KATHMANDU: The biggest jazz festival in Nepal, ‘Kathmandu Jazz Festival’, organised by Upstairs Ideas with The Himalayan Times, is presenting ‘Jazz Uncorked’ at Hotel Shangri~La, Lazimpat on March 20.

Hannah Vasanth Trio from England is the main attraction. They are performing live for the first time in Nepal. Other artistes include Soul Mate, Max Lolo and Cadenza and Friends.

‘Pokhara Jazz Uncorked’ was supposed to happen at Hotel Shangri~La, Pokhara today but the show is postponed due to the road situation but the same show is happening in Kathmandu. But Pokharelis take heart, because the same event arrives on April 2.

Hannah Vasanth, Brigitte Beraha and Tom Mason are the Hannah Vasanth Trio. Hannah graduated from the Royal Academy of Music, London. Her work includes playing and song writing for artistes such as Celine Dion, Blazing Squad, 3SL and Urban Lady. She has performed with the likes of Gloria Gaynor and Shania Twain to name a few at most prestigious venues in and around London and is currently recording a debut album.

Brigitte whilst regularly gigging in the UK obtained a music degree at Goldsmiths College in London. Recently she completed the Jazz Postgraduate Course at the Guildhall School of Music where she performed with many world-class musicians, such as Canadian trumpet player and composer Kenny Wheeler and American bassist and composer Rufus Reid. Brigitte currently gigs with some of Britain’s finest musicians. Her genuine and expressive singing, together with her warm, silky tones, have moved many audiences. She will be releasing her debut album this month.

Tom, who completes the trio, began his musical career as a classical violinist, switching to bass in 1998 at the age of 18. In the same year, he was accepted by the Royal Academy of Music to study jazz bass for four years. Since then, Tom has performed, recorded and toured in the UK and internationally with an eclectic array of artistes. He has also been fortunate enough to play with greats as Art Famer, Peter Erskine, Kenny Werner, Gary Husband, Evan Parker, and Dave Liebman.— HNS