After years of whispers, Tomorrowland has finally confirmed its debut in Asia. For the first time in its 20-year history, the legendary Belgian festival has chosen Wisdom Valley in Thailand as the home of its first full-scale Asian edition this December 11–13, 2026. If you haven’t heard of Tomorrowland, here’s the quick version: it’s known for world-class electronic music line-ups, spectacular stage production, and immersive festival experiences. Over 400,000 people attend annually in Belgium, with fans traveling from all over the world. It’s the kind of event people plan their year around, and the comments following this week’s launch are testament to that. Now, it’s coming to Thailand—and this is the full experience. The 237-acre site at Wisdom Valley near Pattaya will feature the legendary MainStage, CORE (a nature-integrated stage for house and techno), and Freedom (an indoor venue known for its next-level audiovisual production). Plus, brand new stages and experiences are being created exclusively for Thailand. In partnership with the Thai Government and the Tourism Authority of Thailand, Tomorrowland aims to welcome 50,000 guests in its first year, offering hotel packages that include complimentary shuttle services to reduce traffic and enhance the overall experience for guests. What this means for you: experiencing Tomorrowland has just become a lot more accessible and affordable for festival fans across Asia who have spent years watching from afar on social media. No international flights to Belgium. No long-winded visa applications. Just the Tomorrowland experience on your doorstep. PRE-REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN This is your priority access to tickets. Tomorrowland events are known for selling out quickly—and we’re talking minutes, not hours—and while it doesn’t guarantee you a ticket, pre-registration gets you closer to the front of the queue. You’ll need to create a Tomorrowland Account to complete pre-registration. KEY DATES Hotel Packages Sale → February 28, 2026 at 16:00 (GMT+7) WorldWide Ticket Sale → March 7, 2026 at 16:00 (GMT+7) *All hotel packages come with free daily shuttles to and from Tomorrowland Thailand  FESTIVAL PASSES Full Madness Pass (3-Day Access) Full Madness Comfort Pass (3-Day VIP) Day Pass (1-Day Access) Comfort Pass (1-Day Day VIP) FOLLOW TOMORROWLAND THAILAND  The line-up and more details will be announced soon. Stay up to date by following the official channels. Follow Tomorrowland Thailand: Instagram | TikTok | Facebook | X

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The E-SAN Music Festival 2026 is set to return from January 30th to February 1st in Thailand, bringing its vibrant and authentic spirit to the scenic Ubolratana Dam in Khon Kaen. This highly anticipated event offers three days and two nights of music, nature, and community, set against one of Thailand’s most picturesque lakesides. It’s a celebration of the raw, soulful fusion of indie, folk, and traditional Mor Lam sounds, creating a unique experience for music lovers and art enthusiasts seeking a more grounded, relaxed festival vibe. The atmosphere at E-SAN Music Festival is truly one-of-a-kind: a blend of indie melodies, heartfelt folk tunes, and the rich rhythms of Isan’s musical heritage. This festival isn’t just about performances — it’s about immersing yourself in a cultural and musical journey that honors local traditions while embracing creative freedom. Attendees can enjoy acoustic sets by the water, with the serene lake reflecting the lights and sounds, amplifying the sense of peace and connection with nature. What makes E-SAN Music Festival stand out is its free-spirited, community-driven energy. The festival’s laid-back environment fosters a sense of belonging, where artists and festival-goers alike come together to celebrate life, music, and local culture. The vibe is akin to a Thai hippie gathering, with tents decorated in handcrafted art and a culture of openness and inclusivity. Camping on-site allows for an immersive experience, filled with spontaneous dance, heartfelt conversations, and shared moments of joy under the stars. If you’re looking to explore a more authentic side of Thailand, far from the busy tourist spots, E-SAN Music Festival is the perfect destination. It’s more than just a music event — it’s a celebration of the land, its traditions, and its people’s free-spirited soul. From January 30th to February 1st, embrace the tranquil beauty of Ubolratana Dam and immerse yourself in an unforgettable festival that celebrates the heartbeat of Isan through music, nature, and community. Don’t miss out on this one-of-a-kind experience!

