KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 20 (Bernama) -- This year’s Publika Jazz 2019 is back with a record 150 musicians representing 20 bands at 4 venues over 2 days.
 
Happening on 23-24 August from 7pm till late, Publika Jazz is an annual party for the public to join in the celebration of UEM Sunrise Berhad’s Publika Shopping Gallery’s anniversary. It is also free so that everyone can watch all the performances with no exception.
 
This homegrown event in its 8^th year now, is Malaysia's largest jazz festival. Held at four different venues The Square, Black Box, The Bee and The Social; the annual event saw more than 6,000 visitors over two days in 2018.
 
Among this year’s highlights include Indonesia’s RIMA, a funk dance band consists of Ivan Saba, Barry Likumahuwa, Ryan V and DJ Faith. Its bassist Barry, has performed at major festivals such as the Java Jazz Festival as well as international festivals including the Taichung Jazz Festival and Vienna Jazz Festival, and at renowned clubs such Blue Note in Tokyo. Another Indonesian band that is belting out jazz, soul, funk and Brazilian rhythms is Parkdrive. It has performed at prestigious jazz gatherings such as the Bali Jazz Festival 2005, Jazz Goes to Campus 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2010, JakJazz 2006 and 2007 and has been a regular host at the annual Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival from 2005 to 2010.
 
Local bands to watch out for include Aseana Percussion Unit (APU). Be ready to witness ethnic instruments like the Brazilian surdo, the Indian thavil and tabla, the African Djembe, the Malay gendang and kompang, the Chinese er-hu and an array of other instruments come together, blend and create a fusion of rhythms and grooves that will definitely drum up a storm and get you jumping to your feet. APU has enthralled audiences all over the world, actively participating in music and jazz festivals over the past twenty years, where they have won many accolades and great reviews from local as well as foreign press for their excellent showmanship and stage presence.
 
Another Malaysian performer Froya’s quirky charm and distinctive vocals has continued to evolve since her earliest indie pop endeavours into a more experimental, yet readily accessible, groove- driven synth electronica. Along the way, she has shared the same stage with the likes of Lorde, Alt-J, Ellie Goulding, Glass Animals, Tash Sultana, Aurora, Nao, Banks, Nick Murphy (Chet Faker) and Disclosure.
 
Another highlight is Colombia’s Martin Reyes who has been singing and performing in Latin America, America, Europe and many other countries from a young age who has performed to sold-out concerts.
 
The festival has grown to become one of Kuala Lumpur’s most anticipated cultural and community events, offering visitors a chance to enjoy local and international performers.

Source: UEM Sunrise Berhad

FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THE JAZZ FESTIVAL, PLEASE CONTACT:
Name: Hafriz Johan
Tel: 017-3729442
Email: hafriz.johan@uemsunrise.uemnet.com 

--BERNAMA