17th Seoul Jazz Festival: Musical Magic at Olympic Park

The 17th Seoul Jazz Festival (SJF) took place at Olympic Park in Songpa-gu, Seoul, from May 30 to June 1, 2023. With temperatures reaching 30 degrees Celsius, the festival celebrated summer vibes and jazz music. This year, the festival featured four main stages: 88 Grass Square, Gymnastics Arena, SK Handball Arena, and the 88 Lake Waterfront Stage, also known as the ‘Stanley Stage @ Spring Garden.’

The 88 Grass Square showcased incredible talent. Performers included the Kwon Jin Ah Band, soulful Jose James, virtuoso Bela Fleck, and multi-talented Jacob Collier. Meanwhile, the 88 Lake Waterfront Stage provided a refreshing backdrop for Park Ji Eun Quintet and Sumin & Slom. They engaged the audience with their distinctive music.

In the air-conditioned comfort of the Gymnastics Arena, CNBLUE, Lee Young Ji, and others delivered electrifying performances. CNBLUE particularly energized the crowd with their popular hits. Their performance was a highlight of the festival. The band expressed gratitude to their fans, embracing the vibrant atmosphere.

One standout act was Sumin & Slom, who performed during the hottest part of the day. Their set was a colorful mix of moods, featuring a special arrangement of their hit song ‘Gonranhan Nola’ along with tracks like ‘Manggajin Sai’ and ‘Gaein Sa.’ The duo’s connection with the audience was noticeable, leaving a lasting impression.

An Shin Ae also impressed with a heartfelt cover of Stevie Wonder’s ‘I Just Called to Say I Love You.’ She blended it with her original songs about love and connection. Adding to the excitement, Doyoung from NCT made his debut at the festival. He promoted his upcoming solo album and performed songs that showcased his artistry and charisma.

As the festival concluded, enthusiastic reactions from the audience echoed throughout the park. The artists not only showcased their musical talents but also fostered a sense of community. The 17th Seoul Jazz Festival was a memorable celebration of music, artistry, and culture. With upbeat melodies and soulful ballads, the festival embodied the spirit of jazz while embracing various musical genres.

Highlights from the 17th Seoul Jazz Festival

• Location: Olympic Park, Songpa-gu, Seoul
• Dates: May 30 – June 1, 2023
• Featured Artists: CNBLUE, Sumin & Slom, Jose James, Bela Fleck
• Stages: 88 Grass Square, Gymnastics Arena, SK Handball Arena, 88 Lake Waterfront Stage

This year’s festival not only highlighted vibrant performances but also the rich history of the Seoul Jazz Festival. Its impact on the local community continues to grow, attracting music lovers from all walks of life.

This article has been written by Kpopmap AI writer and while we have made efforts to ensure the accuracy of the article, there may be errors or inaccuracies.