Music festival jazzed up with after-party segment

THE Singapore International Jazz Festival (Sing Jazz) returns next year with three nights of music from a wide range of stars including multiple Grammy Award-winners Corinne Bailey Rae and David Foster; Nik West, Youssou Ndour & Le Super Etoile de Dakar, and the Raúl Midón Trio.

Like the previous editions, the fourth will be held once again at the Event Plaza at Marina Bay Sands over three evenings from March 31 to April 2.

Rae, who shot to fame with her 2006 self-titled debut album that featured the hit single Put Your Records On, will headline the first night.

The second evening will feature an eclectic mix of heart-thumping beats from funk bassist and vocalist West, who has worked with artists such as Dave Stewart (Eurythmics), George Clinton and the late Prince; and Senegalese Grammy-winner Ndour, whose music is inspired by Cuban rumba, hip hop, jazz and soul.

Rounding things up on the final day will be the Raúl Midón Trio, whose frontman is known for his nifty guitar-playing; and Foster, the "Hitman" himself, who will perform with a soon-to-be-announced star-studded line-up of "Friends"/guest stars.

New to next year's Sing Jazz will be the introduction of The Late Show, a late-night segment that will take place indoors at the Sands Expo and Convention Centre. It will start at 10pm and run till 4am.

Headliners of the inaugural edition include international artists such as acid-jazz pioneers Incognito, electronic duo Basement Jaxx, Al McKay's Earth, Wind & Fire Experience, as well as Rudimental DJ Set.

David Smith, artistic director of Sing Jazz, notes that the weekend of March 31 to April 2 is "slated to be the biggest and most spectacular 30 hours of music ever staged in Singapore, with Coldplay also performing over two nights at the National Stadium."

He adds: "The wealth of talent converging on Singapore on this music bonanza weekend reinforces Singapore's position as a key destination for music and the arts."

The Late Show itself targets those who wish to stay on after the last act at the Main Stage of Sing Jazz as well as those who are coming from Coldplay's shows at the National Stadium.

It will be curated by Robbie Hoyes-Cock, who is known for his Grand Prix after-parties, and will include VIP table service, as well as DJs and "live" acts.

"By expanding Sing Jazz to include The Late Show, we are introducing a thrilling new dimension to the Festival," explains Hoyes-Cock. "It caters to the late-night party crowd and clubbers looking for a celebrity-driven VIP experience."

He adds he is "particularly excited by (the) VIP Green Room which allows guests to rub shoulders with all of the stars of this mega music weekend in Singapore".

More Sing Jazz acts will be announced soon.