TEMPO.CO, Jakarta – The Ubud resort district in Gianyar, Bali, is set to host dozens of international and Indonesian jazz musicians at the Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) 2026. The event will take place on August 7–8, 2026, at STHALA Ubud Bali, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
“This year we did not receive any support from the government at all. Financially, it has been very challenging. But the spirit of musician friends and community support has made this festival able to survive,” said UVJF Co-founder Anom Darsana during a press conference on Thursday, July 30, 2026.
He noted that foreign governments and cultural institutions have stepped in to support the festival, enabling numerous international artists to join the line-up with backing from their respective cultural agencies.
Global Collaborations
Among the headliners is Italian drummer Simone Prattico, who will perform alongside Indonesian jazz artists Sri Hanuraga on piano and Kevin Yosua on bass. Their music fuses Mediterranean motifs, Javanese nuances, and contemporary jazz improvisation in a dynamic trio setup.
Joining the lineup is the Dutch group Jade & Paperstock, led by guitarist Jadi Peperzak. This international quartet unites Indonesian pianist Kasyfi Kalyasyena, Nepalese bassist Sulav Maharjan, and Dutch drummer Rafael Slors in a rich contemporary jazz initiative built on lyrical compositions, dense harmonies, and collective improvisation. The project receives support from the Erasmus Huis in Jakarta.
France is represented by Watchdog, featuring Anne Quillier on keyboards and Pierre Horckmans on clarinet. Their music blends structured composition with improvisation, placing careful emphasis on sonic textures and soundscapes. Their performance is presented with support from AJC (Association Jazz Croisé) and the Institut Français Indonésie.
Fellow UVJF Co-Founder of the Ubud Village Jazz Festival, Yuri Mahatma, hopes this international patronage model inspires Indonesian authorities and cultural bodies. “Hopefully, Indonesia’s music ecosystem will grow stronger in backing talented artists so they can take international stages and serve as cultural ambassadors through their craft,” he said.
Eclectic Fusion from Asia and Beyond
In addition to these acts, the 13th UVJF will host Thailand’s Pong Nakornchai Ensemble, bringing together four distinct musical voices from Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States. Centered around compositions by soprano saxophonist Joe Rosenberg, the project features bassist Indra Gupta and guitarist Michael Ananda.
Renowned Indonesian guitarist Koko Harsoe will take the stage with the SAN Trio, a Bali-based fusion group comprising Savio on piano, Amos on double bass, and Nara on drums, exploring modern jazz through original compositions and live dialogue.
Japan’s H ZETTRIO brings a distinct energy to contemporary instrumental music. Recognized for their signature painted noses—blue for pianist H ZETT M, red for bassist H ZETT NIRE, and silver for drummer H ZETT KOU—the trio is known for intense rhythmic precision and energetic piano play.
The Straight and Stretch Quartet, led by guitarist Yuri Mahatma and pianist Astrid Sulaiman, offers a broad interpretation of the genre. Festival veterans across Indonesia, Europe, and Australia, the group will collaborate with Japanese trombonist Masahiko Kitahara, Indonesian vocalist Dian Pratiwi, and Singaporean singer-songwriter Glen Wee, who will perform selections from his debut album Sounds in the City.
Indonesian Icons
The line-up also includes the Salamander Big Band, one of Indonesia’s longest-running independent jazz orchestras. Celebrating nearly two decades together, the 27-member ensemble will perform classic swing repertoires, big band arrangements, and original pieces.
The Strings Corner Project, led by guitarists Adien Fazmail and Icang Rahimy, presents a blend of flamenco expression, jazz improvisation, and Nusantara rhythms.
Vocalist Dattie Do offers a narrative-driven blend of jazz traditions alongside Hanoi-based guitarist Hoang Tung and Indonesian musicians Warman Sanjaya and Sinuksma. Meanwhile, West Java vocalist and pianist Imelda Rosalin will perform alongside her quintet.
Balinese jazz figure Dodot will perform original works alongside drummer Wisnu Priambodo and bassist Helmy Agustrian. The event will also feature emerging acts from the local scene, including LaDju and the Michael Ananda Trio.
As part of UVJF’s efforts to foster new talent and preserve the jazz tradition, the festival will showcase the Rason Trio and JZ.KA Trio, two groups representing the younger generation of Indonesian jazz musicians.
“Because of this, I feel that all of us jazz lovers certainly have a responsibility to ensure that this regeneration continues to thrive,” Yuri added, emphasizing that emerging musicians require international-standard platforms to collaborate with global peers.
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