Classic songs like I Got Rhythm, 56 Noosa Chorale singers and Australia’s elite jazz musos all wrapped up in a week-end of jazz at The J – who could ask for anything more?
It’s been 10 years since the choir and Australian Jazz Ensemble first combined to launch the Noosa Jazz Festival and dazzle audiences with hit songs from the 1920s and ’30s made famous by Louis Armstrong, Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra and other great entertainers.
And, says Chorale president Donald Grant, it’s been a sell-out each time.
“It’s always a thrill to do these concerts with the jazz club and share the opening of the festival. It’s also great fun.
“We’re trying something new and different this year. Instead of having guest singers, our music director, Kim Kirkman, and our accompanist, Janet Brewer, have been auditioning members of the choir, and we have hit songs like Girl from Ipanema all sung by soloists, duets, trios and sextets.
“In total, the choir is doing more than 20 numbers, some with the Jazz Ensemble.”
Jazz Club president Richard Stevens said the Jazz Ensemble line-up includes Steven Grant, trumpet; Brett Iggulden, soprano sax; Paul Williams, clarinet; John Reeves, piano; David Burrows, guitar; John Conley, string bass; and Calvert Duffy, drums.
“They are an extraordinary lineup of talented jazz musicians, each bringing their unique sound to the stage, all well known to Noosa jazz fans.
Richard said that, as well as the two concerts with the Chorale, there would be Jazz Party sessions at The J and two afternoon matinees at the heritage-listed Majestic Theatre, Pomona.
“The Jazz Party concerts are a unique highlight, featuring individual musicians invited to play at the festival and forming into bands and ensembles that guarantee exciting improvisations of traditional jazz and a musical experience unlike any other.
“Between the concerts, our musicians will entertain over lunches and dinners at Lucio’s Marina, Tewantin; Noosa Springs Resort and Spa, Noosa Heads; Trattoria Benati, Noosa Junction and a sunset jazz cruise on the river, followed by a dinner concert at the Marina Bar.”
He said: “To wrap up the festival, there is a free family picnic concert, a perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day, September 7, at Gympie Terrace Riverstage along the Noosa River in Noosaville.”
Ticket details and concert dates for Chorale. I Got Rhythm, The J, Friday August 29 at 7pm and Saturday August 30 at 2pm. thej.com.au Tickets $53.
Jazz Festival tickets, log into Noosa Jazz Club’s website at .noosajazzclub.com, email info@noosajazzclub.com, or phone/text 0478 256 245 for more information.
