Every year, the Jakarta International Java Jazz Festival (JJJF) - or simply 'Java Jazz' as it's popularly known - is held in early March to showcase Indonesia's immense talent for jazz. Established by Java Festival Production in 2005, this jubilant celebration of music has become one of the most eagerly-anticipated events on the cultural calendar.
This jazz festival not only hosts renowned national and international jazz performers but also features a variety of musical styles such as R&B, Soul, and Reggae. In 2006 some of the headliners included James Brown, Earth Wind & Fire Eric Benet Bubi Chen, and Angie Stone, while in 2007, Sergio Mendes, Chaka Khan, Lisa Ono, and Jamie Cullum took to the stage. The official website states that over 67,000 people attended this three-day event in 2006!
This jazz festival featured many incredible performances, not least by Santana, Lee Ritenour, and Dave Koz. Additionally, Steve Lukather, Barry Likumahuwa Project, Robben Ford, Sandy Winarta Quartet, and more dazzled audiences with their delightful renditions of classic tunes. The show was even more special when Sheila Majid took the stage alongside Joy Tobing and, Chieli Minucci & Special EFX - all preceding Bob James' closing performance!
