SINGAPORE’S JAZZKIDS KICK-OFF THE CHRISTMAS SPIRIT

BOAT QUAY LAUNCH FOR GROUP'S NEW CD OF CAROLS WITH A TWIST 

Singapore, November 21, 2007: The lunchtime crowd at Boat Quay was treated to a taste of Christmas with a difference today as Singapore’s JazzKids™ launched their second CD album at United Overseas Bank’s (UOB) atrium.

JazzKids, a group of talented young performers from all walks of life in Singapore put a different spin on the Christmas classics with the release of their second album – This Christmas with JazzKids.

The lunchtime concert featured classics from the new album such as Rudolph/Sleigh Ride Medley, Jingle Bells and Santa Claus is Coming to Town. 

To add to the festive cheer, the audience was also treated to a sampling of roast turkeys – also with a difference, courtesy of Parkroyal hotels in Singapore.

As well as the traditional turkey, Parkroyal on Beach Road and Parkroyal on Kitchener Road gave a delicious preview of the unique range of turkeys they will have on sale this Christmas. The turkey flavours include Peranakan, Eurasian, Sichuan and even Ginseng.

The JazzKids are Asia’s first group of children aged between 8 to 14, who sing and dance to jazz and swing standards.  Since their first performance in June 2004, they have developed a repertoire that ranges from rock ‘n’ roll to pop and includes jazz, swing and big band.

The new album, This Christmas with JazzKids, was supported by the group’s corporate angel, Parkroyal Hotels & Resorts and produced by Kuo Po, Artistic Director of Kids Performing™ who trains the JazzKids.

It features jazzy renditions of Christmas favourites such as ‘Jingle Bell Rock’, ‘Santa Claus Is Coming to Town’ and their first single ‘Happy Holidays’. It also includes a bonus track, ‘Happy Together’.

The CD was on sale during the lunchtime event at S$20 per copy and will also be sold at Sembawang Music Centre, HMV Singapore and Parkroyal hotels in Singapore. For every CD sold at Parkroyal, S$2 will be donated to the Kids on Stage fund, which provides opportunities for financially disadvantaged children in the performing arts.

“Our involvement with the JazzKids over the past year has been a great experience for us all at Parkroyal as we have watched these young Singaporeans develop and refine their enormous talent”, said Ms Wee Wei Ling, Executive Director of the Parkroyal Group.

“So, I am delighted that our support has culminated in reaching out to all Singaporeans during the festive season with this wonderful collection.” 

The JazzKids have made their mark overseas.  In 2006, they performed in Hong Kong for the Hong Kong City Festival and in July 2007, they made their way to San Francisco for the 4th Annual Theatre Festival.