Hong Kong International Jazz Festival

If you’re in Hong Kong during the month of September and happen to be a jazz fan, then be sure not to miss the annual Hong Kong International Jazz Festival.

Bringing together jazz musicians from Hong Kong and around the globe, the four-day event is a chance to take in some world-class performances while in the Fragrant Harbour.

The festival is relatively new, but over the course of a decade has drawn in renowned musicians from Canada, Austria, Denmark, Sweden, South Africa, Taiwan and Japan, bringing in an eclectic mix of sounds, instruments, and vocalists.

Jazz fans will no doubt recognise names such as Stanley Jordan, Terence Blanchard, the Bjorn Solli Trio and Mdungu, to name a few. But it’s not all about the big names—in fact a major aim of the event is to highlight the incredible talent coming out of Hong Kong, and promote budding local musicians.

Some local stars that have performed in previous festivals include Hong Kong jazz orchestra the 5422 Collective; composer and guitarist Ah Kok; and Tjoe Man Cheung with the NTBM (Not-To-Be-Missed) jazz collective.

If you are on a tight budget, you’ll be pleased to know that the festival usually kicks off with a free open-air event, which allows the general public to listen to the performers, and build up an interest in jazz.

The shows are typically held at Hong Kong City Hall in Central, and tickets are available online through Urbtix. Ticket prices range from HK$200.00 to HK$380.00, depending on the seats.

The dates for the 2019 Hong Kong International Jazz Festival are September 22, 25, 26 and 27. Check the event website, or their Facebook page for updates about this year’s lineup of musicians, as well as ticket prices.