Philippines: Whole lotta love and good music in ‘Pijazzfest’

There’s a whole lotta love and exhilarating music in store for everyone. The annual Philippine International Jazz Festival (Pijazzfest), whose 2012 edition is dedicated to one of its founders, Edgar “Koyang” Avenir, runs for three weeks this month. It boasts a lineup of over 100 artists representing all music genres including rock, blues, folk, funk, progressive, standards, classical and pop.
Following last year’s successful formula of mounting performances in small and large venues around Metro Manila (and one night in Bacolod), Pijazzfest 2012 kicks off February 11 at the Insular Life Auditorium in Alabang with “Honoring the Maestro,” a tribute to Filipino classical and jazz luminary Angel Peña. To perform his original compositions are the AMP Big Band conducted by Mel Villena, Gina Medina, Jonathan Coo, Kasilag Guitar Trio, Renato Lucas, Rommel Cruz and Sheryl Ann de Dios.
A special piano festival starring Bong Infante, David Starck, Emcy Corteza, Joey Quirino and Romy Posadas is set on February 16, 6 p.m. at the Ayala Museum, Makati. On February 17, the fest moves to Eastwood City in Libis with The Brass Munkeys, Dino Fiumara, Dave Eggar and Deoro, The Executive Band and Kevyn Lettau. By: Philippine Daily Inquirer