The JZ Music Festival (16-18 October, 2009)
In the sprawling and chaotic concrete jungle of Shanghai, it is often hard to find the organic cultural pockets that come so naturally to other cosmopolitan cities. Much of the graffiti on Moganshan Lu, for instance, feels forced upon the walls to enhance the ‘artsiness’ of the M50 art district. This weekend, however, I hoped the chaotic superficiality would calm down for the JZ Music Festival, the city’s largest outdoor music event held across Century Park’s 346 acres. I hit the park in Pudong on the Sunday; armed with sunshine, heat, beers, burgers and good company, and ready for live music and chilling on freshly-cut grass.
The festival’s three stages of Jazz, Fusion and Folk-Rock showcased international acts such as Us3 (UK), Catherine Lambert (Australia) and Florent Brique (France). The latter was mesmerising: two drummers, a beatboxer/vocalist, one organist and a guitarist competing seamlessly with the lead trumpeter in abstract jams in an electro-groove setting. Continue reading Blogging Shanghai Culture
October 22nd, 2009 | 
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