Bandung Art and Music Festivals: Bandung, West Java

Located in a basin surrounded by a ring of mountains, Parahyangan, Bandung is a highland city in West Java known for its many universities, textile industry and many roadside cafes.The easiest way to go to Bandung is via Jakarta but is also accessible by air from Yogyakarta and Bali. Bandung has known many nicknames – Paris of the East, The flower City but it is even better known simply as Jeans City and that is due to the many streets wholesaling denims. The food in Bandung is also well known for its wide varieties and taste.

Bandung is also a city of the arts and music. In Late November through until late December Bandung will host the Asian International Art Show at the Selarso Senaryo Art Space as Yuli Tri Suwarni explains:

Selarso Senaryo art space will host the 22nd Asian International Art Exhibition (AIAE) from Nov. 23-Dec.24.

Organizing committee chairman Setiawan Sabana said Tuesday artists from 10 Asian countries would display more than 100 works at the gallery, which is located on Jl. Bukit Pakar Timur 100.

The AIAE will also provide a forum for artists and art professionals who are affiliated with the Federation of Asian Artists to explore the exhibit’s theme: “Imaging Asia: Understanding the Diversity and Changes”. Bandung last hosted the yearly event in 1992.

The organizing committee this year comprises representatives of the FAA in Indonesia, the Fine Art Research Center of Bandung’s Institute of Technology and Selasar Sunaryo Art Space.

The participating artists are from Japan, South Korea, Hong Kong, China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia, Singapore and Indonesia.

“This AIAE is aimed at enhancing contemporary art communications and exchanges between Asian nations, while at the same time promoting mutual understanding of and respect for the traditions and cultures of Asian countries,” Setiawan said.

And, if that’s not enough to please the artistic side of you, there is also the Journey to Rock and Blues Concert to be held at the beginning of December:

A concert showcasing the development of music, Journey to Rock and Blues, will be held on Dec. 1 at the Eldorado on Jl. Setiabudhi 438, Bandung.

A superb lineup of performers has been arranged, including the Bluesnews Band, the Evolution Band, S&R, Raidy Noor & Friends, Harry Pochang & Friends, Rama, and the Nusantara Symphony Orchestra.

Tribute bands will cover the hits of Chuck Berry, the Beatles, the Rolling Stones, Jimi Hendrix, Led Zeppelin, Jethro Tull, Chicago, BS&T, ELP, Yes and Genesis.

Tickets are available at the Potluck Coffee Bar & Library on Jl. Dipati Ukur, Bandung (022-2508400), Anwar-Radio Mara on Jl. Guntursari Wetan, Bandung (022-70547216) or InaBlues (021-75904043) at Rp 100,000 for VIP, Rp 75,000 for class 1 and Rp 50,000 for class 2.