It feels strange to see no Indian names — stalwarts or youngsters — in the artist line-up at the Jazz Utsav. While artists like guitarist Wayne Krantz, Anthony Jackson, Cliff Almond, David Binney Andrea Marcelli, French trumpet player Saskia Laroo and Beatle Jazz are making it to the two-day event at Priyadarshini Park on November 21.
Prakash Thadani of Silkworks (organisers of the festival) says that they have had to make some compromises for the betterment of the festival. “Certain bands had already been invited by the sponsors when we realised that there were enough funds only for a two-day event. So we couldn’t accommodate the Indian artistes,” says Thadani, adding, “it’s sad, but we couldn’t help it.”
“The committee has put in money on many occasions and bailed out the organisation,” says Thadani. There have been many cutbacks. The festival is now a two-day event and less money is spent on the gifts for artists.
The jazz festival has had to go through many rough times like these in the last 30 years since it was launched in 1978. Last year, the festival was called off because of the 26/11 terror attacks making this year it’s official 30th year. “None of us (committee members) are paid. We do it for the passion. We have been spending from our own pockets. We never got reimbursements for things like e-mails, print outs and photo copies,” says Thadani. “But now, we have international sponsors and things have become much more organised.”
The most glorious times for the festival have gone by, but now it’s the time for it to stand back on its feet. “We have always had different audiences for jazz. But it was amazing how crowds used to turn up in the 80s. There was a time when people were willing to pay Rs4,500. It used to be a society event,” he says.
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