The much awaited Rainforest World Music Festival (RWMF) and Miri International Jazz Festival (MIJF) continue to get the support of international corporations with HSBC Bank Malaysia Berhad once again partnering the organizer of both festivals by becoming their official bank.

Sarawak Tourism Board (STB) lauded HSBC’s participation in the two events this year’s event as the bank’s inclusion would further boost the festivals’ standard especially as the festivals are going towards becoming premiere musical events in the region. HSBC was also the official bank for both festivals last year.

STB is confident that both festivals would enjoy greater promotion through HSBC’s wide network worldwide, especially as the two festivals are enjoying growing popularity.

“We are proud to once again support these two music festivals in Sarawak and be a part of the state’s efforts to provide both local and international visitors with entertainment of world standards,” said Mr Thomas Varughese, Area Director, East Malaysia, HSBC Bank Malaysia.  

He also added that HSBC credit card customers will enjoy a 30% discount on every purchase of their tickets.

Aiming at attracting a crowd of 6,000, STB had already enlisted various international acts in its performers’ line-up. They are Mood Indigo from UK, Diamond Dave & The Doodaddies (Australia), Habana Sax (Cuba), Oma Sound (Japan), Charmaine Clamor (Philippines), Amar Sundy (Algeria), Rumba Calzada (Canada) and Sarawak’s very own Borneo Jazz Quartet.

STB had also invited a 16-member jazz street band from Holland to perform around the festival. The T’Inventielke is expected to entertain the festival goers with their upbeat tunes and funky well-choreographed dance movement.

An event not to be missed, festival goers should head to the Parkcity Everly Hotel where MIJF is held for two nights from May 9. The ticket is priced at RM60 each for adult and RM30 for a child between three and 12 years old.

As the RWMF is entering into a new decade after the rousing 10th anniversary celebration, STB had already enlisted various international acts in its performers’ line-up, especially as it hope to attract a crowd of 24,000 to the festival this year.

All performing for the first time at the festival, they are Ross Daly Quartet from Greece, Kasai Masai (Congo/UK), Hiroshi Motofuji (Japan), Oikyotaan (India), Cholo Valderamma (Colombia), New Rope String Band (UK), Yakande (Gambia/Guinea), Pinikpikan (Philippines), Adel Salameh (Palestine), Beltaine (Poland), Sheldon Blackman (Trinidad & Tobago), Ignition (Kuala Lumpur) and Fadomorse (Portugal).

Nearer to home, the Sarawak colours will be flown by a Bisaya cultural troupe of Orchestra Anak Jati Bisaya, Sarawak Cultural Village, Tuku’ Kame’ and Kan’id.  All these local groups will be performing alongside the international performers at the festival from July 11 to 13 at the Sarawak Cultural Village.

RWMF had also won the PATA Gold Award in 2006 and it is also rated as one of the top ten musical events in the world by World Music Expo (WOMEX).

Ticket to RWMF is priced at RM90 for a day pass and RM250 for a three days pass for an adult and RM45 for a day pass and RM100 for a three-day pass for a child between three and 12 years old.
 
Tickets to both festivals are available online at www.ticketcharge.com.my. For more details, log on to www.rainforestmusic-borneo.com and www.mirijazzfestival.com.

Issued by:
RWMF 2008 Organising Committee
Sarawak Tourism Board
www.sarawaktourism.com
Tel: +6 082 423600 Fax: +6 082 416700