If you thought Jazz was just elevator music or something for people who wear turtlenecks in the summer, Kathmandu Jazz Conservatory (KJC) is about to blow your mind—and your eardrums. It’s International Jazz Day, and Jhamsikhel is turning into a mini New Orleans, but with better momos and more hills.

Founder Nirakar Yakthumba has been watching the youth swap their guitar pedals for jazz scales since 2012, and honestly, the growth is more impressive than our annual inflation rates. We’ve even got legends like Prince Nepali making the Sarangi sound so smooth you’d swear it was born in a jazz club.

The Daytime Hustle: Free Wisdom & Rhythm

Starting at 11:00 am, head over to Gyanmandala for a "Jazz History Storytelling" session. If you’ve ever wanted to know why jazz musicians look so confused yet confident, this is for you. Then, witness a Kathak dance and rhythm collab that’ll prove our traditional beats can groove with the best of them.

You can wander through Karma Coffee or Himalayan Java to catch students performing, and if you’ve had enough caffeine to feel brave, hit the open mic at Tony’s Dawgs. It’s all free, so you have zero excuses to stay home and watch Reels.

The Main Event: KatJazz Session at Moksh

As the sun dips, the real party starts at Moksh at 7:30 pm. The KJC faculty and guests are bringing a "Brazilian influence" to the stage. We’re talking Samba meets the Himalayas—a mix so spicy it makes Samyang noodles look bland.

The best part? Your ticket money doesn't go into some politician's "miscellaneous" fund; it goes straight to the KJC Scholarship Fund. You get to feel cultured and charitable at the same time. Talk about a win-win.

The Logistics (Don't Be Late, This Isn't a Wedding):

  • When: April 30, 2026

  • Where: Gyanmandala (Day) & Moksh (Evening), Jhamsikhel

  • Time: 11:00 am onwards

  • Price:

    • Gyanmandala: FREE (Our favorite price)

    • Moksh: Rs 800 to Rs 1,000 (Invest in the future of Nepali Jazz!)

Get your groove on and support the local scene!