugene Pao, Michael Veerapen, Jay Anderson, John van Deursen and Jeremy Monteiro
May 20, 2001 at 8:00 pm: Acoustic Jazz Night
* Terumasa Hino and the Asia/America All Stars with guest artist Jacintha Abisheganaden * Dizzy Gillespie All Star alumni-jazz living legends, featuring James Moody, Slide Hampton, Jon Faddis and John Lee
Other stages: Sky Stage, Atrium Stage and Gazebo Stage
Featuring international/regional artists: * Tots Tolentino and friends from the Philippines * The Michael Veerapen Trio from Malaysia * MUTU led by Ireng Maulana from Indonesia * The Eugene Pao Quartet from Hong Kong * Frock from Australia * Two for Brazil * Paulinho Garcia from Brazil * Friends of Singapore, featuring Eldee Young, Judy Roberts, Redd Holt and others * Otrie Barrett from the United States
Local artists
* Chromazone * k'Ass * Groove Approve * The Thomson Swing Band * Thomson Jazz Combo * The Singapore Stompers * O'Doney Levy
Venue: Singapore International Convention and Exhibition Center (SICEC) and Suntec City.
Ticket prices: Sin $120; $90 and $60
Festival website: www.singaporejazzfestival.com