The unique thing about the JB Arts Festival is that it is one of the only, if not THE only, arts festival in Malaysia to showcase all the different disciplines of the performing arts, from music to dance to drama. And this year is no different.
The main festival offers 9 ticketed performances. Music fans will certainly have their hands full this year with the shows on offer. On the 6th July, classical music lovers will be treated to a performance by the critically acclaimed strings group, the T’ang Quartet. Then, talented singer-songwriter, Mia Palencia returns to JB to perform on the 10th July. Fans of music from the good old days will be delighted to hear that Big Game Band is in town on the 14th.
Jazz offers 2 performances. First up, the David Gomes Sextet led by renowned jazz pianist and vocalist David Gomes will be on the 17th. The festival will then conclude on the 19th with the RTM Jazz Orchestra, who will present a jazz tribute on popular Malaysian songs.
But, the festival is not just about music, of course. Malay Musical Theatre makes a return at this year’s festival, with ‘Kasih Teja Di Muara Muar’ on 12th and 13th, the story of Tun Teja, the beautiful daughter of the then Prime Minister of Pahang, who catches the eye of Sultan Mahmud, the Sultan of Malacca. Meanwhile, those in for some thought-provoking, satiric and comedic fare will be delighted to hear that the Instant Cafe Theatre will be performing in JB on the 15th of July.
This year’s festival also features a number of interesting sideshows. The Fringe Festival is back this year, featuring some high-quality performances from local talents. This year marks the first time that the festival will see an Art Exhibition, ‘Art for Art’s Sake’, featuring the works of some of the most well-known contemporary artists from Johor led by Ahmad Zakii Anwar. The exhibition will be open through out the 2 weeks festival period. There is also Vintage Cars and Bikes exhibition on the 5th, 6th, 13th and 19th. Both the Art Exhibition, and the Vintage Cars and Bikes Show, will be held at the Dataran Bandaraya.
This year’s festival also sees 5 special workshops and clinics. Free workshops: On 6th, the T’ang Quartet conducts a strings workshop Also free, will be the Songwriting Workshop by Mia Palencia on the 9th and the jazz rhythm workshop by David Gomes on16th. For a minimum entry charge, join Man Kidal, a Malaysian guitar legend of international acclaim on the 16th of July, in the guitar clinic and jam session with Man Kidal.. Meanwhile, all joking aside, there will be a clown workshop on the 16th, 18th and 19th July, conducted by Ms Fung Lee Jean. Participants will even be able to learn to draw their own Clown Faces!
All shows this year will be held at the Dataran Bandaraya Johor Bahru, There is jazz music, classical music, theatre, and comedy – something for everyone. So, head on down to the Festival Village at the Dataran, and LIVE THE ARTS!!!
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