International jazz fest started in Almaty

Opening of the anniversary international jazz festival was officially announced in Almaty, Tengrinews.kz reports from the press-conference of Jazz.kz organizers. “Celebrating the 1-th anniversary of the festival we invited a special band Shamarr Allen and The Underdawgs. The music of this unique band combines elements of jazz, rap, raggae and hip-hop,” said US-embassy's cultural attaché Susan Kuester. "Our audience always looks forward to this festival,” said director of Almaty jazz school and founder of Jazz.kz Kazakhstan jazz festivals Tagir Zaripov. The festival is supported by Almaty administration, embassies of USA, France, Turkey, Austria, Goethe Institute, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Germany and Alliance Francaise. Famous jazz musicians visited Almaty festivals in different years: William Cepeda's band (USA), Willem Broker's orchestra (Netherlands), Gary Crosby and Abraham Williams (Great Britain), Jean Reno (France). More than 200 foreign musicians from 18 countries visited Kazakhstan during 10 years of the festival. Anniversary jazz festival will start in Almaty on April 14. It will be held in the Schoolchildren’s Palace (crossing of Dostyk and Satpayev streets) and will last for 4 days. The bands from USA, France, Germany, Austria and Turkey will take part in the festival. Kazakhstan will be represented by 4 bands: Almaty Jazz Band, Night Jazz, No Time and XO group (Khomenkov/Ossipov).