Borneo Jazz festival here to stay despite strong competition
MIRI: The Borneo Jazz festival which entered its tenth year despite facing stiff competition in the region is here to stay for many years.
Sarawak Tourism Board ( STB) director – events and corporate relations Angelina Patricia Bateman said there were so many jazz festivals like the KL Jazz Festival, Sabah and Johor Jazz which were all successful in their own rights.
“Despite all these, I firmly believed that Borneo Jazz festival will continue to stay as it has its own niches although it cannot be compared to our very successful Rainforest Music Festival in Kuching which appeals to all.
But our outdoor jazz in Miri surely has its own appeal compared to other jazz events held mostly indoors,” she told reporters at a joint press conference yesterday. Also present were Borneo Jazz artistic director Jun Lin and STB’s communication manager Barbara Benjamin Atan.
Angelina added that vigorous promotions both locally and abroad including cross promotion with other jazz organisers like Johor and Sabah will ensure that the Borneo Jazz festival will remain competitive.
“We also want to collaborate with Brunei to promote our jazz festival as Bruneians and the expats community in Miri are among the strongest supporters of the festival,” she said.
Meanwhile Jun Lin also shared Angelina’s optimism adding that meticulous care will continue to be taken in the search and selection of bands.
“All the bands selected over the years were favoured and they have their own uniqueness although some have strong followers and those coming for the 10th edition too are equally favoured.
All are interested to come back but because of budget and their availability, we can only take in eight,” she said.
Meanwhile, Angelina said tickets purchased, particularly over the internet, was overwhelming compared with the past festivals. So far over 2,000 tickets had been sold.
With promises of the best ever performers’ line-up the Borneo Jazz festival, to be held at ParkCityEverly Hotel Miri tonight and tomorrow night, is expected to attract over 8,000 jazz lovers including from overseas.
Sarawak’s very own jazz performer ‘Shafiee Obe and All The Best’ will be the fi rst to perform tonight followed by Lluis Caloma from Spain, The Nylons’ (Canada) and ‘Jump 4 Joy’ of Sweden.
On Saturday night the bands performing will be ‘ The Doodaddis’ (Australia), Anthony Strong from United Kingdom, Mo’ Blow (Germany), and ‘Dirty Dozen Brass Band’ from New Orleans ( USA) respectively.
Festival door ticket sale at RM130 for an adult two- day entrance, RM70 for a single entrance and a family package of two adults and two children at RM150 are available at the venue from 4pm.