If Friday at the myBCA International Java Jazz Festival 2026 was about introducing fresh faces, Saturday belonged to the legends. The festival organizers scattered several massive tribute shows across the new PIK 2 venue, and the crowds responded in droves.
The most heartwarming moment of the entire weekend likely happened over at the MLDSPOT stage. Harvey Malaihollo took on a massive “Tribute to Indonesian Divas” project, bringing his signature smooth vocals to some of the country’s biggest hits. He did not tackle the heavy lifting alone. Barsena Bestandhi stepped up to help deliver songs from the newer generation of Indonesian female powerhouses. Their duet was fantastic, but the real emotional gut-punch came at the very end. Harvey brought his three grandchildren out onto the stage to close the set, leaving barely a dry eye in the audience.
Meanwhile, over at the main festival hall, a completely different kind of tribute was causing traffic jams.
The “Tribute to Erros Djarot” became an undeniable magnet. People were packed shoulder-to-shoulder to witness the celebration of the maestro’s sprawling catalog. The sheer volume of attendees trying to squeeze into the hall proved exactly how deep Djarot’s influence runs in the local music scene. It was a massive sing-along from start to finish.
International legends got their flowers, too. Harbourside Jazz delivered a stellar tribute to the High Priestess of Soul, Nina Simone. You might expect a slightly smaller, more subdued crowd for a vintage jazz tribute, but that simply was not the case on Saturday. The hall was absolutely packed. The Australian ensemble clearly understood the assignment, capturing Simone’s fiery, complex energy and keeping the massive audience captivated throughout the set.
Day 2 proved that festival-goers are just as hungry for nostalgia and legacy as they are for the next big thing.
Author: Snowflake
Editor: Snowflake
