The beat on the street

Text and photos by Rasdian A. Vadin

Historic Jl. Braga in Bandung is known today for its faded glory, home to dusty antique shops and quaint cafes, a brief stop on the tourist map but no longer a happening place.

Bandung Music Day, held for the second time last week, was meant to bring a thoroughly modern feel to the street.

Inspired by the French summer music festival Fete de la Musique, the day and the music were meant for all to enjoy. Whether it was jazz, rock, blues or traditional music, performed by 184 amateur groups consisting of more than 1,200 musicians, people were free to stroll along and enjoy an ear and eyeful.

It proved a great way to escape the weekend traffic jams in the West Java capital. It may also be the funkier approach to revive interest among the younger generation for places that have been passed by in the rush to modernization.