Stellar local and foreign jazz talents at P.I.Jazzfest

MANILA, Philippines - It’s the sixth year for the Philippine International Jazz and Arts Festival, P.I.Jazz Foundation’s premiere event and there’s lots more jazz coming this way.

Until March 2, the P.I.Jazzfest is set to deliver an exhilarating line up of activities, featuring some of the top jazz artists in the country; as well as the big names in the international Jazz circuit.

Participating artists from the local scene include, Richard Merk, Johnny Alegre Affinity, Jacqui Magno, Pat Castillo, Wally Gonzalez, Noel Cabangon, Cooky Chua, Romy Posadas, the A.M.P. big band, Guarana, and the UP Jazz Ensemble; as well as several balikbayan artists such as Mishka Adams, Charmaine Clamor, Carlos Zialcita, Jon Irabagon, Rick Ickard and Charito.

From the international circuit, some of the biggest names are ready to take center stage at several venues around the city, such as Fourplay (Bob James, Nathan East, Harvey Mason, Chuck Loeb), Doug Little, Gong Myoung, Tierney Sutton Band and Hubert Laws, Aya Korem, Adam Ben Amitai and Sr. Mandril.

The P.I.Jazzfest also provides a wide variety of activities that cater to Jazz aficionados of all ages, shapes and sizes.

Kicking off the festival is a series of Mall tours that features a few of the top local artists in the line up, as well as “Jazz for Kids,” a special show that features jazz dancing from children 3-12 years old.

Also in the calendar of events is a campus tour series that not only brings the sound of modern Jazz to the eager ears of students around the city; but also sax and guitar workshops facilitated by Doug Little and Ric Ickard.

Jazz series at O’Lounge, at Salon de Ning and Charlie’s will also showcase some of the best homegrown talent; while Cultural Nights at Greenbelt Park will feature some of the top international and balikbayan acts.

The storm of events will also take a detour to the beautiful island of Boracay with Roseanna Gaerlan, and hits the City of Smiles for the Bacolod Jazz Festival with its special feature, the Australian Jazz band Logic, and other top performers.

The festival ends on a high note with a series of concerts and special shows that feature the biggest names in international Jazz; as well as the International Jazz Gala, that includes the book launch of Contemporary Jazz in the Philippines, by Richie Quirino.

Tickets are available at Ticketnet, Ticketworld, SM Tickets and at the gate. VIP reservations are available via 0920-9509624. For information, contact the P.I.Jazz Foundation at 890-20-16, fax 890-20-07, email pijazz@gmail.com, or visit www.pijazzfest.com for the festival’s complete calendar of activities.