Let there be jazz

Cool vibes and top stars will light up The Asiatique Riverfront next front as the River Jazz Festival gets underway

Jazz returns to Thailand next weekend but this time it's not being played on the beach of Hua Hin or the lawn of Sanam Suapa.

The River Jazz Festival 2012, as the name implies, is taking place on the banks of the Chao Phraya at The Asiatique Riverfront, Bangkok's brand new and upmarket lifestyle project.

"It's going to be a great jazz festival," enthused Wiwan Kannasutra, the managing director of promoter Maximage during a recent press conference at Okura Prestige Hotel's Sora Room on Wireless.

"It features The Glenn Miller Orchestra, who are one of the world's leading big bands, American jazz band Fourplay, who have 11 albums to their credit, Lisa Ono, the queen of Asian jazz, as well as our own favourites Koh Mr Saxman, Ben Chalathit, and The Quartet."

During the press conference, The Quartet featuring Maneepatsorn "Myra" Molloy, the young winner of "Thailand's Got Talent 2011", Lorenzo, and Monmanas Sawassingh performed a royal repertoire, with such timeless tunes as "Sai Fon", "Chata Cheewit", and "Yarm Yen".

Both the orchestra and Ono will pay respect to His Majesty the King by performing the royal tunes, "HM Blues" and "Sang Duen".

The festival is being dubbed "the most fascinating concert along Chao Phraya River" and kicks off on 7.30pm on both June 30 and July 1.

Tickets are Bt1,500 per day and Bt2,500 for two days at www.ThaiTicketMajor.com.

Part of the proceeds will go to Sayamindradhiraj Medical Institute at Siriraj Hospital.