The Cadenza Collective, led by drummer and composer Navin Chettri, is one of the most distinctive and eclectic bands to emerge from Kathmandu. The group moves seamlessly across jazz, afro-funk, and Nepali folk music, creating a genre-bending sound that’s irresistible to both the ears and the booty. In addition to pumping vitality into Nepal’s improvised music scene, Cadenza has performed worldwide and collaborated with a long list of Western and traditional Nepali musicians. The band has seven albums of original music to its name—the latest release, the singles The Mountain Tickled My Feet and Selo Groove, in 2026.
Navin Chettri – vocals and drums
Rajat Rai – guitar
Inap Raj Shrestha – tenor Sax
Pravin Chhetri – alto Sax
Samir Chettri – bass
Zach Fawcett – trumpet (guest artist)
Performances
Groovin’ at Upstairs
Cadenza Collective brings together new and old friends for a spontaneous jam session at Kathmandu’s most storied jazz club.
Date: Thursday, October 29
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm | Gates open at 6:30 pm.
Venue: Jazz Upstairs, Lazimpat
Ticket: Door sales only – NRs. 1500
Jazz Bazaar
Escape Kathmandu for a day and night of incredible music under the open sky, with performances from a stellar line-up of international and Nepali musicians. Relax, enjoy and energize with a marathon of music, exquisite food, and drinks!
Date: Saturday, October 31
Time: 3:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: Gokarna Forest Resort
A spectacular evening of Nepali classical music fused with jazz, in the magnificent setting of old Patan.
Jazz at Patan
Date: Tuesday, November 3
Time: 7:00 pm – 9:00 pm
Venue: Yalamaya Kendra, Patan Dhoka
Ticket: NRs. 2500
(Gates open at 6:30 pm and close at 8:00 pm. Please be seated by 6:45 pm.)
Jazzmandu Finale
The festival’s all-star lineup comes together for one final exchange of musical energy and positive vibes as this year’s Jazzmandu concludes.
Date: Wednesday, November 4
Time: 5:30 pm – 10:00 pm
Venue: The Malla Hotel, Lekhnath Marg, Lainchaur
Ticket: NRs. 1800
(Gates open at 5:00 pm and close at 8:00 pm)