Taichung Mayor Lu Shiow-Yen and American Institute in Taiwan Director Sandra Oudkirk attended the jazz party of "Dadaocheng International Arts Festival-Dance Party" yesterday (29th) afternoon and enjoyed the melodious music of the Taipei American School Jazz Band; many people at the event put on 1920s-style cheongsam and costumes and danced to the beautiful jazz. Mayor Lu, AIT Director Oudkirk and joined in the lively atmosphere, dancing with the people.

Mayor Lu stated that the "Taichung Jazz Festival" holds a significant place in Taichung music scene. This year is the 19th year and the festival is supported and loved by many music fans. It is one of the four major jazz festivals in Asia along with Tokyo, Japan, Bangkok, Thailand, and Seoul, South Korea. Every year, millions of people come to this grand event. This year’s event just ended on October 22. The 10-day event brought together well-known musicians from Taiwan and all around the world to perform, bringing an unprecedented jazz feast.

Mayor Lu explained that jazz originated in New Orleans, the United States, where there are a large number of outstanding musicians and music fans. The Taichung Jazz Festival will celebrate its 20th anniversary next year. Director Oudkirk and the Taipei American School Jazz Band are welcome to participate and meet friends through music, and deepen the friendship and interactions between the two parties. Furthermore, Mayor Lu also introduced to Director Oudkirk that Houli, Taichung is known for production of saxophones. At its peak, one out of every three saxophones in the world was produced at Houli. In addition to collecting commemorative, the local Saxophone Museum has a highly memorable saxophone collection, as well as records showing the history and manufacturing process of saxophone in Taiwan. Director Oudkirk was welcome to visit.

Mayor Lu and Director Oudkirk engaged in an insightful conversation during their meeting. They started talking about motherhood and exchanging experiences in encouraging their children to exercise, and also talked about how sports improved the opportunities for interactions between the two places through. Particularly, this Asian Games just ended and the "Children of Taichung" won 5 gold medals, 5 silver medals and 2 bronze medals, and performed well in judo, basketball, roller skating, canoeing and bridge game.

Many people donned cheongsam and other retro clothing at the event venue yesterday, transporting themselves back in time to the 1920s dance floors as they swayed to the enchanting jazz music., At the invitation of the host, Mayor Lu met with Director Oudkirk and event organizer Jou, Yi-Cheng and started "Swinging" with people. It was very energetic at the event.

Mayor Lu heard that Director Oudkirk likes to visit the Raohe Street Night Market in Taipei, and also invited Director Oudkirk to come to Taichung to visit the famous Fengjia Night Market in Taichung and taste local delicacies.

The Dadaocheng International Arts Festival has been held every year since 2018. It features the participation of many international artists who interact with the local community. Yesterday, conductor Luke DallaGrana and the Taipei American School Jazz Band, American jazz musician Sheridan Zuther, and the TPO Band put up a wonderful show.