Jazz Club Janus Celebrates 1st Anniversary in Gwanghwamun with Star-Studded Performances

Jazz Club Janus, a venue established by the late jazz vocalist Park Sung-yeon, is marking its first anniversary in Gwanghwamun with a month-long celebration of music. The club, which has moved locations several times since its founding in 1978, will host five special concerts from September 4 to October 3.

The anniversary series kicks off on September 4 with a joint performance by classical guitarist Park Gyu-hee and gypsy guitarist Park Ju-won. Park Gyu-hee is a celebrated classical guitarist, having won multiple international competitions, while Park Ju-won has received awards for his jazz and crossover work. They will present a program featuring solo pieces, duets, and ensemble performances.

Following this, the funk and soul band Common Ground, known for their brass-driven sound and their work as the house band for "SNL Korea," will perform on September 9. Singer-songwriter Kim Hyun-chul is scheduled to perform with his band on September 13, presenting his well-known songs. The female jazz vocal group Karina Nebula, whose debut album earned them nominations at the Korean Music Awards, will perform on September 22.

The highlight for many will be the final performances on October 2 and 3, featuring Japanese-Korean jazz vocalist Keiko Lee. This engagement marks Lee's first solo concert in South Korea in 15 years, since the Seoul Jazz Festival in 2011. She will perform duets with pianist Yusei Takahashi.