Sandra Viray & the future of Pinoy int'l jazz fests

Talk about jazz fests in the Philippines and Sandra Lim Viray's name will come up. That Sandra loves Philippine music is a given. That she loves Philippine jazz is an understatement. She devotes much of her life to jazz music because "in this mission, we promote unity through music."

- BUM D. TENORIO, JR.

As co-founder of the Philippine International Jazz Festival, a 19-year-old musical extravaganza, Sandra, an exceptional jazz singer, is almost singlehandedly mounting PIJazzFest 2025 on June 14, 4 p.m. onwards, at the auditorium of Asia Pacific College in Magallanes, Makati City.

"This year's offering, albeit smaller, is by no means less in quality," Sandra, fresh from attending the Java Jazz Festival in Jakarta, Indonesia, told The STAR.

The 400-seater auditorium of the Asia Pacific College will have on its stage Harvard scholar Jazzyphar as host of the PIJazzFest 2025. Performers include Awit awardee finger-style guitarist Jerome Rico, Argentinian tango singer Anibal Ansin with a world-class tango exhibition by Jang & Jenn, power world music band Anima Tierra, Steely Dan tribute band Black Cows, and the sophisticated Velvet Jazz, with the special participation of Aliw awardee Henry Katindig and the country's 'prince of jazz', Richard Merk.

Flying in as part of their Asian tour is the nine-man a cappella group Straight No Chaser. Guitarist and educator Balawan Quartet will perform traditional Balinese music fused with other genres. He will also be giving a workshop wherein all interested guitarists may participate for free.