Although the controversial cancelation of Lady Gaga’s Concert and the absence of this year’s Java Rockingland Festival may have dimmed the musical spotlight on Jakarta somewhat, the metropolitan capital is sure to shine again with dazzling music as the LA Lights Java Soulnation (JSN) Festival 2012 gets underway from September 28-30, 2012 at the Istora Senayan in Jakarta’s Bung Karno Sports Complex.
For three straight days, a load of lineups featuring top-ranked international superstars and the country’s finest musicians will indulge audiences with hit after hit, in a colorful musical fiesta. From the international scene, names who have already confirmed their appearance at this year’a JSN include: James Morrison, Robin Thicke, Hercules & Love Affair, Valerius, and Jay Sean. Blast from the 90s, the festival will also feature legendary boy band Color Me Badd and Hip Hop legend Bone Thugs-N-Harmony.
From Indonesia’s own music scene, the festival will present: Backalley, Bayu Risa, Bottlesmoker, Bubugiri, Dis&That, Easy Tiger, Project 9 (RAN + Soulvibe), Rafi and The Beat Experience, Raisa, Sandhy Sondoro, Stereocase, Tulus, and Wisnu. More names, both international and from Indonesia, are expected to join this lineup as the final date approaches.
Speaking at the press conference held at The Sultan Hotel on August 1, 2012, Program Coordinator EQ Puradiredja described the basic concept of Java Soulnation Festival as follows: “Whereas Java Jazz Festival and Java Rocking Land are both based on music genre – respectively on Jazz and Rock – Soulnation celebrates urban lifestyle, a party of cross musical genre.”
“This is a festival for everyone, especially for youngsters,” said Peter Gontha, Founder and Chairman of Java Festival Production (JFP). Peter also expressed his gladness that the Festival has managed to bring two BIG worldwide names, the Brit award-winning James Morrison and golden hit-maker/singer/songwriter Robin Thicke.
The Festival will feature one main stage and four supplementary stages. While EQ Puradiredja shared that there will be 5 international artists per day (17 shows on Friday and Sunday, 19 shows on Saturday), Paul Dankmeyer, Program Director of JFP revealed that James Morrison and Robin Thicke are scheduled to perform at The Special Shows on Sunday, September 30, 2012.
Aside from various private sectors, Java Soulnation Festival 2012 is also supported by Garuda Indonesia, governmental office of Jakarta, and the Ministry of Tourism and Creative Economy.
For more and continuous updated information, please visit the event’s official website: http://web.javasoulnation.com/2012/ .
