By Ines Min
As the weather returns to its wintry state this weekend, southern Seoul is heating up with a music festival just in time for Valentine’s Day.
The 2011 Korea Undergraduate Jazz Festival will open Feb. 11 to 13 at Coex in Samseong-dong, for three days of diverse performances.
Legendary jazz players will grace the stage, from Hata Shuji and Kenji Omae, to saxophonist Lee Jung-sik — who starred in the recent documentary “Bravo! Jazz Life” documenting first generation Korean jazz musicians. Indie bands, musical societies and others will participate in the festival.
The indoor event has a new stage on each floor of Coex. While the basement level will be for street performances, a concert salon will provide a stage for jazz masters, and aspiring artists can test their skills at a student music competition.
Forums for discussion and exchange will also be open for those looking to network with fellow musicians.
“There’s great significance in opening this festival at the location where the members of the G20 gathered,” said artistic director Lee Myeong-jae in a statement.
“I hope this will be an opportunity for visitors to feel what conversation can be made, hear and see what can be shared at this festival that opens at Coex, which once again becomes a place of exchange and communication.”
The event is run by JAM, an organization comprised of college students looking to spread musical culture.
The festival will run from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m. every day. While performances throughout the mall are free, special performances by jazz masters cost from 20,000 won to 55,000 won. The forums and exchanges can be accessed from 5,000 won. All proceeds will be donated to projects supporting disadvantaged youths and social welfare charities.
For more information, visit www.jazzfestival.co.kr (Korean only). Tickets can be bought online at www.ticket.interpark.com.