Music lovers can get their fill when the region’s finest jazz musicians come together to present Geelong Jazz Day on Little Malop St on Saturday, May 20.
Now in its second year, one-day festival Geelong Jazz Day features an afternoon of top notch jazz ensembles at four of the city’s favourite venues; Beav’s Bar, the Piano Bar, Pistol Pete’s and the Westend Hotel.
The event kicks off at noon with a street performance in Little Malop Street by the North Geelong Community Big Band, with performances running thereafter inside the four venues till 5pm.
Well-known Geelong bands performing on the day include the Andy Pobjoy Band, Dave Gardner Quarter, Des Camm Band, Hot Club Swing and the Royal Garden Jazz Band featuring George Washingmachine.
Up and coming jazz musos also get their chance to swing, with the Christian College Jazz Student ensemble and the Jazz Apprentices also performing.
Festival organiser and jazz musician Felix Blatt said while he’d intended last year’s event as a one-off, popular demand had brought the Jazz Day back again.
“Last year it started off as a means of getting Geelong musicians playing in front of audiences again after the COVID lockdowns,” Mr Blatt said.
“I wasn’t going to do it this year but the venue owners came to me and said, would I do it please, and so I am.”
Mr Blatt said new blood was important to the jazz scene, in terms of both players and audiences.
“I think what’s important this year is we’ve put a couple of junior bands in to give the kids a go,” he said.
“I don’t know if you’ve seen the demography of the people who like jazz around Geelong, but we’re all getting pretty long in the tooth. So it’s important that we start engaging younger people, younger musicians, younger audiences, and so on.”
“So hopefully, this is the start of something we can continue.”
Acclaimed local saxophonist Dave Gardner said he was looking forward to the day.
“Last year this event proved to be a winner with those who attended as they soaked up the music and fine food and wine available at the various venues,” he said.
“It’s time for Geelong to come out and support the arts. Geelong Jazz Day gives everyone in the community the opportunity to enjoy the wonderful jazz that Geelong has hidden within its populace, and it all takes place in a wonderful location.”
Tickets at eventbrite.com.au or Pistol Pete’s on the day.
