ABSTRACT
This chapter unveils the case study of jazz in Kunming by examining its social and musical characteristics, with a specific focus on ethnic and regional implications. It is based on field research I conducted in August and September 2012. The first section of this chapter provides a comparative study that traces local jazz by exploring other music happenings in Kunming. Its findings shed light on the connection between the city’s rock-folk scene and the ethnic identity and affiliations of its musicians. At the same time, it points to the anonymous status and preliminary development stage of its local jazz scene. The second section depicts the empirical findings of several observations and interviews with musicians, illuminating the pragmatic aspects of Kunming jazz. It discloses various actual factors involved in the activity of this peripheral scene, such as the foreign connection, music education, jazz awareness, and audiences. Finally, this chapter points to the way contemporary local and social elements affect not only Kunming jazz but also the cultural perception of Yunnan.