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This season at Desa Potato Head Bali, live music takes centre stage. Across two special nights, artists from opposite sides of the world arrive in Bali to share something personal and profound, a meeting point of sound, soul, and culture. First, New Zealand’s Connan Mockasin transforms Klymax Discotheque with his cinematic dreamscapes and surrealist charm. A week later, Brazil’s Azymuth and Sabrina Malheiros join Indonesia’s Indra Lesmana on the Beach Club grass area for a one-night-only jazz celebration that bridges continents and generations. 29th October | Connan Mockasin New Zealand musician, singer, and producer Connan Mockasin brings his distinctive world of psychedelic pop, funk, and experimental soul to Klymax for an intimate live show. Known for his dreamlike compositions and singular artistry, Mockasin has garnered a cult following through albums like Caramel (2013) and Jassbusters (2018), along with collaborations with James Blake and Charlotte Gainsbourg. For one night only, Klymax slows down for something different — a rare, unplugged, fully seated performance, with a film component woven throughout the evening. The result is a cinematic, slow-burning experience that redefines the boundaries of a live show. Please find more information HERE 7th November | Azymuth, Sabrina Malheiros and Indra Lesmana A week later, the stage shifts to the Beach Club grass area for a cross-continental celebration of jazz and soul. Brazil’s jazz-funk pioneers Azymuth — often called the godfathers of Brazilian jazz-fusion — return to Asia as part of their 2025 album tour. They’re joined by Sabrina Malheiros, bringing the sound of contemporary bossa nova, and Indonesia’s own Indra Lesmana, a defining figure in the nation’s jazz movement for over four decades. Together, these icons trace a rare and beautiful line between Brazil and Indonesia’s jazz traditions — a dialogue that merges rhythm, heritage, and improvisation under the open Bali sky. Supporting sets come from Eric Duncan, Luma, and Marvel. Please find more information HERE Both events continue Desa Potato Head’s commitment to creativity, community and sustainability – where music, art, and culture come together on Bali’s Petitenget Beach.

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Bangkok is set to pulse with electronic energy this December as 808 Festival returns. Known as one of Southeast Asia’s most ambitious EDM events, the 2025 edition is scheduled for December 5–7 at BITEC Bang Na, promising three days of high-voltage performances, immersive production, and a festival experience unlike any other. A Legacy in Electronic Music Since launching in 2013, 808 Festival has cemented its reputation as a December highlight in Thailand’s music calendar. It has drawn international headliners and travelers from across Asia seeking world-class sound, visual spectacles, and a dancefloor that keeps burning until dawn. What to Expect in 2025 While the full lineup continues to unfold, the first wave of artists shows promise. Headliner Anyma will bring his Genesys audiovisual production in its Southeast Asia debut, merging music and immersive visuals in a boundary-pushing live show. Other confirmed names include Sara Landry, Chase & Status, Mau P, Massano, and Adam Beyer, with many more to be revealed. Expect massive stage design, top-tier lighting, and visual art that transforms the BITEC Convention Center into a sensory playground. Why It Matters to Travelers For those weaving travel and music, 808 Festival offers more than performances—it offers a reason to explore Bangkok and beyond. The timing in early December aligns with cooler weather, making day exploration comfortable. The festival also draws international attendees, sparking opportunities for cultural exchange, local gastronomy, nightlife, and city sightseeing before or after the festival days. Tips for Festival-Goers Book early: Tickets are already on sale, including early bird offers. Know the venue: The festival takes place at BITEC Bang Na. Plan accommodations nearby: Bang Na offers a range of hotels and easy transit access to festival grounds. Watch announcements: More artists, production details, and travel partnerships may be unveiled as the event draws closer. Stay hydrated & pace yourself: Three days of electronic music demand stamina—plan rest and hydration breaks. 808 Festival 2025 is shaping up to be a must-attend event for EDM fans and travel seekers alike. With Bangkok’s vibrant energy as backdrop, world-class lineup, and immersive production, December in Thailand just got a lot more electrifying. See you on the dancefloor!

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Alma Resort Cam Ranh has debuted its own in-house band dubbed “The Alma Teddies”, bringing almost 100 years of professional music experience to the forefront. Resident pianist Bensaev “Ben” Javier Guillen, guitarist and vocalist Alex Sunder and accordionist Navalikhin Igor play an array of pop and rock songs at Alma Resort’s American Bar every Monday to Saturday from 7:15-10pm. The schedule features a rotating trio of piano, guitar and vocals, and accordion across three 45-minute sets each evening. Filipino Ben has played professionally for some 50 years, picking out tunes by ear. During his 20 years of performing at five-star hotels in Vietnam, Ben’s CV lists the likes of Rex Hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, InterContinental Danang Sun Peninsula and La Veranda Phu Quoc as employers. A versatile musician, Alex contributes more than 20 years of performance experience underscored by a rich blend of classic and contemporary styles. He has serenaded guests at The Anam Cam Ranh, Sunrise Nha Trang and Vinpearl Resort Nha Trang with his compelling acoustic sets. A graduate of the prestigious Rimsky-Korsakov St. Petersburg Conservatory, Igor has performed around the globe, from Europe to the Middle East. Since 2008, he’s also been part of the “Miras” folk song and dance ensemble. He has also worked with the Bashkir State Philharmonic since last year. His accordion playing is known for its emotional richness, adding a distinct layer to the band’s performance. Yesterday by the Beatles, To Love Somebody by the Bee Gees, Every Breath You Take by The Police and Proud Mary by Creedence Clearwater Revival are among the popular songs on the band’s repertoire, inspired by music legends out of the United States and the United Kingdom. Guests are encouraged to sing along with the band. A booklet with popular songs in Vietnamese, English, Korean and Russian is available for guests to sing along in their own language. Alma’s managing director Herbert Laubichler-Pichler said the band’s members first came together by chance at the resort, and “it was apparent from the first moment the three musicians jammed together that there was magic”. “I couldn’t believe how good they were from that first session; right then and there I said to them ‘let’s make this a regular, ongoing thing’ here at Alma,” he said. “As we brainstormed a name for the band there was an Alma teddy bear that we sell at our Alma Mart atop Ben’s piano and thus the band became ‘The Alma Teddies’.” To contact Alma or to make a booking, please visit alma-resort.com, call +84 258 399 1666 or email info@alma-resort.com

