By TANIA PHILLIPS
GET ready to get in the groove with this year’s jazz program for Warwick’s quirky winter festival, Jumpers and Jazz in July being released this week.
The giant jigsaw of jazz performers has been pieced together, mixing festival favourites with new names.
Jumpers and Jazz in July festival advisory team chairwoman Karina Devine is delighted with the variety of acts engaged for this year’s festival.
“We will see the return of The Freud Squad and The Blue Violets, who have contributed to the vibe and energy our festival is famous for,” Ms Devine said.
“We also have crowd favourites Dezzie D and the Stingrayz and The Well Swung Daddies returning and playing several gigs.”
Together with these return acts, is a great line-up of newcomers including The Con Artists who are headlining this year’s Winter Dinner event. Held in the historic Town Hall, the evening is a night to taste and experience the Southern Downs region’s premier food and wine, while enjoying this 18-piece orchestra from Griffith University that showcases Brisbane’s brightest emerging talent.
The festival launch party won’t disappoint, according to Ms Devine, with Dezzie D and the Stingrayz taking the audience back to the ’40s and ’50s era with class, sass and provocative tunes.
Warwick’s Kings Theatre will be a-shakin’ thanks to The Andrews Sisters show and Well Swung Daddies.
This year’s ladies event, Capture Your Essence, will host the captivating Barbara Fordham for the afternoon.
More venues will be swinging throughout the 10 days as Bryson’s Place hosts Jan Preston – Australia’s Queen of boogie piano – for two evenings, with Aperitif Jazz Ensemble taking the stage at Ballandean Tavern, Joie de Vivre and The Goods Shed at Warwick Railway Station.
Open air venues are not to be forgotton with the Memphis Moovers making their way through Palmerin Street during the RACQ Car Event and the Salvation Army Big Band live on the ANZ Stage during the Warwick Credit Union Stroll n Swing and Ergon Picnic in the Park.
The Festival will have new jazz by toe-tapping act Mal Wood, Brisbane-based crooners Sebastian’s Habit and the JMI New Orleans Jazz Band will deliver the fun, swingin’ sounds to the Downtown Lounge, the Stroll n Swing and Picnic in the Park.
“Festival attendees can expect to see some of Australia’s finest jazz musicians descend on community stages and private venues throughout the region, in unique and engaging event formats,” Ms Devine said.
This year’s jazz program for Jumpers and Jazz in July was supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund, a partnership between the Queensland Government and Southern Downs Regional Council to support local arts and culture.
Don’t miss out, head to the festival’s website www.jumpersandjazz.com to view the full program.
