Geelong’s first jazz and blues festival in 40 years is set to kick off on 14 and 15 March.
With 40 artists performing in five central Geelong venues across two days, the Geelong Jazz and Blues Festival brings together international trailblazers, Australia’s best jazz and blues exponents and local emerging talent.
Festival founder and secretary Felix Blatt said the festival, which is completely funded by ticket sales and private sponsors, was all about the Geelong community, which included audiences, venue owners and performers.
“Little Malop Street business owners are just clamouring for it; the city needs it,” he said.
“We have a street band that will be on Saturday and Sunday that will be called the Northside Collective, which is some people from Corio, North Geelong, including Wayne Jury.
“The community wants it, we’re supporting community bands…It’s all about bringing a bit of life into the town.”
In addition to emerging local talent such as the Jazz Apprentices, the Pearly Reds Blues Band, the festival will feature legendary South African drummer Brian Abrahams and his Afrospace Interchange and Indonesian-born pianist Ade Ish.
Other well-known performers include blues legend Fiona Boyes, John Scurry’s acclaimed band Reverse Swing, bassist/vocalist Sweet Felicia, virtuosic improvisers Checkerboard Lounge and the Bellarine’s own ukulele queen Sarah Carroll.
Australian jazz master Bob Sedergreen will also perform at a special concert on Saturday night at the Courthouse, joined by bassist Clive Harrison and drummer Mark Voogd.
Visit geelongjazzandblues.com.au for tickets and more information.
