Newport Jazz Festival is returning for its fifth year offering the Hobsons Bay community three days of incredible jazz.
The festival runs from Friday May 2 to Sunday May 4, with 44 bands at multiple venues including Newport Bowls Club main room and back room, the library and scout hall and the Junction Hotel.
It will showcase trad, mainstream, swing, blues, Bossa, beebop and beyond.
Opening the festival on Friday night famous Melbourne jazz swing & RnB band The Pearly Shells at their first Newport Jazz Festival.
On Saturday, jazz legend Bob Sedergreen and friends return to Newport Jazz. Bob’s impact and influence in performance, composition and education for over half a century has won the respect and admiration of recognised talents both in Australia and internationally. This year Bob has a stellar lineup of well known Melbourne players: Ash Gaudion (sax/vocals), Ian Dixon (trumpet), Gareth Hill (bass) and Mark Voogd (drums). For this year’s festival Bob has chosen a program of jazz classics. Each player will contribute to the program to ensure highlights and contrasts.
Adam Rudegeair will again join Bob Sedergreen in their Bourbon Street to Brunswick Street Project. Then Adam’s Trio will feature jazz/soul singer Joys Njambi at her first Newport.
Adam is a man of many talents. His eclectic exploration of the synthesis of funk, jazz and more experimental styles has resulted in spontaneous and deep grooves.
Last but by no means least, favourites The Sarah Maclaine Quartet will close out the festival on Sunday night, at their fifth Newport Jazz Festival.
The Music Valley Big Band is a surprising young group who will perform at their first Newport Jazz Festival. Featuring members of the MV Dream Team, a powerhouse ensemble delivering both captivating standards and innovative arrangements. This group showcases both local and global musical artistry.
Newport Jazz Festival – The Friendly Festival. Tickets melbournejazzjammers.com.au or at Newport Bowls Club, 4 Market Street, Newport.
