Jazz notes meet Pattaya shores at Rhythm of the Night extravaganza
The cosy rhythm of jazz is about to wash along the shore at Pattaya City’s beachfront as the town hosts its first International Jazz Festival 2023 with dozens of leading domestic and international jazz artists.
Billed as “The Rhythm of the Night,” the event takes place November 10-11 from 5pm to 11pm, right along the pristine beach in central Pattaya, Chonburi province. And brass lovers will be treated to a free concert featuring legend saxophonist Kenny G.
Pattaya City Mayor Poramet Ngampichet told a Wednesday press conference that the overarching goal of the spectacular event is to rebrand Pattaya as “The City of Music and Arts” and establish it as a major annual event on Thailand’s tourism calendar.
Among the enchanting jazz melodies, an array of exceptionally talented musicians will take part in this grand event, which will feature the extraordinary collaboration of international jazz ensemble The Firefly Fellowship.
The ensemble is made up of Frank Rovillstone, a Moscow-born jazz vocalist; Willard Dyson, a New York-based jazz drummer; Pamai, a guitarist; Nattawut Sridech, a highly skilled bassist; and Watchara Atchariyavaranon, a versatile trumpeter.
A lineup of Thai jazz artists from various record labels will also grace the stage, led by Pae Sax (Pei-Phaisit Khamklan), a prominent Thai saxophonist from the Melodic Corner label.
To complement the jazz experience, visitors can dine on delectable local dishes from Pattaya and nearby restaurants, making the festival an all-around sensory experience.
It’s yet another example of Pattaya’s banquet of tourist activities and economic development. “Pattaya has significant tourism potential as a result of its proactive development of public transport, utilities, and infrastructure,” said Mayor Poramet.
“These initiatives boost economic, investment, and tourism growth. They are in line with the Eastern Economic Corridor (EEC) economic development plan, as well as the Better Pattaya policy under the Pattaya city development plan and the Visit Thailand Year campaign.”
Somradee Chitchong, deputy governor for domestic marketing at the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), is impressed with Pattaya’s efforts to create more activities and events to entice people to return to the city.
Pattaya is a popular destination for tourists from all over the world who visit Thailand, she noted.
Pattaya International Jazz Festival is crucial in promoting soft power and cultivating a positive image for Thai tourism, contributing to the strategy of stimulating the national economy through tourism, Somradee added.
“The event aligns with TAT’s plan to strengthen the Visit Thailand Year campaign, which focuses on creating meaningful travel experiences. This strategy is encapsulated in the concept of 'Amazing 5F and more,' highlighting Thailand’s soft power in food, film, fashion, fight, and festival.” Somradee explained.
The festival is expected to attract at least 2 million tourists, contributing significantly to TAT’s goal of 2 trillion baht by the end of this year.