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Sape’ Songstress Alena Murang has released ‘Pemung Jae (Trio Version)’ in conjunction with Earth Day. Pemung Jae is a song in indigenous Kenyah language about being together with true friends under the moonlight, by the river, the river that gives us so much life. Alena Murang’s songs are thoroughly intentional, drawing from the Kelabit stories of her community. “We are known as Orang Ulu people, because we come from the ulu sungai, or headwaters, in my case, ulu Sungai Baram. Rivers are so important for us not just for resources and connectivity but also as part of our identity. Even when we meet other Orang Ulu people, we will oftentime identify ourselves by the names of our rivers”, says Alena. For release on 22 April 2024 Originally released in 2016, as part of her debut EP ‘Flight’, Alena decided to produce a new arrangement of this folk song. On the release of the trio version, Alena shares “This is a song that I’ve been playing for over 20 years. And I feel that it has grown with me. This Trio version has been developed over the past two years, with the female musicians in my band, Simmy on keyboard and Yi Mann on Guzheng.” The trio first performed this song when they were on tour in Taiwan, as one of the universities requested for a trio set up. They have since maintained this harmonious trio resonance for different performances in Malaysia and Canada. Additionally, the lyric video, now available on Alena Murang’s YouTube page, showcases home footage capturing the beauty of her kampung river in Long Peluan, filmed by Alena herself. Watch the lyric video here: https://youtu.be/KFY1fUGgb_o and stream the song on all major digital platforms. Listen to Pemung Jae (Trio Version): https://bfan.link/pemung-jae For more updates on Alena Murang, please follow these social media platforms: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/alenamurang/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alenamurang YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/AlenaMurang Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/7fxEcgl9ozJhSXTQf0Y9vq Alena Murang Telegram Channel: https://t.me/+y9rR5Oi_X9c2NzJl WEBSITE: www.alenamurang.com 

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Mark your calendars and prepare to be dazzled! The highly anticipated Siam Songkran Music Festival 2024 is set to explode onto the scene, taking place from April 12th to 15th at RCA CENTRAL PARK, Bangkok, Thailand. A four-day odyssey of pulsating beats, captivating performances, and unforgettable memories under the Thai sky awaits. Launched in 2019, the Siam Songkran Music Festival is the first of its kind, aiming to attract tourists from around the world by showcasing the best of Thainess alongside electrifying EDM performances. The inaugural event in 2019 and its 2023 edition received rave reviews across Southeast Asia, solidifying the festival’s potential as a must-attend cultural and musical experience. Organized by One Asia Ventures Co., Ltd., a leading force in music festivals and concerts with over 9 years of experience across Southeast Asia. The Siam Songkran Music Festival in Thailand is a vibrant celebration that blends the traditional Thai New Year, Songkran, with contemporary electronic dance music (EDM) culture. Held annually in April, during the height of the Songkran festivities, the event transforms the streets of Bangkok into a pulsating playground of music, color, and revelry. At the heart of the festival is its dynamic lineup of local and international DJs and artists, who deliver electrifying performances across multiple stages. From EDM and house to techno and trance, the festival caters to a diverse range of musical tastes, ensuring there’s something for everyone to groove to. In addition to the music, the Siam Songkran Music Festival offers attendees a chance to partake in traditional Songkran rituals, such as water splashing and paying respects to elders, creating a unique fusion of old and new traditions. Colorful water fights break out throughout the festival grounds, symbolizing the washing away of the past year’s misfortunes and welcoming the new year with a fresh start. Beyond the music and water festivities, attendees can also indulge in a variety of culinary delights from local food vendors, shop for artisanal crafts and souvenirs, and immerse themselves in the vibrant atmosphere of Thailand’s most famous New Year celebration. With its blend of music, culture, and celebration, the Siam Songkran Music Festival offers a one-of-a-kind experience that captivates both locals and visitors alike, making it a must-attend event for anyone looking to ring in the Thai New Year in style.  

