Throngs of people crowded the banks of the Singapore River last weekend to take in the first ever performance of AIR, the anchor event of this year's Singapore river festival.

Performed twice a night for three nights, AIR combined unique choreography with pyrotechnics and epic, original music to illustrate the rich history of the Singapore River. The memorable costumes and graceful performers put the river in a whole new light.

At one point, suspended performers skilfully and gracefully lowered themselves down from the overhanging steel rigging, towards the surface of the river, until one performer, being held solely by the other, made the slightest contact with the water before slowly ascending back into the air. Symbolising the kinds of co-operative trading relationships that were forged along the river throughout its history, this was just one of many stunning manoeuvres and artistic displays witnessed over the thirty-minute duration of the show. Here's hoping for more!

Walking on water

The end of the first performance of AIR just after 8pm coincided with the beginning of the Original Bacardi Mojito Festival, part of Clarke Quay's La Dolce Vita celebrations. This Latin-themed party featured a heavy dose of live salsa music, dancing and fashion. Held in the centre of Clarke Quay at the fountain, it attracted members of Singapore's healthy, growing salsa community and plenty of curious onlookers. Ten dollar mojitos were also part of the draw, providing a welcome respite to the still humidity.

While on the leisurely stroll from Clarke Quay to Empress Place to catch some bands at KinestAsia, one should take the time to check out Pulse, an art installation along the river, directly across from the Riverwalk building. This is another creation by event marketing firm Muse Inc., who also -- under the supervision of art visionary Stan Lee -- created the aforementioned aerial aquatic production AIR. Drop by to see this audio-video interpretation of the story of the Singapore River.

The second and final weekend (July 2nd and 3rd) of the Singapore River Fest will feature more live music at KinestAsia, the Wine and Jazz Festival at Robertson Quay, and even a VIP closing party on Read Bridge itself.

Most notable in KinestAsia's live music line-up is Inch Chua, performing on July 2nd at 7pm at Earshot cafe at the Arts House. Formerly the frontwoman of local avant-rock band Allura (who, by the way, will be playing their final gig July 9th at Blu Jaz), she has been getting loads of attention recently, after having played the prestigious South By Southwest festival in Texas. Expect lots of energy here, especially with the imminent release of her first full-length album later this month. If you missed her this time around, don't despair -- she'll be playing another gig at Esplanade on July 30th. Plenty of other regional bands will also be performing outside at nearby Timbre and Empress Place.

Singapore River Festival Picture Gallery

For TONS of more photos, visit our "Singapore River Festival" photo gallery on Facebook.

Now celebrating its second year, the Wine and Jazz Festival will again be held at Robertson Quay, but over two days rather than last year's one. The music performances have been skilfully organized to end just before the kickoff of the World Cup quarter-final matches at 10pm. For $25 you can sample wine and cheese from a variety of regions and enjoy jazz performances stretching from 5pm to 9:45pm at the Robertson Courtyard. Wine tasting itself runs until an hour before midnight.

Finally, if fashion is your forté, head down to Read bridge to catch some action on the catwalk. Fashion Rocks Clarke Quay will take place from 8pm on the 2nd and 3rd of July to close the Singapore River Festival. Props to the organizers of this year's festival for showcasing both the heritage of yesteryear and the contemporary flair of today's still meandering sungei.