Freespace Jazz Fest returns for its fifth and largest edition for seven days this October, first from October 3-8, and then on October 26. The event will take place across different stages at Freespace, Art Park, Wonderland, M+, and Xiqu Centre, where top international and local music acts and other art and family-friendly activities will take place.
From October 6-8, get serenaded under the stars at Wonderland – the festival’s largest outdoor stage – by headliners including Lawrence Ku Trio, Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra (feat. Eugene Pao and Ted Lo), The Comet Is Coming, Li Xiao-chuan, Richard Bona, Nduduzo Makhathini, Voision Xi, Kinga Głyk, and Antonio Sánchez.
Another highlight this year is the expansion of the festival into the Grand Theatre in the Xiqu Centre. On October 26, award-winning jazz diva Stacey Kent will perform with her trio group in a highly anticipated, one-night only concert.
Freespace’s The Box will transform into a place for improvisation and play. On October 4, Korean jazz sensation and performer of traditional instruments, Dasom Baek, will form a trio with two other Korean musicians and collaborate with Hong Kong composer Olivier Cong for an exciting night of experimental music blending world and electronic music elements.
On October 7-8, it’s the children’s turn as director Yau Chung-wai and music director Tsui Chin-hung will take them on a journey of jazz discovery with original musical Mischievous Boy. Hong Kong jazz collective Fountain de Chopin will take over The Room with a series of free programmes offering a deep dive into the world of jazz and improvisation.
There will also be free gigs at the Great Lawn, Harbourside Lawn – West, and M+ by the best musicians in jazz, contemporary and world music from around the world, including Japan, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, Mainland China, and Hong Kong.
For a more intimate experience, there will be specially curated showcases of local and international bands and sharing sessions hosted by pianist Daniel Chu, during the festival at Lau Bak Livehouse. The festival will also feature DJ booths, an arts and crafts market on the Great Lawn, a wide selection of food and drinks, art installations, and a variety of fun activities for families.
Click here for the entire Freespace Jazz Fest schedule and ticketing details.
Header image credits: Freespace via Facebook