Jazzed Up: The Shanghai Jazz Festival

The annual Shanghai Jazz Festival has been picking up steam in recent years, and 2010 looks to continue that trend. From big names to brand new bands, this festival provides the perfect opportunity to check out the rapidly growing jazz presence in Shanghai. What’s particularly wonderful about this type of music is that you can truly enjoy it whether you’re a jazz aficionado or a brand new listener.

As the festival grows, bigger acts have hopped on board. So who are the names being talked up this year? Theo Croker has been making waves in his adopted hometown of Shanghai (he’s originally from the United States) for years. You probably know by now that he’s the grandson of the famous Doc Cheatham (who won numerous Grammy awards for his work), but Croker has certainly made a name all by himself. His unique sound and jaw dropping trumpet skills make him a must-see at this year’s festival.

Hao Feier, a popular contestant on Super Girl (basically the Chinese version of Pop Idol), proves that just because this is a “jazz” festival, doesn’t mean that’s the only music you’ll find here. Her infectious pop tunes appeal to the masses and should prove popular at this year’s show.

Considered one of Shanghai’s oldest alternative bands and, arguably, one of the most popular, Tian has a rabid following who are sure to come out in droves for their performance. Formed in 1997, the band has matured over the years but still delivers the sounds fans have come to expect from their 2002 debut album, On the Street (which, incidentally, was the first rock album produced on a Shanghai-based label).   If you’re into the jazz scene, no doubt you already know of Dianne Reeves, one of the most popular contemporary jazz vocalists of the time. Don’t believe me? She’s got four Grammys (for Best Jazz Vocal Performance) to prove it! She’s even worked with George Clooney, performing in his film Good Night, and Good Luck and recording for the soundtrack. Her appearance at the festival is guaranteed to be one of the best.   He Yong, considered a “pioneer of Chinese rock,” was better known in the 1980’s and 1990’s, but he’s still a relevant presence in the music world today. He carries his label of “controversial” with pride, often inciting government disapproval in both Hong Kong and mainland China. While he has only released one album, Garbage Dump, many are also looking forward to hearing the new music he has to offer here at the festival.   WHEN: So when can you see these amazing acts and many, many more? The festival goes from October 4 till October 17. Most acts begin performing around 13:00, and the last show of the night usually goes till about 21:30 EVENT LOCATIONS & AFTER PARTIES:
 

Now where you go to see these uber talented musicians play will depend on which ones you want to see. Jazz acts can be found at the following locations – Shanghai Center Theatre
Add: 1/F, Shanghai Center, 1376 Nanjing Xi Lu, near Xikang Lu
地址：南京西路1376号 上海商城1楼, 近西康路
Tel: 021 6279 7132 Pudong Century Park
Add: 1359 Huamu Lu, Pudong New District, Shanghai
地址：上海浦东新区花木路1359号浦东世纪公园
Tel: 021 6431 1075 Expo
Add: Zone D, Expo Park, near Longhua Dong Lu
地址：世博园D片区绿地广场 And of course, what would the jazz festival be without its after parties? If you haven’t had your share of jazz by the end of the night, after parties will be held at the following locations -  JZ Club
Add: 6431 026946 Fuxing Lu, near Yongfu Lu
地址：复兴路46号, 近永福路
Tel: 021 6431 0269 House of Blues & Jazz
Add: 60 Fuzhou Lu, near the Bund
地址：福州路60号, 近外滩
Tel: 021 6323 2779 Cotton Club
Add: 1416 Huaihai Zhong Lu, near Fuxing Lu
地址：淮海中路1416号, 近复兴路
Tel: 021 6437 7110 TICKETS:
You can buy tickets in a variety of ways – online at the Smart Shanghai website (http://www.smartshanghai.com/smartticket/jz-shanghai-music-festival) or Taobao website (http://jzshanghai.taobao.com/); over the phone through China Ticket Hotline (021-400-610-3721); or, if you’re feeling ambitious, in person through one of three booking offices. JZ Group Booking Office
Add: 4/F, Bldg 12, Lane 280 Wukang Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市武康路280弄12号4楼
Tel: 021 64317 1130 JZ Club
Add: Bldg 46, W Fuxing Lu near Yongfu Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市永福路46号近复兴路
Tel: 021-6431-0269) Wooden Box Cafe
Add: Bldg 9 Qinghai Lu near E Nanjing Lu, Shanghai
地址：上海市青海路9号近南京路
Tel: 021 5213 2965 Ticket prices will vary depending on which locations you visit. For acts at the Pudong Century Park, you can buy a one-day ticket for 150 RMB or a two-day ticket for 200 RMB. The Expo acts will only cost you the price of an Expo ticket. For entry into the Shanghai Center Theatre, expect to pay anywhere from 200-1,000 RMB, depending upon the act. For more information on purchasing tickets, visit the festival’s official website at http://www.jzfestival.com/en/buy-tickets. EVENT SCHEDULE: