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2003 - 2007
In a region that is made up of an ever-changing, multi-cultural population, cultural events are varied, few and far between. Music is the common link between all cultures and this is evident from the growing number of concerts held in the Middle East, and the UAE in particular.
The management and team at Chillout productions, passionate about Jazz and music, felt that there was a gap in the market for Jazz and similar genre of music in the region. Based on extensive research conducted over two years, they developed the theme, “Much more than Jazz” for the first ever Dubai International Jazz Festival which has now grown to an annual icon featuring world-class artists and performers covering all genres of Jazz music as diverse as blues, funk, swing, acid, rock, contemporary, modern, and fusion.
The first Jazz Festival held in Dubai with the support of the main sponsors “Philips as title sponsor and Cadillac as presenting sponsor, Hilton Jumeirah as official hotel and catering, and Yamaha as the official Instrument provider” in 2003 drew a record crowd of 8000 Jazz fans to Dubai Media City. For a first time event, the festival proved a resounding success and received the support of some of the big international Jazz musicians and many sponsors.
The second year (2004), the festival almost doubled its audience to 15,000 and in the (2005). The number of fans grew to over 18,000 “20% growth”. The three-day festival has grown to cover the entire DMC lakeside area increasing the number of stages to three and the number of shows to six per night, giving fans more opportunity not to miss any of the acts. As for the 2006 edition, another growth of 20% (21,500 fans) gave the festival another boost.
While Dubai’s International Jazz Festival 2006 was proclaimed the best yet, this year’s performances are almost certain to repeat if not better this record.
The Dubai International Jazz Festival 2007 (S-DIJF) brought more than 25,000 jazz fanatics who flocked to Dubai from all over the UAE, the GCC and from Europe, three spectacular nights of quality music and performances, complimented by a magical atmosphere and a stunning set-up, and has left people euphoric and hungry for more. This was the 5th year of this hugely popular event and its success, thanks to an unparalleled, legendary line up, was evident from the cheers of an appreciative crowd the applauses of which are still resonating around the idyllic venue at Dubai Media City’s outdoor amphitheatre.
On the first night we had a crowd of 6,500 fans, 9,000 attended the second night of the event, and an incredible crowd of 9,500 attended the final night of performances.
Some of the artists that already participated in the festival are, legends such as Stanley Jordan, Archie Shepp, Marcia Maria, Billy Cobham, Toots Theilemans, Toufic Farroukh, Jamie Davis, Hall Singer, Osibisa, Tania Maria, Peter King, Jim Mullem, Claire Martin, Ray Gelato, Mike Stern, Ptah Brown, Ana Popovic, Sue Foley, Kandey Kane, Ann Ducros, The Orchestra “ELO”, the absolute Earth, Wind and Fire, the man behind Supertramp Roger Hodgson, the legendary R&B/soul Kool & The Gang, The Virtuoso Jean-Luc Ponty, the innovative Chico Freeman, and Latin Piano Legend Hilton Ruiz, and the Diva Diane Schuur and many, many more of performers, and musicians.
The 2007 edition attracted more legends and stars, such as the legendary rock band TOTO, the talented Jamie Cullum, The international Diva Dee Dee Bridgewater, the legendary Freddy Cole, Acoustic Alchemy, Randy Brecker, just to name a few.
Since the first festival in 2003, over the past six years, Chillout Productions has also successfully introduced, produced and organized The Annual Abu Dhabi International jazz festival and The Annual Abu Dhabi Latin Music Festival. It has also introduced the concept of the bi-monthly three-day recitals not only by newcomers and established Jazz musicians but also featuring other talented and legendary musicians from around the world to this region, going beyond Jazz and Latin American music, reaching out to the cosmopolitan tastes of a multi-cultural society.
The success of the event comes down to the variety of talents and music genres. With the combined experiences of the management of Chillout Productions, the festivals have combined the right blend of venue, time and ambience. Keeping it affordable and enhancing the artistic side of the festival, maintains the overall theme of the festival and provides something for everyone. |
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