The 2011 lineup for Australia's premier Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues has an exciting program of international guests alongside the cream of Australia’s jazz and blues artists, for a long weekend of diverse musical collaborations and exclusive appearances.
Staged over four days and nights on the pre-Melbourne Cup Day long weekend - Friday 28 October to Monday 31 October - the 2011 Festival program features more than 75 events at ten venues within the Wangaratta township. The much loved Festival is a destination event for lovers of top-draw music, the renowned gourmet food and wine of the district and the spectacular springtime displays of Victoria’s beautiful High Country.
International artists – many exclusive to the Festival - include American trombonist-composer Josh Roseman, considered one of the most original and articulate trombone voices in jazz today; brilliant young Cuban pianist Fabian Almazan, solo bass pioneer Barre Phillips (France), La Societe des Antipodes (France / Australia), gifted multi instrumentalist Peter Apfelbaum (USA) and American blues guitarist Jimmy D Lane. Internationally based Australians include New York based pianist composer Barney McAll and bassist composer Linda Oh with her Quartet; and Netherlands based pianist composer Walter Lampe. Josh Roseman, who brings his own band from NYC, will also perform in a special collaboration with the Australian Art Orchestra showcasing his compositions for a large ensemble. Other exclusive collaborations
see the remarkable Linda Oh performing in a duo with vocalist Gian Slater. Pianist-composer Barney McAll, who moved to NY in 1998, premieres a special project featuring two pianos (himself and Andrea Keller) and vibraphone, in collaboration with Gian Slater as she leads a 16-voice choir; formidable bass virtuoso Barre Phillips will perform solo, and in a one-off event with Australian pianist Mike Nock; and La Societe des Antipodes features a collaboration between the French clarinetist Denis Colin and the Australian saxophonist Adam Simmons.
Other outstanding jazz artists on the program include Paul Grabowsky and Sandy Evans playing for the first time as a duo, James Muller, Mark Isaacs, Ted Vining’s Impressions, Elliott Dalgleish and Allan Browne. Phil Stack and Rai Thistlethwayte will take a break from their tour with Thirsty Merc to exercise their jazz chops, while Katie Noonan and Elixir will be featured at the Cup Eve Concert. Ten outstanding young drummers will be showcased in the National Jazz Awards, and there will be a program of workshops designed for secondary-level students.
The Blues program will be headlined by renowned US guitarist and singer Jimmy D Lane, son of Chicago blues great, Jimmy Rogers. “Lane has played with his father and a host of other legends, from BB King to Eric Clapton, and is greatly looking forward to his first visit to Australia”, said Jackson. He will be joined at the Blues Marquee by bands like Jim Conway’s Big Wheel, Collard Greens & Gravy and Blue Heat, as well as Paul Williamson’s Hammond Blues Revue, with special guests Shannon Bourne, Ella Thompson and James Black.
The Festival’s artistic director, Adrian Jackson said, “This year’s program will ensure that Wangaratta maintains its reputation as Australia’s premier jazz and blues festival. We have some outstanding acts from overseas, many of the leading artists in Australian jazz and blues, some new faces, and some unique collaborations on the program.”
In addition to a great lineup of jazz and blues performers, Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues offers visitors the chance to enjoy local gourmet foods and wines for which the surrounding region is renowned, whether at street stalls in town over the weekend, or meals at venues like Brown Brothers Epicurean Centre, Baileys of Glenrowan, the Pinsent Hotel or the Wangaratta Gateway.
It all adds up to Wangaratta Jazz 2011 being an event that no music lover can afford to miss - great music, a great long weekend, equals a great experience!
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues
Dates: Friday 28 to Monday 31 October
Festival Passes: On sale now
Festival Passes for access to all venues or blues venues only range from $65 to $220, or
from $45 to $170 for earlybird (must be purchased before 3 September) and concession
The Festival Pass offers admission to all venues, however there is an allocated seating option for shows in the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre Theatre to ensure a particular concert and
avoid queuing.
www.wangarattajazz.com
Accommodation: Wangaratta Visitor Information Centre
1800 801 06 /www.visitwangaratta.com.au
