Outtakes
A taste of things to come Jazz fans eagerly awaiting the marquee names - led by Chick Corea and John McLaughlin - of next year's Hong Kong Arts Festival fortunately won't have to wait that long to get their fix.
The Hong Kong International Jazz Festival, taking place from November 16 to 22 at various venues, promises an impressive lineup including Grammy-winning overseas acts and some of our most-respected local players.
Launching the festival will be a free open-air concert at the Hong Kong Cultural Centre Piazza, followed by a range of classes, jam sessions and showcase performances at different venues, including Backstage Live and the Fringe Club.
The festival highlight will be two shows at the Queen Elizabeth Stadium on November 20-21 featuring double Grammy winner Bob James with the Angels of Shanghai, the Yellowjackets with Mike Stern and multiple Juno Award winner Alain Caron and friends.
Organisers have high hopes for the event and are aiming to establish it as China's premier jazz festival. For further details, go to hkjazz.org.
Watch out for the Traffic
Among the independent bands in Hong Kong, Audiotraffic (right) are arguably the most popular and have attracted the most devoted following. Those unlucky enough not to have caught the talented four-piece will have two opportunities this weekend.
The outfit appear on Saturday night at the latest instalment of The Underground in Lan Kwai Fong music bar The Cavern, alongside the up-and-coming Hungry Ghosts and more from 8pm. Tickets at the door cost HK$100.
Then on Sunday from 6pm they'll play a benefit show to raise funds for Aberdeen venue The Warehouse, a long-term supporter of independent bands. This show, being held at the Mong Kok Civic Centre, also features the awesome Gong Wu and Justice League. Tickets are HK$100 at the door.
