UBUD, mybalinews.com – The acclaimed STHALA Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) 2026 returns on 7–8 August 2026 at STHALA Ubud Bali, A Tribute Portfolio Hotel, presenting two days of world-class jazz performances in one of Bali’s most inspiring cultural destinations.
Founded in 2013, Ubud Village Jazz Festival is an annual international jazz festival in Bali that celebrates musical excellence, cultural diversity, and artistic collaboration. Through performances, educational initiatives, and community engagement, UVJF, a community-based festival, continues to foster meaningful connections between Indonesian and international jazz communities.
Now entering its 13th edition, Ubud Village Jazz Festival continues to strengthen its reputation as one of Southeast Asia’s most respected boutique jazz festivals, bringing together internationally renowned artists, emerging talents, and passionate music lovers from around the world. Set amid the natural beauty of Ubud, the festival offers an intimate atmosphere where audiences can experience exceptional music, meaningful cultural exchange, and unforgettable artistic collaborations.
This year’s program features a diverse lineup representing contemporary jazz, straight-ahead jazz, big band traditions, world music influences, and innovative cross-cultural collaborations.
Featured Artists
Pong Nakornchai Ensemble brings together four distinctive musical voices from Thailand, Indonesia, and the United States in a contemporary jazz project centred around the compositions of soprano saxophonist Joe Rosenberg. Rooted in collective improvisation and attentive ensemble interplay, the music unfolds as a continuous narrative where melody, rhythm, texture, and silence carry equal weight. Indra Gupta (bass) and Michael Ananda (guitar) will join the project.
Koko Harsoe is well known guitarist in Indonesia, will perform together with SAN Trio, a Bali- based jazz fusion trio consisting of Savio(piano), Amos (double bass), and Nara (drums), his son. Bringing together musicians from diverse musical backgrounds, the ensemble explores modern jazz through improvisation, interaction, and original expression.
Led by Dutch guitarist Jadi Peperzak, this international quartet brings together Indonesian pianist Kasyfi Kalyasyena, Nepali bassist Sulav Maharjan, and Dutch drummer Rafael Slors in a contemporary jazz project shaped by lyrical compositions, rich harmonic textures, and collective improvisation. This project is supported by Erasmus Huis Jakarta-Indonesia.
H ZETTRIO (Japan) brings a uniquely playful and expansive voice to contemporary Japanese instrumental music. Recognisable by their signature coloured noses, blue for pianist H ZETT M, red for bassist H ZETT NIRE, and silver for drummer H ZETT KOU, the trio has become known for its vibrant musical dialogue, combining dazzling piano work, deep groove, and rhythmic precision within a constantly evolving sonic landscape.
Watchdog (France), a contemporary jazz duo features Anne Quillier on a wide range of keyboards and Pierre Horckmans on clarinets. Their music is blending composition and improvisation, with a strong attention to detail in textures and soundscapes. Supported by AJC (Association Jazzé Croisé) and Institut Francais Indonesie.
Simone Prattico Java Collective (Italy–Indonesia) brings together acclaimed Italian drummer and composer Simone Prattico with Indonesian jazz luminaries Sri Hanuraga (piano) and Kevin Yosua (bass). Their music blends Mediterranean influences, Javanese sensibilities, and contemporary jazz improvisation into a dynamic and immersive trio experience.
Straight and Stretch Quartet (Indonesia), led by guitarist, Yuri Mahatma and Astrid Sulaiman (piano), present a unique interpretation of jazz in its wider spectrum. Known for performances at major festivals across Indonesia, Europe, and Australia, the quartet combines jazz sophistication with the passion of openness. This time, they will collaborate with acclaimed trombonist,
Masahiko Kitahara (Japan), one of the finest Indonesian jazz vocalist, Dian Pratiwi (Indonesia) and Glen Wee (Singapore) who will perform some of his original songs from his first debut album “Sounds in the City” with major record label Warner Music Singapore.
Salamander Big Band (Indonesia), one of Indonesia’s longest-running independent jazz orchestras, celebrates nearly two decades of excellence with a powerful ensemble of approximately 27 musicians. Their repertoire spans classic swing, contemporary big band works, and original arrangements performed with energy and precision.
Strings Corner Project (Indonesia) offers a distinctive musical dialogue that merges flamenco expression, jazz improvisation, and Nusantara rhythms. Led by guitarists Adien Fazmail and Icang Rahimy, the ensemble creates richly textured performances filled with melodic interplay and rhythmic exploration.
Known for her warm and expressive voice, Dattie Do blends jazz tradition with personal songwriting, drawing from intimate storytelling and modern jazz sensibilities. Accompanied by Hoang Tung (guitar) bring a thoughtful contemporary jazz collaboration from Hanoi, Vietnam to UVJF 2026, joined by Indonesian musicians Warman Sanjaya and Sinuksma for a cross cultural ensemble shaped by improvisation, rhythm, and musical dialogue.
Imelda Rosalin (West Java, Indonesia), Indonesian jazz vocalist, pianist, and songwriter recognized for her expressive voice, refined musicality, and deep roots in both classical and jazz traditions will also perform with her Quintet. Dodot Trio, one of Bali’s Jazz legend pianist, will performing his originals alongside with Wisnu Priambodo (drums) and Helmy Agustrian (Bass).
Brings a new, fresh, and ecouraging artist in Bali’s Jazz Scenes, presenting LaDju (Jonathan Dangawa-drums, Kristian Darma-bass, Reno Joshua-Guitar), Michael Ananda Trio (Michael-guitar, Grady Boanerges-drums, Brandon Aartsen-bass) Last but not least, UVJF has committed to always support Indonesian young and brightest musicians as part of our “preservation of Jazzistry”. This year we present Rason Trio (Rason Guitar), accompanied by Indra Gupta/ Bass and Gustu Brahmanta/Drums, also JZ.KA Trio (Jesse/Drums, Angelika/piano, accompanied by Samuel Pardosi/bass.
Beyond the performances, UVJF 2026 continues its commitment to supporting artistic exchange, cultural dialogue, and the growth of jazz in Indonesia and the region. The festival serves as a meeting point where musicians and audiences connect through a shared appreciation for creativity, diversity, and the universal language of music. (mybalinews/RLS)
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