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The popular Vibrations Festival is returning to The Slate Phuket for another weekend of immersive entertainment and feasting that brings the spirit of Jamaica to life. Celebrating art, fashion, music, and creativity in all its forms, guests will enjoy an ISAAN feast including grilled pork, sticky rice, som tum and an Asian jambalaya, a concert by Thailand’s most successful reggae act Job to Do, body painting by visual artist Trey Hurst, a fashion show by renowned designer Eric Raisina, a fire show, free-flight Bird Show, and dancing under the stars to DJ Marcos. There will even be joints on offer for more free-spirited revelers to get them in the mood. Taking place on 16th March, The Vibrations Festival has become a signature event in Phuket and cements The Slate’s position at the cutting-edge of contemporary culture. The Slate has built a reputation as the place to go for fun and fearless events that take guests on a magical journey into new cultures and new experiences. Vibrations Festival will be held on the resort’s Coliseum Lawn, an enchanting natural amphitheater where guests can chill out on the soft grass, sip cocktails surrounded by swaying palms, and dance the night away under the stars. “The Slate loves to partner with the best artists, musicians, performers and creators throughout the year and we are excited to welcome Job to Do, one of the most recognized and respected Thai reggae artists in the world,” said The Slate’s owner Krystal Prakaikaew Na-Ranong. “With multiple albums and a fanbase that stretches around the world, Job’s music blends reggae, ska, Thai country, folk and dub and his performances are always guaranteed to bring people to their feet.” Rasta Jambalaya brings together the chill of Rasta culture with the joy of Jambalaya, to create a colourful celebration with an Asian twist.  Packages including food, welcome drink and half-bottle of wine per person are priced from just 2500 THB. For those who wish to make a weekend of it, accommodation packages are available to experience the full festival including overnight accommodation, the Rasta Jambalaya experience, roundtrip airport transfers, activities and more from 17,000 THB for two in a D-Buk Family Suite or 19,500 THB for two in a private pool suite. Designed by Bill Bensley, The Slate Phuket is the only hotel in Thailand to be named amongst TripAdvisor’s Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best Out of the Ordinary Hotels, a title given to only the top 1% of the 8 million hotels on the platform. Steeped in Phuket’s rich tin mining history, the hotel’s art-filled spaces provide the perfect backdrop for your imagination to run wild. For bookings email: reservations@theslatephuket.com or call 6676 327 383.

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This February, the Japanese global sensation and popular all girl group AKB48 is set to take over Malaysia in hopes to hunt down the greatest talents, looking for pioneers to form the ultimate KLP48, with the KLP48 auditions – 1st Generation Audition – “I shine from the Heart of Asia“ If you think you have got star quality and are aged between 13 and 23, can sing and dance, we are on the lookout for you. Come showcase your talent at the most epic and awaited audition the country has ever known. We invite you to the KLP48 search – 1st Generation Audition – I shine from the Heart of Asia – as the search begins for the ultimate all-girl sister group to the Japanese phenomenon, AKB48. Even at 18 years old, AKB48 remains relevant and is creating sensation all over the world including in countries such as Thailand, China, Vietnam, Philippines and Indonesia, and now the hunt is on to find new gems in Malaysia. The Malaysian sister group will be known as KLP48. Through KLP48 – 1st Generation Audition – I shine from the Heart of Asia, extraordinary talent from Malaysia will become the focus of 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd in hopes to expand the AKB48 empire. The phenomenon and success of AKB48 which has also received recognition from the Guinness World Records as the Largest Pop Group in the World, has been preceded by groups of girls in other cities such as JKT48 established in Jakarta, Indonesia in 2011. Also, BNK48 (Bangkok, Thailand, 2017), TPE48 or now also known as AKB48 Team TP established in Taipei, Taiwan in 2018, MNL48 (Manila, Philippines), AKB48 Team SH (Shanghai, China), and SGO48 (Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam), CGM48, Chiang Mai, Thailand established on June 2, 2019. So jump on the bandwagon and become a pioneer idol of KLP48.  KLP48 Auditions – 1st Generation I shine from the Heart of Asia will be held on February 19. Executive Officer of 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, Jun Hiraguchi, has signed a contract with Superball Co., Ltd., Chief Executive Officer Nariaki Terada overseeing the AKB48 Overseas Sister Groups company, and this collaboration is anticipated to be something unbelievably exciting as the KLP48 search begins. “We are very proud to expand the AKB48 empire from JKT48, TPE48, CGM48 and now to Malaysia.” “What we want from KLP48 is star quality and girls who can showcase their talents in becoming idols like the sister groups that have been created before,” said Executive Officer of 48 Entertainment Sdn Bhd, Jun Hiraguchi. So if you know someone who has start quality, charm, charisma and of course the talent and love for singing and dancing, get them to join in the auditions that may change their life forever. Be part of history and staggering sensation as the first idols from Malaysia are selected to form KLP48. Registration can be done via https://audition.KLP48.my from February 19, 2024 until March 31, 2024. To find out more about this prodigiously exciting search, visit https://KLP48.my/ INFORMATION Talent audition: KLP48 – 1st Generation Audition – I shine from the Heart of Asia Audition period: February 19 – March 31, 2024 PARTICIPATION REQUIREMENTS: Open to girls aged between 13 to 23 years (all nationalities) – Talented & experienced in singing and dancing – Not bound by any contract from recording companies whether as artists or coaches – Applicants under 18 years of age require parental consent – Selected participants will join training starting May 2024 HOW TO PARTICIPATE : Fill in personal details in the provided application form – Provide photo (full body & front-facing) (Photo must be taken not more than three months ago) – Upload a video of yourself singing or dancing for a duration of three (3) minutes or more – Or; provide a link to YouTube or tiktok accounts – Qualification Requirements ＆Application Method：http://tinyurl.com/3mzbhhzh Promo Video : http://tinyurl.com/mh5k9dt7 FOR MORE INFORMATION VISIT :  Official klp48 website: https://KLP48.my/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/KLP48official/ X: https://twitter.com/KLP48official Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/KLP48official/ TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@klp48_official Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@KLP48

