25th September 2023 – (Hong Kong) Get ready to groove as Freespace Jazz Fest returns for its highly anticipated fifth edition this October. Spanning seven days, this year’s festival promises an immersive experience filled with captivating music, art exhibitions, and family-friendly activities. With multiple stages set up at Freespace, Art Park, Wonderland, M+, and Xiqu Centre, attendees can revel in the performances of top international and local music acts.
From 6th to 8th October, Wonderland, the festival’s largest outdoor stage, will come alive under the starry night sky. Prepare to be serenaded by an impressive lineup of headliners, including Lawrence Ku Trio, Patrick Lui Jazz Orchestra featuring Eugene Pao and Ted Lo, The Comet Is Coming, Li Xiao-chuan, Richard Bona, Nduduzo Makhathini, Voision Xi, Kinga Głyk, and Antonio Sánchez.
One of the festival’s highlights is the expansion into the Grand Theatre at Xiqu Centre. On 26th October, the award-winning jazz diva Stacey Kent will grace the stage with her trio group for a highly anticipated, one-night-only concert.
Embracing the essence of jazz, Freespace’s The Box will transform into a hub for improvisation and play. On 4th October, Korean jazz sensation Dasom Baek, renowned for her mastery of traditional instruments, will collaborate with two other Korean musicians and Hong Kong composer Olivier Cong for an exhilarating night of experimental music that blends elements of world and electronic music. On 7th and 8th October, children will have their turn as director Yau Chung-wai and music director Tsui Chin-hung take them on a jazz discovery journey with the original musical, “Mischievous Boy.”
Hong Kong jazz collective Fountain de Chopin will take over The Room, presenting a series of free programs that offer a deep dive into the world of jazz and improvisation.
For music enthusiasts seeking more, free gigs by the best musicians in jazz, contemporary, and world music will take place at the Great Lawn, Harbourside Lawn – West, and M+. These performances will showcase talent from Japan, Korea, Thailand, India, Indonesia, mainland China, and Hong Kong.
For a more intimate experience, specially curated showcases of local and international bands, along with sharing sessions hosted by pianist Daniel Chu, will take place at Lau Bak Livehouse during the festival.
In addition to the incredible musical offerings, the festival features DJ booths, an arts and crafts market on the Great Lawn, a wide selection of food and drinks, captivating art installations, and a variety of fun activities for families to enjoy.
Mark your calendars for Freespace Jazz Fest, taking place from 3rd to 8th October (Tuesday to Sunday), with a special concert on 26th October (Thursday). The festival will be held at Freespace, Art Park, Wonderland, M+, and Xiqu Centre in the vibrant West Kowloon Cultural District. Get ready for an unforgettable celebration of jazz, creativity, and community.
Date and time:
3rd–8th October 2023 (Tuesday–Sunday) and 26th October 2023 (Thursday)
Venue:
Freespace, Art Park, Wonderland, M+ and Xiqu Centre, West Kowloon Cultural District.
Ticketed programmes:
| Date and Time | Programme | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 4th October 2023 (Wednesday) 8:30pm | Dasom Baek Trio x Olivier Cong | The Box, Freespace |
| 6th October 2023 (Friday) 6:30pm 7–8 October 2023 (Saturday and Sunday) 7:00pm | Jazzscapes1-Day Pass | 3-Day Pass | Wonderland |
| 7th October 2023 (Saturday) 2:00pm, 5:00pm, 8:00pm 8th October 2023 (Sunday) 11:00am, 2:00pm, 5:00pm | Mischievous Boy | The Box, Freespace |
| 26th October 2023 (Thursday) 8:00pm | Stacey Kent Trio | Grand Theatre, Xiqu Centre |
Free programmes:
| Date and Time | Programme | Venue |
|---|---|---|
| 3rd–5th October 2023 (Tuesday to Thursday) 8:00pm 6th–8th October 2023 (Friday to Sunday) 8:30pm | Programmes at Lau Bak Livehouse | Lau Bak Livehouse, Freespace |
| 6th October 2023 (Friday) 8:00pm 7th October 2023 (Saturday) 2:00pm 8th October 2023 (Sunday) 3:30pm | Fountain in The Room (Advance online registration is required) | The Room, Freespace |
| 6th October 2023 (Friday) 6:00pm 7th–8th October 2023 (Saturday to Sunday) 2:00pm | Events at Great Lawn | Great Lawn, Art Park |
| 7th –8th October 2023 (Saturday to Sunday) 2:00pm | Workshops at Harbourside Lawn East | Harbourside Lawn East |
| 7th –8th October 2023 (Saturday to Sunday) 3:15pm | Music at Harbourside Lawn West | Harbourside Lawn West |
| 4th – 6th October 2023 (Wednesday to Friday) 3:30pm 7th –8th October 2023 (Saturday to Sunday) 2:15pm | Jazz at M+ |