Trumpets, trombones usher in autumn

The Jarasum International Jazz Festival will take place on Jarasum (Jara Island)

Some say autumn brings out the sentimental side of people. In terms of music, jazz appears to have a somewhat similar effect.

So it’s fitting that Korea plays host to several jazz events this month, including the Seoul International Jazz Festival this Friday and Saturday, the Jarasum International Jazz Festival from Oct. 15-18 and the MAC Jazz Festival from Oct. 21-27.

It’s certainly a noticeable shift from the summer months, when rock music festivals took center stage.

Of the upcoming jazz festivals, the Jarasum International Jazz Festival is undoubtedly the most well-known, established event. After all, the event - now in its sixth year - was picked as the county’s top festival by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism for the past three years.

The festival provides an annual boost to Jarasum (Jara Island) and Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi, propping up the regional economy in the fall.

“Jarasum was almost deserted before we started our festival there,” said Jeong Yoo-mi, one of the event’s organizers. “We worked closely with the local community in organizing the festival. Today, Jarasum has put itself on the tourist map, especially as a camping site.”

But cooperation with the regional community isn’t the only reason the festival is deemed a success. The musical talent is the real key, helping to draw a growing number of jazz fans each year. When it launched in 2004, about 30,000 people visited the festival. Last year, the number of visitors hit 137,000, organizers say.

Visitors like Kim Dae-wu, who likes the eclectic mix of bands and performers.

“There were some familiar local artists, like Toy, that I’ve known for years as well as some unfamiliar foreign musicians,” said Kim, who lives in Seoul and went to last year’s event. “This made the festival very diverse and worth the travel.”

Organizers decided to go ahead with the festival as planned this year despite rising fears of the spread of the new flu virus in Korea, which has led to the cancelation of many other events throughout the country. In fact, the festival will actually be larger than ever this year.

American jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater

“Last year, construction was underway in parts of the island, but this year it is all finished,” Jeong said. “Thus, we were able to set up more stages on the island.” This year’s festival features three stages on the island, as opposed to one last year. More will be set up at other areas around Gapyeong County as well.

This year’s lineup includes Grammy award-winning American jazz singer Dee Dee Bridgewater, Italian jazz trumpeter Enrico Rava, Portuguese jazz singer Maria Joao, Israeli jazz bassist Avishai Cohen and Korean jazz duo Miyeon and Park Jae-cheon.

One highlight of this year’s event is called “One or Two,” which will showcase solo and duet performances - a unique feature that organizers say will enhance the overall festival experience.

The Jarasum International Jazz Festival takes place in and around Jarasum in Gapyeong County, Gyeonggi. A one-day pass costs 25,000 won ($21.12), a two-day pass is priced at 40,000 won and a three-day pass will set you back 50,000 won.

For reservations, visit www.ticketlink.co.kr or call 02) 1588-7890. For more information, visit www.jarasumjazz.com or call 031) 581-2813~4.