With warmer weather just around the corner, Seoul offers music lovers and jazz aficionados a countless number of opportunities to spend the evening basking in the sounds of blues, ragtime and improvisations. Whether it be internationally recognized names in the jazz world, to more low-key local showcases, this spring has a wide variety of lineups and acts that are sure to cater to all one’s jazz needs.

Seoul Jazz Festival 2013

The Seoul Jazz Festival is a two-day event which will feature more than 25 local and international acts this year. First kicking off in 2007, the annual music festival has become one of the country’s leading jazz events.

Some of the headliners this time include the Ramsey Lewis Electric Band with special guest Philip Bailey, Mika, Damien Rice, Kings of Convenience, the Parov Stelar Band, the Roy Hargrove Quintet and many more. Bands from the local jazz scene include Chung Won-young, La Ventana with 10cm, and Sungio Jung Band with Sunny Kim among others. 

The festival will be held on May 17 and 18 at Seoul Olympic Park on stages at the 88 Grass Field, the Gymnastics Stadium and the Waterfront Stage. A one-day pass to the festival is 121,000 won and a two-day pass is 194,000 won. Tickets can be purchased online at interpark.com.

Jazz Times

Jazz Times is a three-week-long jazz musician showcase held both in Seoul and Busan throughout April. The festival features performances by local jazz musicians including bands such as the Malo Band, JSFA, The Bud, Prelude, the Song Young-ju Trio and more.

The concert series in Seoul kicked off Wednesday and will be held almost every night until April 21. The concerts will be held at the Seoul LIG Art Hall in Hapjeong. Performances in Busan will begin on April 19 and will host six performances through April 28 in the Busan LIG Art Hall. Tickets to the show are 30,000 won and can be purchased at interpark.com.

Jazz and the City

Jazz and the City first launched its continuing series of affordable local jazz performances in May 2010 and will continue it until June 30. This special jazz concert program features under-the-radar musicians every Thursday through Sunday night.

The Jazz in the City series showcases local bands such as Snow City, Soul Espresso, Weed, Jazzholic and others at Olleh Square in Gwanghwamun, Seoul. The Thursday and Friday shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while the weekend show starts at 5 p.m. Tickets to all the performances are 1,000 won and can be purchased at interpark.com.

By Julie Jackson (juliejackson@heraldcorp.com)