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Luxurious Ambassador Cruise is teaming up with conductor Dong Quang Vinh to stage Halong Bay’s first orchestral cruise, showcasing instrumentalists, opera singers and ballet dancers in what’s poised to be a remarkable sunset concert. The inaugural “Dreamy Voyage – Symphony of Heritage” on 22 December this year will begin with a red-carpet wine reception at Ambassador Lounge at Halong International Cruise Port from 3pm. Guests will then board Ambassador Cruise II for the concert in the UNESCO World Heritage site from 4.45pm – 6.30pm followed by a buffet dinner on the lavish vessel. Dubbed “Vietnam’s music ambassador” by domestic and international media for his ongoing efforts to promote Vietnamese music to the world, Vinh will conduct Suc Song Moi Orchestra during the cruise. Featuring 30 Vietnamese instrumentalists, the orchestra will play four chapters, with four to five songs apiece. The chapters comprise classical opera and ballet music, Vietnamese music, film scores, and Christmas carols. The program, to feature performances by award-winning tenor Nguyen Truong Linh and soprano Trang Bui, is packed with iconic music. Highlights include themes from ballets “Swan Lake” and “The Nutcracker”, as well as “Nessun Dorma”, “Hello Vietnam”, blockbuster Titantic’s “My Heart Will Go On”, “Joy to the World” and “Jingle Bells”. Born into a family of esteemed traditional musicians, Vinh began learning to play the bamboo flute at nine with the Vietnam National Academy of Music, where today he is conductor and teacher of orchestral conducting. He is also the principal conductor of the Vietnam National Opera and Ballet, and artistic director and conductor of Hanoi Voices Choir. He has been a guest conductor of numerous international orchestras including the Shanghai Opera House Symphony Orchestra. He described Halong Bay’s upcoming orchestral cruise as “something to be celebrated” because it would promote arts and culture in a unique setting, thus making orchestral music more accessible. “My desire is to bring music to everyone and this is an irresistible opportunity,” the conductor said. “To take this enchanting music, usually performed in a large concert hall, and bring it to an open space, one as spectacular as Halong Bay, with a new audience of cruisers is particularly rewarding.” Nguyen Cao Son, the chairman of Asia Premier Cruises (APC) Corporation, which owns Ambassador Cruise, added that the orchestral cruise marked the beginning of a series of exquisite themed cruises to be staged by the cruise line. “An orchestral cruise is yet another first for Halong Bay from Ambassador Cruise, following the introduction of our day cruises and dinner cruises earlier this year,” he said. “The breathtaking backdrop of Halong Bay’s stunning limestone karsts will bring a whole new dimension to this atmospheric orchestral performance.” The elegantly designed 45-cabin Ambassador Cruise II is home to spacious sundecks across two floors affording 360-degree vistas, two restaurants, two bars, an entertainment area for live music, large open-air jacuzzi and a five-metre glass bridge jutting from the vessel’s bow that inspires compelling photographs. The 500-ton five-floor steel craft with a basement measures 90-meters long, 16-meters wide and 19-meters high, making it the largest and most luxurious ship to ever ply Halong Bay’s waters with a total of 10,000sqm of lettable space. Ambassador Cruise is the only Halong Bay cruise line to include an elevator system for the elderly and people with disabilities. For more information about Ambassador Cruise II and APC Corporation, please visit www.ambassadorcruise.com.

