Jazzmandu


The Kathmandu Jazz Festival or Jazzmandu is an annual Jazz Festival, organised by Upstairs Ideas in Kathmandu, Nepal.
The festival's name is a portmanteau of Jazz and Kathmandu.

History

The first Jazzmandu was held in 2002, building upon the success of the first 'Jazz at Patan' event the previous year. The festival's first edition included performances by the renowned Australian jazz and swing musician Don Burrows, UK singer Natalie Williams, and Australian Jazz/Funk outfit Afro Dizzi Act, who have since returned to Jazzmandu on several occasions.
Jazzmandu headliners
2002 - Don Burrows, Afro Dizzi Act, Natalie Williams
2003 - Trilok Gurtu, Jesse van Ruller, Jamie Baum
2004 - Louis Banks, Urban Connection, Simak Dialog
2005 - Solid, Soul Mate, Groove Suppa
2006 - Latin Jazz Allstars, Remi Abraham Andy Gross Koph, Judy Lewis
2008 - Catia Werneck, Global Unity, Mark Brown Band, Wanny Angerer
2009 - Trio Urbano, Sheyla Costa, Yuri Honing Trio, Vatapuj
2010 - Ari Hoenig, BUG, Saskri Pang Vongdharadhon
2011- Cuban League, Neighbourhood, bconnected
2012 - Tito Puente Jr., Marlow Rosado, Suzy &2, Rootman, NoJazz
2014 - KJ Denhert, Eduardo Mendonca, Pity Cabrera Trio, Ange Takats, Kristian Persson Elements

Jazzmandu has built on its starting momentum to grow into an internationally recognized, week-long festival, celebrating its 10th anniversary in 2012. It has featured such renowned artists as legendary Indian percussionist Trilok Gurtu, and American jazz drummer Ari Hoenig.
Jazzmandu 2007 was cancelled due to political unrest and civil conflict in Nepal.

Jazz education in Nepal

Jazzmandu actively promotes music education in Nepal, organizing band competitions, workshops and master classes for young local musicians., and working closely with the Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory.

Jazzmandu 2012

Jazzmandu 2012 will run from November 1 to 7 and will feature American drummer Tito Puente, Jr., and Thai ensemble Rootman, among others.