Sthala Ubud Village Jazz Festival (UVJF) returns 01-02 August for its 12th edition, reaffirming the festival’s role as one of Indonesia’s most vibrant cultural celebrations. Just a short drive from Denpasar and set against the lush backdrop of Ubud, the festival will again be hosted at Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel.
UVJF 2025 invites music lovers from around the globe to experience two days of world-class jazz, artistic collaboration, and cross-cultural connections. Jazz, with its roots in improvisation and expressive storytelling, continues to serve as a bridge between cultures and generations. UVJF proudly upholds this proud tradition, offering a stage where international and Indonesian musicians can meet in a spirit of creativity, spontaneity, and community.
“As with UVJF 2024, the 2025 edition will take place once again at Sthala, which has consistently supported us since 2023,” said Anom Darsana, professional sound engineer and Co-founder of UVJF. “This year, we are adapting to current global developments by presenting two stages instead of three. This is a deliberate choice, not only to optimize the experience for artists and audiences but also to create a more spacious and intimate atmosphere.”
“We are honored to welcome Makoto Kuriya, a renowned jazz pianist from Japan, who will collaborate with Balinese musicians in a special cross‐cultural performance,” said Yuri Mahatma, a renowned Indonesian guitarist and a UVJF Co-founder. “We’re also thrilled to present the Balawan Trio, featuring. Jiyestha; the dynamic French Group ROUGE; and the exceptional performing artists from Vietnam, Serbia, Germany, Russia, and the Czech Republic—all alongside some of Bali’s finest jazz talents.”
“The continuing growth of UVJF is the result of over a decade of dedication and trust built with both local and international communities,” Yuri continued.
Today, UVJF is proudly known as a global stage for jazz, thanks to the ongoing support of embassies, cultural institutions, and international partnerships. As part of the UVJF 2025 program, a series of pre‐ and post-event showcases will be hosted at The Apurva Kempinski Nusa Dua, The Meru Sanur, Bumi Kinar (Ubud), and Samasta Lifestyle Village (Jimbaran).
Link to Pre and Post UVJF Schedule
Each year, the Ubud Village Jazz Festival is not only celebrated through music but also imagined through the imaginative use of space. Thanks to the creative vision of Diana Surya and Putu Klick Swantara of Archimetriz Architect, in collaboration with Saung Construction. For UVJF 2025, their architectural narrative takes inspiration from the open air and meditative rhythms of jazz, expressed through this year’s design themes: “The Space We Breathe” and “The Space Between Sounds.” These concepts reflect the duality of jazz, rooted in both presence and pause, breath and silence.
Featured Artists – UVJF 2025
• Makoto Kuriya Trio (Japan) – Celebrated Japanese jazz‐fusion pianist blending soulful improvisation with international pop sensibility.
• Balawan Trio featuring Jiyestha (Indonesia) – Balinese guitar virtuoso Balawan leads with jazz‐rock fusion infused with traditional gamelan rhythms.
• ROUGE (France) – French piano trio weaving classical lyricism and modern jazz textures into cinematic soundscapes.
• Jazz Steps (Vietnam) – Vietnamese duo combining modern improvisation with folk‐inspired jazz in public and intimate settings.
• Bojan Cvetković Quartet (Serbia) – Serbian piano quartet fusing Balkan rhythms with contemporary jazz flair.
• SILK (Germany) – An eight-piece German funk‐fusion band delivering energetic grooves and brassy jazz‐pop hybrids.
• East West European Jazz Orchestra (German-Czech-Serbian) – A powerful big‐band ensemble blending swing, soul, and Eastern European folk.
• Galaxy Big Band (Indonesia) – Jakarta‐based big band mixing classic swing with high‐energy modern jazz.
• Astrid Sulaiman (Indonesia) – Indonesian pianist-composer leading an intimate quartet with vocalists Soukma and Doni Wirandana, the finalist of Voice of Germany, in lyrical jazz.
• Dizzy & Wicked (Indonesia) – Indonesian electro‐jazz quartet fusing smooth jazz with modern electronic textures.
• Gayatri Quartet (Indonesia) – Vocalist-led quartet blending swing, bossa nova, and cool jazz with soulful elegance.
• Jazz Traveller (Indonesia) – Drummer Bogie Prasetyo’s ensemble delivers rhythm‐driven bossa nova and contemporary jazz grooves.
• Mahanada (Indonesia) – Indonesian young jazz vocalist offering soulful, heartfelt interpretations of jazz classics.
• New Centropezn Jazz Quartet (Russia) – Russian ensemble from Rostov-on-Don blending soul, New Orleans style, and modern jazz.
• Smokey Chamber Trio (Indonesia) – Chamber jazz trio featuring intimate, home‐grown arrangements from Bali’s artists, led by Yuri Mahatma.
The artists’ biographies online.
In keeping with the festival’s commitment to community engagement and local empowerment, more than 30 food and beverage booths run by local MSMEs (Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises) will be present at the venues. Guests can enjoy a diverse culinary landscape that showcases Bali’s rich flavors and entrepreneurial spirit, further enhancing UVJF’s mission to support creative industries while providing a multisensory festival experience.
As Ubud Village Jazz Festival embarks on its 12th year, it continues to be a beacon for jazz lovers, cultural explorers, and creative communities. With its signature blend of artistry, hospitality, and innovation, UVJF 2025 promises an unforgettable journey into the heart of jazz, under the stars in Ubud, among the trees, and in a genuine spirit of togetherness.
Festival Dates: August 1–2, 2025
Venue: Sthala, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Ubud – Bali