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Centara Hotels & Resorts, Thailand’s leading hotel operator, is getting ready to celebrate the Grand Finale of Samui Summer Jazz Festival 2023 at the spectacular Centara Reserve Samui with a stunning brunch at Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen. On Sunday, 7th May 2023, jazz lovers are invited to an intimate Vitamin SEA Sunday Brunch at Centara Reserve’s effortlessly cool Salt Society, where tenor sax supremo Alexander Beets, special guest jazz vocalist Zosja El Rhazi, and festival musicians will gather for a sensational afternoon filled with world-class musical entertainment and a delectable array of freshly caught seafood, brunch favourites, pastas, barbecue, salads and more, all set against the breathtaking backdrop of Samui’s famed Chaweng Beach. Food will be served al fresco at Salt Society Beach Bar & Kitchen from 12:30 – 15:30 hrs. with live music performances taking place from 13:00 – 15:30 hrs. The following ticket options are currently available for sale online: Vitamin SEA Brunch plus event ticket, starting from THB 2,950 net per person including soft drinks Event ticket only, starting from THB 1,000 net per person including 1 mocktail (15 seat limit) It is important to note that tickets for this very special event are limited. Organised by SKÅL International Koh Samui with its charity partner, Sisters on Samui [SOS), Samui Summer Jazz Festival 2023 will take place from 2nd – 7th May 2023. With tickets selling out last year, this popular 6-night event showcases top jazz artists from Europe, South America, USA and Thailand, with a portion of the proceeds being donated to the SOS Samui Children’s Education Fund. Discover more at www.samuisummerjazz.com Commenting on the festival, artistic director and Thai-native Khun Koh Mr. Saxman said, “This is a fantastic cultural collaboration which brings together the crème-de-la-crème of international and Thai jazz artists to create some great music in the sensational setting of Koh Samui.” To celebrate the festival’s Grand Finale and to book your seat at Centara Reserve Samui’s Vitamin SEA Sunday brunch, please contact fbcrs@chr.co.th or call +66 (0) 77 230 500 for more information. Tickets are also available online at Megatix – Summer Samui Jazz 2023

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Only 10 days until the 13th BaliSpirit Festival begins. We are super excited. The venue is taking shape, presenters and musicians are confirmed and everyone is getting ready to make it the best festival experience ever. 2023 ARTISTS FIRST LINE UP SCHEDULE has been released! We express warmest gratitude to all the music enthusiasts who will make The Grove Stage lit. Get ready to immerse yourself in the ultimate celebration of music, yoga, dance and healing. It’s time to get our groove on! Abink | Indonesia Abdullah Bilbas Rusdianto also known as Abink is a Musician originally from Malang, East Java, Indonesia. Often performing as a jazz and R&B singer before, Abink has now found his new world by blending soul and modern beats with Javanese music. Rahayu! Shopie Sofree | SINGAPORE Sophie Sôfrēē was born at BaliSpirit Festival ~ with her opening debut 8 years ago which lit a flame that still burns brightly. She serves up a sacred fun approach to Ecstatic Dance DJ’ing, encouraging dancers to liberate bodies through the vehicle of music. Weaving a broad span of musical flavours ranging from ethnic african rhythms, cumbia, melodic ethnic house to funky spunky flavours. Blending this range of global dance tracks with her infectious energy and embodied feminine wisdom, she’s recognised for creating beautiful spaces for sacred celebration and healing. Yogetsu Akasaka | TOKYO Yogetsu Akasaka is a Tokyo-born musician and Zen Buddhist Monk who combines Buddhist chanting with live looping, beatboxing, and handpan to create a unique musical experience. After starting his musical career in 2005 as a street performer, Yogetsu became a Zen Buddhist Monk in 2015 to deepen his spiritual growth. He practiced at the Soto Zen Buddhism Monastery for 2.5 years before returning to music. If you have visited BaliSpirit Festival before, you know about its magical music experience – and if you haven’t attended yet, it is definitely one of the many reasons to buy your ticket and join the 2023 event. Book your 1 or 4-day Spirit Pass NOW, and make sure you get to experience the full range of our magical offerings.

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SIAM Songkran Music Festival 2023: SIAMYSTIQUE is back this year! Bringing back the creation of mythical legends in real life, blending the vibe of SIAM culture with a world-class music and water festival. Revive the power of the soul with SIAMYSTIQUE through a globally renowned line-up. When they said unleash your party animals, they didn’t tell us it’d be the ones from Thai mythology. SIAM Songkran Music Festival this year is all about invoking your Thainess as you party till your legs tap out. Headliners include Afrojack, Hardwell, Head Hunter, and Yellow Claw—that’s already enough for us to grab tickets. Date: 12-14, 16 April 2023 Location: Urban Yard RCA, Bangkok @Website: http://www.siamsongkran.info @Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/siamsongkranmusicfestival/ Don’t miss out on what is about to be the most marvellous summer party set in one of the wildest cities in Asia!

