Dear Audience, 

For a small island nation in the tropics, far from the birthplace of jazz, there is a lot of jazz practiced in Singapore. There are jazz practitioners that play in bars and lounges for a living, while others ply their trade in the entertainment world —touring and arranging music for pop stars, or musicals. Some hold parallel professions being teachers, engineers, consultants, business owners—working day jobs while nurturing their passion in stolen moments of leisure. 

Every year in the month of July, Esplanade – Theatres on the Bay brings jazz musicians of all stripes, and jazz audiences home to a festival we call Jazz in July. Here, you will find that jazz is not just one thing but expressions of a wide range of styles and moods, from upbeat swing bands to heartbreaking ballads, soulful improvisations and aggressive heavy grooves. We celebrate the many manifestations of this music and the people who play it.  

Joining us are also guests from abroad, bringing their individual sounds and musical perspectives, widening the types of experiences you will have at our month-long festival of jazz. Most of the programmes are presented free for everyone to enjoy, as we want you to follow your curiosity and perhaps discover something new that you have never expected. For the converted fans and those desiring a deeper experience, we have curated a boutique selection of ticketed concerts, featuring some of the hottest artists that grace the most prestigious international festivals and venues.  

Regardless of whether you are looking for easy breezy music, or a mind-bending aural challenge, we are sure that you will find something to connect with in our festival, in the jazziest month of the year! 

Welcome to Jazz in July 2024! 

Tan XiangHui 

Producer

The Esplanade Co Ltd