Jazz seems to be the new rock n roll in Kathmandu. With popular bands such as 1974 AD also dabbling in jazz, the genre is all poised to set the Valley afire with its soulful and foot tapping beats.

Jazzmandu was started in 2002 by a group of enthusiastic young musicians who decided it was time to explore the intricacies of this style of music and put Kathmandu on the global jazz map. The festival has received an overwhelming response over the past few years, with last year's audience reportedly totalling more than 10,000 people.

Jazzmandu aims not only to explore jazz and encourage young musicians but also to promote Kathmandu as an international tourist destination that offers an assortment of entertainment besides trekking. This year's scheduled programs follow:

1. Jazz for the Next Generation
Organised in collaboration with WAVE magazine, this is a music competition for Nepali musicians under 24 years of age. The event will be judged by visiting international musicians and the winning band will perform at Gorkarna alongside some of the top performers featured at the festival. Band members will also have an intensive workshop with the musicians. Friday, 4 November, 4PM, Yala Maya Kendra- Patan Dhoka, Rs 75.

2. Valley Jams
Jazz for the Next Generation takes place in the afternoon and for all you jazz enthusiasts who just can't get enough, Valley Jams will be the evening entertainment during Jazzmandu. It will feature various artists performing at Lasoon, Friday 4 November, 7.30 PM onwards.


3. Jazz Bazaar
The Jazz Bazaar at Gorkarna Forest Golf Resort is Jazzmandu's biggest event and usually the most popular as well. It features a blend of cultural folk, classical and jazz music performed by international and Nepali musicians. Featured this year are Solid, a band from Norway whose numbers vary from hard swinging jazz to more open and subtle soundscapes. Bombay's Groove Suppa will play a mix of rock, jazz, funk, blues and other styles. Our own Cadenza will feature a mix of international musicians including Mariano on alto saxophone and flute (Spain), Mort, electric guitar (US) and Bastian, keyboard (Switzerland) performing Afro-funk, 'Nepjazz' and fusion. The winner of Jazz for the Next Generation will also perform along with Gandharva playing Nepali folk music and Sukarma with classical Nepali music. Saturday, 5 November, 4PM onwards, Rs 599 with a discount of Rs 100 before 30 October, Gokarna Forest Golf Resort. No outside food and beverages or pets allowed. Free shuttle bus available every hour from 2PM.

A variety of food & drinks, jazz T-shirts and souvenirs will be on sale.

4. Red Hot Latin Jazz
If you thought jazz was just about lounging and listening, think again. This promises to be an evening filled with Afro- Caribbean and South American rhythms. Some of the best musicians of Jazzmandu will come together to keep you moving and grooving on the dance floor to the sounds of Latin jazz, merengue and cha- cha. Monday, 7 November, 7.30 PM onwards, Hotel Yak & Yeti, Rs 1299, including food and a complimentary drink.

5. Free Jazz at Patan Square
A free show organised by Jazzmandu to bring together people from all walks of life and designed especially to promote jazz among those who usually can not afford tickets. Tuesday, 8 November, 3.30 PM to 5PM, Patan Durbar Square.

6. Jazz at Patan
If you do not get enough music at the free show on 8 November then you can always come back for more the next day. This promises to be a unique evening in an historic venue with international musicians combined with Nepali classical musicians and premiere jazz band Cadenza. Wednesday, 9 November, 6.30 PM onwards, Patan Museum Square, Rs 999.

7. Jazz for School Students
In collaboration with SEBS (Society for ex-Budhanilkantha Students) this event specially designed for school students is by invitation only. Aiming to expose students to the joys of jazz, it will also promote interaction between musicians and students. Featured bands are David and Carmen from Canada, Soul Mate from Shillong, Cadenza and Solid from Norway. Thursday, 10 November, Budhanilkantha School, 1PM to 3PM.

8. Supper Club - The Best of Jazzmandu
For all those who were unable to attend the earlier events or would just like to taste the flavour of Jazzmandu with some fine dining thrown in, this is the perfect event. Featured bands are David and Carmen from Canada, Soul Mate from Shillong, Cadenza from Kathmandu and Solid from Norway. Friday, 11 November, 7.30 PM onwards, Hotel Shangri-la, Rs 1499 including dinner and a complimentary drink.

9.Upstairs Jam
Upstairs is all about jazz. The best jazz bar in town, it has not only created a name for itself but also helped to establish many musicians in Nepal's music scene. Jamming at Upstairs has been a tradition since the place opened so it seems appropriate that it would be included in Jazzmandu. Thursday, 10 November, Upstairs Jazz Bar, 7.30 PM onwards.

10. Jazzmandu Peace Parade
Geared to promote jazz and peace in a single event, the parade will follow the Lajimpat road in a carnivalesque atmosphere, with vintage bikes, cars, jazz musicians, Maruni dancers, Lakhe dancers, folk Dancers and marriage bands, all spreading the message of "Music for Peace". Saturday 12 November, 1PM to
2 PM, Lajimpat.

11. Jazzmandu All-Star Fever
The grand finale of Jazzmandu. All the musicians from the various bands will perform together to create an atmosphere of music and friendship. It will be a mix of grooved and pumped music to dance the night away and dream of next year's festival. Saturday, 12 November, 7.30 onwards, Hotel Summit, Rs 699.