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Wavy Baby is a two-day music festival happening on January 13-14, 2023 at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu Philippines with a lineup of over 20 artists recognised both locally and internationally. Wavy Baby will feature international performers Pink Sweat$, BamBam, Sunmi, The Rose, Bag Raiders, Manila Grey, and Yultron. All artists signed under Careless namely, James Reid, Massiah, Jolianne, Lesha, August Wahh, Issa, SOS, Destiny Rogers, and A-TEAM will also be performing. Other Filipino acts include Ben & Ben, December Avenue, Urbandub, Franco, December Avenue, Denise Julia, and more. The festival will also feature local Cebuano acts such as Cookie$, The Sundown, Mandaue Nights, Three Legged Men, and Wonggoys. WE’RE REALLY EXCITED TO DO WAVY BABY IN SINULOG BECAUSE IT’S THE BIGGEST AND MOST HISTORIC FESTIVAL IN THE PHILIPPINES. WE WANT TO BUILD A FESTIVAL THAT BRINGS THE BEST OF THE PHILIPPINES AND THE WORLD TOGETHER TO MEET AND CELEBRATE LIFE AND CULTURE, WHICH IS WHAT SINULOG IS ALL ABOUT. – Careless’ CEO Jeffrey Oh He added: “We call it Wavy Baby because we want a wavy lifestyle and a wavy mindset. It also pays homage to Sinulog because the symbols are water and the baby Jesus, so it’s also a nod to that. We’re excited to be part of the Cebu family and build something special that hopefully, we can repeat year after year.” The festival will be held at the North Reclamation Area in Mandaue City, Cebu — the vacant lot beside bai Hotel. There will be an Artist Lounge, a VVIP Lounge, a VIP Area in front of the stage, Cocktail Pods, Sponsor’s Hives, and a Market Pod.The Cocktail Pod serves as an area for anyone to purchase drinks at the venue, while the Market Pod is designated for food and other merchandise that will be sold. The Sponsor’s Hive will be where Wavy Baby’s brand partners will have different booths that festival goers can visit. TICKET PRICES: Gen Ad: P4,260 (good for 1 person with a 2-day pass) VIP: P8,510 (good for 1 person with a 2-day pass) VVIP: P80,000 (with a table good for 6 persons with a 2-day pass) EVENT DETAILS Dates: January 13-14, 2023 (every ticket purchased can be used for 2 days) Time: Gates open starting at 3PM Venue: Vacant lot beside bai Hotel in North Reclamation Area, Mandaue City, Cebu (across Parkmall) Official website: https://wavybabyfest.com/ Official Online Tickets: https://smtickets.com/events/view/11683

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The Gambus Melayu is a lute-like stringed instrument found in Central and South Sumatra, Indonesia. It can be played alone to accompany singing, or in instrumental ensembles to accompany dances in Muslim homes and community celebrations. It brings a strong association with Muslim identity to the Malay world. – (Prof. Roger R. Vetter – Javanese music scholar). The fairy tale Once upon a time, there was a 14 years old Sabah girl who used to watch her grandfather play the gambus. She was so attracted by that sound that the more she listened to it, the more curiosity and the desire to cuddle that wooden object and to try to extract sounds from it grew in her. But her grandfather was jealous of his instrument and he didn’t even allow her to touch it. Moreover, she was a girl, and no female had ever played an instrument in Sabah before. It was not going to happen with his gambus. Mind you, that stubborn little girl would not resign so easily, and when her grandfather eventually abandoned himself to his well-deserved sleep, she secretly got hold of the instrument. She then went into a nearby forest and tried to pull notes and harmonies out of the strings of that piece of wood. It is a smiling Fauziah who tells this story to the audience during one of the workshops held in Kuching as part of the Rainforest World Music Festival 2022. Her veiled face frames a sweet smile, and she does not seem to be seized by any emotion as she abandons herself to memories. She does however manage to convey emotions to those who are listening to her: to her colleagues, who are also part of this all-female workshop, who listen, amused, amazed and incredulous to what almost seems like a fairy tale; to her audience, who listens in silence to this beautiful story, only to give in to an applause when Fauziah stops narrating, caresses her gambus and lets its notes take over; and finally to me, a wanderer in search of good stories to document. Oh, you want to know how her story ends, right? I almost forgot… Night after night, forest after forest, sleeping grandfather after sleeping grandfather, the little girl grew up and her music improved. At some point the girl realized that she was progressing fast and she felt the need to test herself, to compare herself with other musicians or apprentices. Until one fine day the opportunity presented itself in the form of a musical competition but, alas, as was to be expected in a traditionalist region like Sabah, open to males only. What to do?  There had to be a way out. But yes, of course! Easy! Showing up at the competition with a man’s name and dressed in men’s clothes, without the veil and with short hair covered by a male headdress, that would do the trick! And so it was: she registered using a male name, Fauziah, which she still uses today, and that’s how it started. Unfortunately, Murphy is always lurking with his law that falls on you like a judgement, so rest assured that if something can go wrong, it will. And something did go wrong because our girl or, better, our boy, did win the contest but her grandfather was present when the winner was announced. When he recognised his granddaughter and realized the situation, he first cast icy glances at the girl and then, either out of necessity or swollen with pride, he took the stage, publicly announcing that this boy was actually his granddaughter. If Orpheus, with the sound of the lyre, had tamed even Charon, the ferryman of souls, Fauziah, with the sound of her gambus, tamed her grandfather and had the green light to start a brilliant career, one that crowned her for several years as the only woman capable of playing the gambus in Sabah. Fauziah at the RWMF All this, as previously mentioned, was told by Fauziah in a confident English during a workshop before an almost enraptured audience.  “So what. What’s so peculiar about it?”, you may say. Nothing, except that Fauziah had been learning English for less than a year, encouraged by a friend who had stressed the importance of speaking Shakespeare’s language when she found herself on a stage. Stubborn to the end, this little girl who is now 34 years old and she is no longer a girl. Far from it: Fauziah is a beautiful woman, and the blue veil she wears and which has long since ceased to cover, with timeless prohibitions, the prejudices and artistic skills of the women of Borneo, acts as a frame to a pretty face illuminated by a beautiful smile that, when it shows, it enchants people. Fauziah Binti Suhaili, who naturally chose Fauziah Gambus as her stage name, was born on November 6, 1988, and after her first competition she started a fairly intense artistic path that saw her from graduating in Musical Arts at the Academy of Arts, Culture and National Heritage, to then continuing with her career as a singer, musician, composer and lyricist and, more recently, to a song taken from her second album which was shortlisted among the top five songs for the Best Ethnic Pop category at the 21st Music Industry Awards (AIM21). Fully aware that the local music is generally not followed by young people, Fauziah tries to carry on continue upon a musical path that, by applying various fresher and more pleasant elements and rhythms, can make young people more interested in listening to traditional music. All this without renouncing her first love: the gambus. And from the warm welcome she received on the Kuching stage, it is quite clear that the stubborn girl is still winning her challenge. Photos by Guglielmo Zanchi (Pluto)

