Merimbula will be celebrating the 38th annual Jazz Festival this coming weekend with a range of exciting bands and events.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The festival will kick off on Thursday evening, June 7, at Club Sapphire, with a jazz dance featuring the upbeat traditional band The Magnificence, fronted by singer and trumpeter Cam McCracken Smith.
The street parade will be a spectacular show this year, starting from Merimbula Drive on Saturday at 10.30am, and will feature marching bands, historic motor vehicles and an array of entertaining jazz groups.
According to program coordinator Paul Dion, the highlight of the weekend will be the Saturday night Jazz Quest at the Lakeview Hotel.
“The Jazz Quest features musicians 25 years old and younger, and the musical standard of that event is really through the roof,” Mr Dion said.
“When it first started, it was quite a small event, but in recent years it has just continued to grow, and now it usually ends up being pretty packed out.”
The young talents will be vying for cash prizes of up to $600 from 10pm on Saturday.
Sunday morning will see an ecumenical jazz service held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church at 11.30am, featuring the popular Rhythm Syndicate and local vocal ensemble Spirit Allegro.
Those attending the ecumenical service are requested not to enter the church until invited in by an usher at 11.15am.
In terms of the music itself, Mr Dion said that with 562 musicians and 96 bands scheduled to perform, there was something for everyone’s taste and interest.
“The Magnificence is a wonderful traditional jazz band, whereas bands such as Pezcobar provide a funkier, more modern sound,” Mr Dion said.
“Then we have a few exciting big bands playing, such as ConneXion, and brilliant ragtime artists such as Robbie Mann, who performs classic tunes with a ragtime feel.”
Most of the traditional jazz music over the weekend will be focused in Twyford Hall, whereas the more modern styled acts will mainly be performing at the Lakeview Hotel.
The festival will conclude on Monday with a free Jazz Hatters party at the Merimbula RSL, starting at 11am and finishing at 4pm.
Attendants are encouraged to wear their most interesting hat to the party.
Festival passes can be purchased from Twyford Hall in Merimbula, or individual session passes can be purchased on entry at each event.
For more information on the weekend, including a full program of musicians, head to Merimbula Jazz Festival’s official website.
