Good news: the third instalment of Jazz Showcase is set to return to Penang on 14th and 15th September 2019 at penangpac. This edition will see the unprecedented collaboration of Malaysia’s leading jazz band, The WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble, and the local Big Band of Penang (BBoP). Both groups will be presenting a mixture of big band classics as well as exciting original compositions.
The WVC Malaysian Jazz Ensemble consists of pianist Tay Cher Siang, saxophonist Julian Chan, drummer KJ and bassist AJ. The group was founded by Siang when he was studying in West Virginia, yet its music was later given a distinctive Malay flavour after it moved to Malaysia. Highly established, WVC has released six instrumental albums and has performed in many regional jazz festivals from the Taichung Jazz Festival to the Thailand Smile Jazz Festival. In addition, the band has also played in a host of Malaysian jazz clubs including No Black Tie, Alexis, Bobo KL and more. Not to mention that their music has featured in the 2018 Hollywood hit film, Crazy Rich Asians.
WVC, image courtesy of the WVC Facebook Page
BBoP, meanwhile, is a community big band ran by the Penang Jazz Society, consisting entirely of Penang residents (including expatriates). Since its establishment in 2017, the group has performed in many regional jazz festivals such as the recent Hua Hin International Jazz Festival. The band will be joined by the famous Penangite vocalist, Datin Serene Yoon, who will sing a selection of Shanghai Jazz tunes.
The Penang Jazz Society’s Big Band Of Penang (BBoP), image courtesy of the BBoP Facebook page
Tickets will be RM63 (adults) and RM38 (students), and early bird tickets can be bagged for RM55 until August 31st. Tickets can be purchased here, at the penangpac Box Office, or by contacting penangpac at: +604-8991722 or +604-8992722.