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Borneo Music Festival Live 2022, featuring Alan Walker of the United Kingdom and DJ Soda of South Korea, will be happening on Sept 9 and 10 at Sarawak Cultural Village.   Supported by Sarawak Ministry of Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts, the event has been highlighted as the first-of-its-kind outdoor music festival in the state featuring renowned artistes from six countries and uniting different music genres on one platform. Borneo Music Festival Live was actually postponed for two years due to the Covid-19 pandemic, but Sarawak is now coming alive again with the festival staged this year. The line-up With a line-up of well-known international artists, especially DJ Alan Walker from the United Kingdom and DJ Soda from South Korea, large-scale live music events such as this strengthens Sarawak’s position as a prime destination in the region. It also goes to show that Sarawak is an ideal destination for music tourism in Malaysia and the region, whether it’s world music, jazz, country, or popular music. Other personalities at the music festival include DJ Alexis Grace, DJ Ice Cream, DJ Chaca, DJ Myvax, DJ Paul, MC Vibe of Malaysia, Nicole Chen from Singapore, DJ X Factor from the Philippines, DJ Venom C and Moski Love from Indonesia. Malaysian singers who will be performing at the festival are Rynn Lim, Thomas Jack and Priscilla Abby, as well as local music bands like At Adau, Tuku’ Kame’ and Buloh Berkocak. Sarawak top in music festivals organising With other music and arts festivals already staged in the state so far, these events were part of the ministry’s unremitting efforts to promote Sarawak’s diverse tourism offerings in culture, adventure, nature, food and festivals. The events organised so far are Rainforest World Music Festival, Borneo Jazz Festival, Sibu International Dance Festival, Borneo Cultural Festival, Kuching Festival and Tribute to Queen Concert, while upcoming events are Kuching Waterfront Jazz and Miri Country Music Festival. Citing an example of the revival of the state’s tourism industry, the recently concluded Rainforest World Music Festival was an impressive success with 16,000 visitors recorded, exceeding the target of 12,000 visitors, and Borneo Jazz Festival also achieved the target with 3,008 visitors. Besides, the organising company Firmament Event Studio had been leveraging on their regional presence to offer bundled packages with music festival tickets, hotels and flights to draw more foreign visitors to the state, as well as arranging a special Sarawak trip for influencers and the media. About 30 to 40 food stalls will be set up at the music festival as well for attendees to experience the local cuisines of Sarawak. Sarawak Trade and Tourism Office Singapore will also support the event by putting up posters in the lead-up to the event. The tickets Tickets can be purchased online at www.excitix.com.my and the two-day pass is divided into two categories, namely general admission and rock zone. Under Phase 1, the tickets open for purchase are each priced at RM450 for general admission and RM750 for rock zone. For Phase 2, once the tickets under Phase 1 have been sold out, each ticket will be sold for RM500 for general admission and RM800 for rock zone. All ticket prices are subject to RM4 processing fee and admission to the festival is strictly for those aged 18 years and above. For updates on the music festival, music enthusiasts can follow their official Facebook and Instagram page under the name Borneo Music Festival Live 2022.

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