Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues

The 2012 line up for Australia’s much-loved Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, was announced on Monday 16 July, with an exciting program of international jazz and blues artists from the USA, France, Germany and the UK, performing alongside the cream of Australian artists.

Staged over four days and nights on the pre-Melbourne Cup Day long weekend, the 2012 Festival program features more than 90 events at 8 venues all within walking distance within the Wangaratta township, as well as some additional shows at venues outside the city.

International artists headlining the jazz program include acclaimed British ensemble Lighthouse (UK) and in their first visits to Australia creative collaborative ensemble Trio M (USA), leading German saxophonist-composer Christina Fuchs and her No Tango Quartet, rising star from the New York jazz scene Gregory Porter (USA) who blends jazz with gospel and soul influences abrilliant young jazz singer Cyrille Aimee (France/USA), a regular on the New York jazz scene, performing with Australian expats, drummer Raj Jayaweera and bassist Sam Anning.

Special collaborations include performances from Trio M and great Australian improvisers trumpeter Scott Tinkler, trumpeter Phil Slater and drummer Simon Barker. Trio M bassist Mark Dresser and Scott Tinkler will also perform in a special separate duo collaboration.
The No Tango Quartet will combine with Andrea Keller and her Quartet to perform new compositions by Andrea Keller and Christina Fuchs. Acclaimed Sydney pianist Mike Nock teams up with guitarist Stephen Magnusson and drummer Laurence Pike, and esteemed multi-award winning pianist Paul Grabowsky collaborates with ARIA-award winning legend of the Australian jazz scene Bernie McGann. Guitarist Ian Date returns from Ireland to perform with saxophonist/clarinetist Andy Firth, and award-winning trumpeter Bob Barnard will perform for the first time with fellow trumpeter Warwick Alder.

Other highlights from the lineup Australian bands include Phil Slater’s Sun Songbook where Slater performs music by the great Australian composer Peter Sculthorpe. The great oud player Joseph Tawadros will display his skills as an improviser alongside his brother James on percussion and two eminent jazz players pianist Matt McMahon and bassist Steve Hunter. The Festival also features young up and comer Sydney bassist Hannah James and her Quintet, Canberra’s Alex Stuart who is now based in France, the brilliant pianist from Hobart Tom Vincent, multi-reed virtuoso Adam Simmons leading his Origami trio with bassist Howard Cairns and drummer Anthony Baker, as well as one of the premier improvising bands in the Sydney jazz scene Baecastuff.

Lighting up the Blues Marquee - in a Festival exclusive performance - pianist-singer Jon Cleary (USA), brings his own special brand of New Orleans funk, blues, R&B and jazz to Wangaratta, in a trio with Sydney team Jonathan Zwartz (bass) and Hamish Stuart (drums); and legendary old school bluesman, harmonica player and singer Charlie Musselwhite (USA) will perform with his band.

Australian blues artists include exhilarating Sydney guitarist Ray Beadle with his soul-stirring music, and guitarist-vocalist Dom Turner collaborating with harmonica player Ian Collard; Sydney blues guitarist Darren Jack who recently won a swag of awards at the 2012 Australian Blues Music Awards including Best New Talent of the Year, Best Song of the Year and Best Album of the Year; and winner of the 2006 triple j ‘Light Your Fuse’ award, Wangaratta-born blues singer Dallas Frasca.

The voice is the centre of attention at this year’s National Jazz Awards, featuring ten outstanding young singers battling it out for first prize on Sunday 4 November. Each year the competition focuses on a different instrument, and the competition is fierce, with entries from across Australia and around the world, including in 2012, Korea, New Zealand and the USA. Winner of the National Jazz Awards in 1998, Michelle Nicole returns to judge the competition with renowned Australian vocalist Vince Jones and notable pianist Mike Nock. All three judges will also perform with their own bands. Finalists will be announced in September.

For detailed program information about all artists (including bios, website links & audio samples) or to book tickets, find transport and accommodation information visit www.wangarattajazz.com

Event Details
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues - Friday 2 to Monday 5 November 2012
Festival Passes on sale NOW. Purchase before 16 September to save! Full details on wangarattajazz.com

TICKET TYPES:
Single day, full weekend jazz and blues Festival Pass or blues only passes available:
- Festival Weekend Pass
- Festival Friday Night / Festival Saturday / Festival Sunday passes
- Blues Weekend Pass
- Blues Saturday Pass / Blues Sunday Pass

Cost: From $55 to $125 for a single day pass or from $185 to $225 for a full weekend pass. Discounts apply for concession cardholders (proof required).

Reserved seating option: $20. Available for performances in the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre Theatre to guarantee admission and avoid queuing.

Separately Ticketed Events:
- Festival Launch Cocktail Party $65
- Festival Launch Cocktail Party + Festival Friday Night Pass $120
- Cup Eve Concert $50
- Youth Showcase Concert $20

ACCOMMODATION:
Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre – visit www.wangaratta.com.au | 1800 801 065