The Ubud Village Jazz Festival took place on July 28th and 29th 2023. It was the 10th edition. Attending music festivals and events is one of my favorite activities and is always a great excuse to plan a luxury trip. After attending one of the biggest jazz festivals in the world, the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland, 2 weeks prior, I was ready for a more intimate Jazz festival in Ubud.

1) Location and Accessibility

The festival moved from the wonderful Arma Museum to the Shtala hotel grounds. It is now a bit further outside of Ubud, and it takes about 25 minutes by car to get there.

Tip: It is easier to get a driver from the Ubud center, as many drivers usually wait in the streets. To come back to Ubud after the festival, the easier way is to call a Grab taxi, Indonesia’s Uber equivalent.

2) Enchanting Festival Grounds

Prepare to be blown away by the captivating festival grounds. Set against a sloping landscape, the new Ubud Jazz Festival venue is a series of terraces leading down to the gentle flow of the river. This year’s addition of a third stage ensured seamless music flow, with performances alternating between stages, eradicating any waiting time.

The Subak stage was the most beautiful. It is a small stage on the edge of the river. You can hear the water, which makes it very peaceful. The stage is just under a Banyan tree. What a nice backdrop for a stage. It has plenty of beanbags. It might be the most beautiful and comfy stage I have ever seen at a Jazz festival!

Tip: Don’t forget your mosquito repellent because there were many mosquitoes near the river.

The 2 other stages are more traditional. The Padi stage is near the entrance. The Giri stage is the biggest stage in the middle of the festival. It has an interesting shape as bean bags have been placed along the terraced floor so you can view the stage from above.

 

Tip: If you have mobility issues, the new location of the festival is not for you. There were many steps to move in between the stages, and it will give you a good workout!

The stages are all relatively small, with a few hundred spectators creating an intimate feeling between the audience and the artists. In between the three stages are food stalls, bars, and seating areas. It is a wonderful place to hang out.

3) Groovy Jazz Melodies

As you might expect, jazz takes center stage at the Ubud Jazz Festival. The majority of bands are classical jazz trios or quartets. A few had singers, and those were usually the liveliest ones. For its 10th edition, the Ubud Jazz Festival invited many talented international musicians. Kevin Hays’s trio took to the main stage with a classical jazz formation composed of a piano, contrabass, and drums.

Ji Hoo Kim from South Korea delighted us at the Subak Stage. Ji Hoo Lee trio was led by a female guitarist virtuoso. She did a beautiful show by the edge of the river.

New Centropezn from Russia on the main stage got the crowd dancing with their charismatic singer. They played jazz well-known favorite songs.

Other international artists included the Henk Kraaijeveld Quintet from Holland, and the Amanda Lee Zwinget from Singapore got people dancing.

Indonesian musicians showcased their talent. Nadine Adrianna Trio is composed of a piano, contrabass, and drum. Nadine was the star of the show playing the piano. Their drummer was only 16 years old! They mostly played songs from their latest album “The Arrival.”

Tip: If you want to listen to the concert, sit at the front. The Padi stage had many food stalls at the back, and it could get loud with people buying food and drinks.

Rio Moreno Latin trio closed the Padi stage with uplifting Brazilian music. Keyboard, bass, and drums got the crowd dancing for a moment. A singer joined them on stage, and it felt like being in Brazil.

4) Embracing Balinese Culture

In the heart of Bali, the festival tastefully celebrated the island’s rich culture. The opening ceremony on the first day dazzled with performances of the captivating Batuan Kecak and Barong dancing, seamlessly blending jazz with Balinese traditions.

5) Is the Ubud Jazz Festival Kid-Friendly?

While the Ubud Jazz Festival is a haven for jazz enthusiasts, bringing kids might not be the best idea. Jazz concerts typically demand attentive and silent audiences, which can be challenging for little ones. During performances, a few children were seen playing, disturbing the listening experience for others. My advice? Hire a nanny for the night and enjoy a kid-free musical escapade. For family-friendly festivals in Bali, consider checking out the Bali Spirit Festival or the Suara Festival, catering to younger audiences.

6) Where to Stay While Attending the Ubud Jazz Festival

The Shtala Hotel, the festival’s venue, offers the perfect accommodation if you wish to fully immerse yourself in the musical magic. For those seeking a more diverse Ubud experience during the day, staying in Ubud center is a great idea. Opt for a location in the southern part, particularly along Jalan Pengosekan, as it allows for easy access to the festival grounds without getting caught in traffic while crossing Ubud. One fantastic accommodation option is the Samastiti Villa, a private pool 2-bedroom villa boasting a beautiful view, and it’s just a mere 7-minute walk from the festival. For those seeking a unique experience, don’t miss their enchanting treehouse accommodation.

7) Where to Satisfy Your Hunger Pangs

Contrary to the typical festival food scene, the Ubud Jazz Festival surprised me with its diverse array of food vendors. Around twenty independent stalls catered to all tastes, serving everything from traditional Indonesian dishes to hearty burgers. Prices remained comparable to Ubud restaurants, ensuring an affordable dining experience. Drinks were also a steal, with the beer stand offering four beers for just one hundred thousand rupiahs (approximately 6 Euros). For dessert lovers, the eclairs and petit choux stand were a heavenly treat. With so many food options available, long queues were a rarity, allowing you to savor the music and food without interruptions.

In Conclusion of my review of the Ubud Jazz festival

The Ubud Jazz Festival stands as a small and intimate event that celebrates both local Indonesians and international musical talent. While it may not boast the biggest names in jazz, its diverse and captivating lineup is bound to leave a lasting impression. Organized by true music enthusiasts with attendees’ comfort in mind, the festival’s easy-going vibe makes it a must-attend for jazz lovers. Personally, I had an unforgettable time and can’t wait to groove to the beats at next year’s edition. A trip to Ubud during this time of the year is undoubtedly worth it. Jazz lovers heed the call of Ubud – this festival’s rhythm will surely captivate your heart and soul.

If you’re around, don’t miss the chance to explore Central Bali in one day, and if you’re a food enthusiast, check out my restaurant recommendations in Ubud.

For jazz aficionados seeking more musical escapades, read my reviews of the Montreux Jazz Festival in Switzerland or the North Sea Jazz Festival in Holland.