In September, the Hong Kong International Jazz Festival caused a bit of an uproar in the music scene with allegations that local jazzcats were being treated as second-class citizens. Such accusations, however, would be hard to level at the Peel Jazz Festival.

Three years ago, Rob Baker, the man behind one of the few dedicated jazz venues in town, Peel Fresco, decided to start a festival dedicated to the Hong Kong scene by promoting locally based jazz. “We wanted to create a community that enjoys music. Before, there was Allan Zeman’s old jazz club. Now jazz players can just perform here and there randomly, [but] we need a community,” he says.

This year, in its fourth installment, the Peel Jazz Fest continues to grow. What began as an intense week of jazz music at the Fresco has now expanded to involve several venues along Central’s charming Peel Street including artists’ bar Joyce is Not Here, African lounge Makumba, Le Tambour and, of course, Peel Fresco. “We would love to have a stage right outside on the street,” says Baker. “However, it’s a political issue; you have to shut down the whole street for that.”

Over six days, the festival features some of Hong Kong’s finest jazz talents. One of Asia’s leading guitarists Eugene Pao, Thai songstress Natasha Patamapongs and top pianists Ted Lo, Jezrael Lucero and Allen Youngblood are just a few of the more than three dozen artists passing by. And in keeping with the Fresco’s philosophy, the event is free. “The musicians need our support, but other than that, we need a free music community. We are creating a base to build upon.”

Cathy Chan

Peel Street November 23-28 Free