Ahead of the 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival, the sounds of jazz made an early appearance at Taichung Prefectural Hall! Following extensive restoration, this historic building, which has witnessed Taichung’s urban development since the Japanese colonial period and blends Western classical architectural elements with the distinctive design of Japanese government buildings, has taken on a new look and returned to everyday civic life while preserving the city’s treasured cultural memories. Beginning in October, the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government has planned a series of performances and events. On October 2, a jazz concert drew large crowds to Taichung Prefectural Hall, offering audiences a feast for both the eyes and ears.

Opening the program was "Toshi Fujii Trio ft. RIO", bringing together the Toshi Fujii Trio and gifted young Japanese ukulele artist RIO for a cross-border jazz dialogue that reimagined the possibilities of ensemble performance. Next up was the "Julian Wittich Tidelines Quartet", featuring four musicians from diverse cultural backgrounds. Centered on original compositions, the group blended contemporary jazz improvisation with Brazilian and Cuban rhythms while drawing inspiration from Taiwanese culture, freely weaving together diverse musical languages to showcase the international appeal and creative energy of contemporary jazz.

Cultural Affairs Bureau Director Chen Chia-chun said that Taichung Prefectural Hall embodies a treasured part of the city’s historical memory and serves as an important hub for revitalizing cultural heritage and connecting it with the city’s development. The city government continues to pursue its vision of "culture driving the city", bringing culture beyond theaters and into neighborhoods, public squares and residents’ everyday lives. By bringing jazz to the plaza in front of Taichung Prefectural Hall, the event connects historic architecture with contemporary music, opening up new possibilities for cultural spaces. It also gives audiences an early taste of the Taichung Jazz Festival while injecting fresh cultural vitality into the Central and West districts and helping drive their revitalization.

The Cultural Affairs Bureau noted that, in addition to the outdoor jazz tour, tickets remain on sale for three concert series performances at the 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival: the Taichung Jazz Festival Celebration Big Band presenting "PULSE" on October 10; Taiwan’s renowned drummer Rich Huang leading the Formosa Jazz Orchestra with Usay Kawlu in "Echoes Across Time" on October 18; and JUNO Award-winning Canadian guitarist Jocelyn Gould leading her quartet in "The New Sound" on October 23. Jazz fans are invited to experience these different forms of live jazz up close in an intimate indoor setting.

In addition, this year’s "Friendly Stores" promotion is now underway, with more than 100 local Taichung businesses participating. Spanning dining, accommodation, cultural and creative businesses and more, participating stores are offering exclusive deals for jazz fans. From neighborhood performances and indoor concerts to partnerships with businesses across the city, jazz extends beyond the stage and offers a new way to explore Taichung. The 2026 Taichung Jazz Festival will take place at Taichung Civic Square from October 16 to 25. For more information on jazz tour performances, ticketed concerts and Friendly Stores offers, please visit the Cultural Affairs Bureau of Taichung City Government website(https://www.culture.taichung.gov.tw), the Taichung Culture Facebook page（https://www.facebook.com/TaichungCulture）, or the Taichung Jazz Festival Facebook page(https://www.facebook.com/taichungJAZZfestival).