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Description
On top of a wide range of performances, the Freespace Jazz Fest is offering a series of free programmes hosted by local music group Fountain de Chopin for beginners to get a taste of jazz.
Founded in 2021, Fountain de Chopin is known for its unconventional and approachable style in bringing jazz to the masses. For this festival, the group has prepared several crash courses covering different aspects of jazz, including culture, knowledge, creation, and performance. The programmes are designed for participants to experience jazz in a relaxed and fun manner. Courses include:
Jazz History
This three-part series takes participants through the development of jazz, which spans more than 100 years. Besides vivid storytelling, the lessons also feature performances and improvisation by a live band, allowing participants to immerse in the storied past of jazz.
Jazz and Philosophy Talk by Roger Lee
Scholar Roger Lee discusses jazz from a philosophical perspective.
Y2K Cantopop Big Band Talk
Enjoy Cantopop songs that Hongkongers are familiar with in a new way with new versions arranged by Fountain de Chopin. The speakers also deconstruct the arrangement techniques and characteristics used to give these songs a jazz feel.
Jazz that Mother Tongue
Learn how to use the human voice as an instrument to play along with a Bebop head.
Fountain Dance Hall feat. Bebop DJ x Live Band
Feel the impact and rebellion of Bebop at this party with a live band and DJs.
If you are interested in joining the above programmes, please register in advance on or before 27 September 2023 (Wednesday). The quota is limited and assigned on a first come, first served basis. An email confirmation will be sent for successful registrations.
6 October 2023 (Friday)
| 8:00pm–9:30pm | Jazz History Ep 1 This session introduces participants to the early origins of jazz, including black gospel work song, blues and ragtime. |
7 October 2023 (Saturday)
| 2:00pm–3:00pm | Jazz and Philosophy Talk by Roger Lee |
| 3:30pm–5:00pm | Jazz History Ep 2 This session touches on the next stage of development of jazz music, including genres such as bebop, cool jazz, hardbop, Jazz Latin, modal jazz, free jazz, avant garde jazz and jazz fusion |
| 8:30pm–9:45pm | Y2K Cantopop Big Band Talk |
8 October 2023 (Sunday)
| 3:30pm–4:45pm | Jazz that Mother Tongue |
| 5:15pm–6:45pm | Jazz History Ep 3 This session introduces various jazz trends from recent decades, such as odd metre jazz, hip-hop, and more. The speaker will also discuss notable figures associated with these trends, including Pat Metheny, Michael Brecker, Jacob Collier, and Domi and JD Beck. |
| 8:30pm–10:00pm | Fountain Dance Hall feat. Bebop DJ x Live Band |
Freespace Jazz Fest is presented by WestK and financially supported by the Mega Arts and Cultural Events Fund of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
The content of this programme does not reflect the views of the Government of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.
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