The Taichung Jazz Festival, a key cultural celebration in Taichung, is proudly marking its 20th anniversary! This year's festival boasts an impressive lineup themed around women’s empowerment, featuring many internationally acclaimed bands from 12 different countries, along with local new talents. From October 11 to 20, 22 amazing performances will take place at Taichung Civic Square. During the opening concert (12th), a massive crowd of 185,000 jazz enthusiasts came together to enjoy the festivities. Mayor Lu Hsiu-yen also enjoyed the romantic and leisurely jazz feast alongside the audience on this pleasant autumn evening.

Mayor Lu noted that the Taichung Jazz Festival is a hallmark event for the city, gaining popularity and attention from music fans around the world. It has become ingrained in the cultural identity of Taichung. Lu said that the city government will continue to strive to establish Taichung as a globally recognized jazz city. This year marks the 20th anniversary of the festival, which is centered around the theme “Women in Jazz,” making it the first music festival in Asia to incorporate a gender theme. Several award-winning and exceptional female musicians from Taiwan and abroad are set to perform. Lu invites citizens to enjoy the jazz performances and deepen their connections with their loved ones.

The opening concert showcased the “RICH & TCH JAZZ BAND ft. USAY KAWLU, YUN-HUI HUNG,” featuring Taiwan's master drummer Rich Huang and top female drummer Doris Lin. Together with the TCH Jazz Band, they offered a fresh interpretation of classic songs by the famous Taiwanese singer Teresa Teng. Additionally, Sherrie Maricle from the United States, was invited to perform alongside Taiwan's first all-female jazz orchestra, the Taipei DIVA Jazz Orchestra. The two performances provided the audience with a truly memorable jazz experience.

Moreover, to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the Taichung Jazz Festival, an International Friendship Zone has been arranged at the event venue. On the 12th and 13th, representative offices of various countries, including Poland, Slovakia, the Philippines, Indonesia, and the United States (from Guam and Wyoming), set up booths to highlight their unique tourism, cultural, and culinary offerings. Attendees could enjoy the music while experiencing the distinct charm of different cultures.

According to the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the 10-day jazz event at Taichung Civic Square promises to be a continuous thrill! The lineup includes SOR Jazz and the Taichung Youth Alumni Jazz Orchestra, which highlight the creativity and enthusiasm of Taichung's young musicians. Additionally, internationally acclaimed jazz musicians such as Ilja Ruf Trio and Rémi Panossian Trio from Europe, as well as the Japanese band JABBERLOOP, will perform. This year, there will also be special programs highlighting female jazz musicians, including Sherrie Maricle, jazz pianist YuYing Hsu, and saxophonists Shawna Yang, Kaori Kobayashi, and Ruby Pan. It’s an event that jazz fans can’t miss! For more information, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau's official website (http://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw/) or the Taichung Jazz Festival's official website (https://www.taichungjazzfestival.tw/2024/tw/index/index.html).