Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) is set to celebrate International Jazz Day with a series of musical, educational, and interactive events at Gyanmandala and Moksh in Jhamsikhel on April 30.

The event brings together artists, students, and the jazz community to explore the style and its connections with Nepali music and culture.

The celebration will feature workshops, performances, and collaborative sessions throughout the day.

Director and Founder of Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory, Nirakar Yakthumba, recalls how this annual celebration has seen an escalation in youth participation in Jazz music. “Since the first celebration in 2012 at Moksh Jhamsikhel, it has been inspiring to witness the growth of local Nepali jazz musicians,” says Yakthumba. “Artists from diverse styles are embracing this music, experimenting with different instruments, and taking it to global platforms—like Prince Nepali, who beautifully integrates the sarangi into jazz.”

The programme will begin with a Jazz History Storytelling session led by Martin Zenker, followed by a Kathak dance and rhythm session in collaboration with Nritya Aagan at Gyanmandala from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm.

Then the programme continues with a Sarangi session by Sarangi Ghar featuring Prince Nepali, and various student performances at Karma Coffee Nepal and Himalayan Java. The afternoon is designed to conclude with an open mic session at Tony’s Dawgs, encouraging community participation and creative expression.

Later in the evening, the event will culminate with a special KatJazz Session concert at Moksh (7:30 pm onwards). This performance will feature KJC faculty and guest artists, presenting a mix of jazz standards infused with Brazilian influences.

The ensemble includes Rajat Rai, Moa Edmunds, Abhisek Bhadra, Martin Zenker, Sudhir Acharya, Tomas Carrasco, and vocalists Vishwadeep Moktan, Bishal Kashyap, Kunzanee Maharjan, and Adhishree Kaspal. More than a concert, the evening aims to highlight jazz as a living, evolving art form rooted in improvisation and collaboration.

All proceeds from the event will support the KJC Scholarship Fund, helping expand access to music education for aspiring musicians in Nepal.

The events at Gyanmadala are free to enter. However, the KatJazz session at Moksh costs Rs800 to Rs1,000.

KatJazz Sessions

When: April 30, 2026

Where: Gyanmandala and Moksh Live Restaurant and Bar, Jhamsikhel

Time: 11: 30 onwards

Entry: Free (Gyanmandala)

Rs800 to Rs1,000 (Moksh Live Restaurant and Bar)