A weekend of jazz on the grass (and more)
The 2005 Seoul Jazz CT Festival ― the CT stands for “Coming to Town” ― is coming to Olympic Park in southeastern Seoul this weekend, featuring some well-known jazz names from Korea and abroad.It should be a nice setting. Families, couples, friends, jazz lovers and novices can settle down for a picnic in the grass while listening to the music.
Saturday’s program includes, Korean jazz artists such as harmonica player Jeon Je-duk and the pop-jazz fusion band Clazziquai.
Foreign performers on deck include the funky guitarist and vocalist Hiram Bullock and the David Holland Quintet.
Jeon Je-duk will play from 4 to 5 p.m., Clazziquai from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Hiram Bullock from 7 to 8:10 p.m. and the David Holland Quintet from 8:40 to 10 p.m.
On Sunday, scheduled performers include the Na Yoon-sun Quintet (Na is a vocalist who has been performing in France), jazz pianist Jacky Terrasson and the swing guitarist John Pizzarelli and his quintet.
All performances will range from an hour to 80 minutes. The Korean band Second Moon will play from 4 to 5 p.m., the Na Yoon-sun Quintet from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m., Jacky Terrasson from 7 to 8:10 p.m. and the John Pizzarelli Quintet from 8:40 to 10 p.m.
Besides the music, the festival will feature some other events ― a treasure hunt, a beer party, a family photo contest and a “best-dressed-for-a-picnic” contest.
Children will receive balloons on a first-come, first-served basis (there are 1,000 balloons, so it might be a good idea to get there early if your child is determined to have one; tens of thousands showed up for last year’s jazz festival).
For the treasure hunt, a number of small, folded notes will be hidden in the grass for visitors to find; each note corresponds to a prize. Prizes will include jazz albums, jazz magazines, CD players and even a guitar.
Last September’s Jazz CT Festival was also held outdoors, in Gapyeong, Gyeonggi province, where more than 30,000 visitors flocked to listen to the rhythmic jazz music.
The theme of this year’s festival is “Music, Nature and Respite.” Audience can bring their own picnic food, drinks, lawn chairs and mats.
There will be no prearranged seating; visitors can come and sit wherever they want to in the grassy area in front of the stage.
The Seoul Jazz CT Festival 2005 will be held on Saturday and Sunday from 4 to 10 p.m at Olympic Park. The park grounds will be open from 2 p.m.
Admisson costs 40,000 won ($40) for one day and 75,000 for two days. Admission is free for children under seven years of age.
Discounts are available for families of four. No pets will be allowed. For more information, call (02) 544-1398 or visit www.mmjazz.co.kr.
by Choi Jie-ho
with the Korea JoongAng Daily
To write comments, please log in to one of the accounts.
Standards Board Policy (0/250자)