Jim Fagan
In 1994 Tourism Noosa welcomed its 500,000 visitor since it started telling the world about Noosa’s attractions six years earlier.
There must have been something in the Noosa ether at the time because, while the tourists came and saw, some of them decided to return and live here.
Among them were singers, musicians and artists who formed groups to enjoy and explore their creativity and this year today’s members are celebrating the 30th anniversary of their founding.
And they are doing it in style.
In August the three groups, Noosa Chorale, Noosa Heads Jazz Club and the Tinbeerwah Art Group, will present a month-long series of art and music events starting on Thursday 1 August at The J with the admission-free TAG art exhibition, The Joy of Music. The exhibition will be officially opened at 5pm.
Later in the month the exhibition will be followed with two concerts All That Jazz featuring Chorale singers and national and local jazz musos on Thursday and Saturday, 22 and 24 August, as the launch of the 11-day Noosa Jazz Festival.
MUSIC THEME FOR PAINTINGS
TAG artists are working on Thursday and Friday mornings painting art works with a music theme for the exhibition.
“While there are more youthful members joining us, many of our members are seniors,” TAG committee member, Jan Cooke said.
“It’s amazing how those who join our group had either never painted since childhood or had forgotten how much they enjoyed it. Others have uncovered talent they never realised they had.
“Our classes, with award winning artists as guest tutors, offer the opportunity to develop new skills and to make new friends.
“The group was founded by retired art teacher Gwen Blair. She wanted to join an art group but she couldn’t find one so she started her own. The rest is history!
“The Tinbeerwah Art Group has been meeting at Tinbeerwah Hall on the corner of Cooroy-Tewantin Rd and Sunrise Rd ever since.
“Gwen passed away in 2013 but her legacy lives on. The group has grown from a few friends meeting on a Thursday morning to a membership of over 50 local artists. Each year TAG holds its annual art show in memory of Gwen.
“This year’s show is at Tinbeerwah Hall on August 16-18 in conjunction with the one at The J.”
Jan said: “TAG is thrilled to be co-celebrating its 30th anniversary with the Noosa Heads Jazz Club and the Chorale. “
CHORALE IN REHEARSAL
Right now, Noosa Chorale is rehearsing jazz classics like Ain’t Misbehaving, All That Jazz and Rhythm of Life with guest conductor and accomplished musician Paul Coppens who founded the Melbourne Philharmonic Orchestra and has worked with many choirs and orchestras in productions of ballet, opera, operetta and musical comedy.
Said Chorale secretary, Margaret Haffenden: “In 1994 Melbourne barrister Joe McMahon moved to Noosa and had the urge to form a choir to sing Handel’s Messiah which he had sung with other choirs, loved and wanted to do again. He advertised for singers and that year Noosa Chorale was born when it performed Messiah at Christmas.
“It was a grand occasion that marked the beginning of a fabulous musical journey over the last three decades. Since then, the choir has presented close on 80-plus large-scale productions with symphony orchestras and Queensland Opera soloists. These have included classical works by great western composers like Guiseppe Verdi and featuring popular composers like George Gershwin.
“In addition, the Chorale has taken part in Anzac Day observances, Christmas Carols in Hastings Street and other community events which has made the Chorale such an important part of the entertainment fabric in Noosa.”
Margaret said: It’s important to note that during the last 30 years the Chorale has retained a strong, keen membership. Well over 700 choristers have been part of the choir during those years and, judging by the enthusiasm of today’s singers, the future has a bright note.”
On stage with the choir will be the Australian Jazz Ensemble featuring star musos like Brett Iggulden (trumpet), Paul Williams (clarinet) and Ian Date (guitar).
HOW THE JAZZ CLUB STARTED
The 11-day Jazz Festival also features four concerts at The J, a Sunday afternoon concert at The Majestic Theatre at Pomona, and an end-of-festival Sunday 1 September free afternoon concert at Lions Park Riverstage, Noosaville.
Although the Jazz Club was formed in 1994, president Richard Stevens recalled how he and trumpet player, Frank Johnston, who had moved from Melbourne to Noosa initiated the Jazz Party in 1992.
“Frank wanted Noosa to have a festival and I remember walking with him up and down Hastings Street all those years ago asking the accommodation houses when the worst time of the year for business was.
“We were told the two weeks before Christmas and the weeks before the Victoria and New South Wales September school holidays. Accommodation starts to get expensive after that so we picked late August/early September for the first Jazz Party to keep the costs down for the fans and it’s been held then ever since.
“That first was a free concert down in Noosa Woods. We built a stage with some milk crates and some plywood and it was all pretty laid back and casual. The event was rebadged as the Noosa Jazz Festival in 1994.
“The Jazz Party/Festival name was revived in 2011 and concerts are our centrepiece event. They feature individual musicians who form into bands and ensembles that guarantee exciting improvisations of traditional jazz.”
Richard said: “We decided that Noosa needed more than an annual festival of jazz, so in 1994 we started the Jazz Club with a committee, including myself and Patsy Stevens, Frank Johnson, Austin Stringer and Janet Uphill to organise and stage regular concert events throughout the year.
“Today, the festival attracts visitors from all over eastern Australia and New Zealand and its focus is on classic or traditional jazz. We feel someone has to be there to keep genuine jazz in place so you can truly say that this is a jazz festival.
“In fact, I would say the concept is unique. It’s the only one of its kind in the country, if not the world.”
Richard said the musicians would also entertain over lunches and dinners at Lucio’s Marina, Miss Moneypenny’s in Hastings Street, and Noosa Boathouse at Noosaville. There would also be a special sunset experience at Noosa Springs Resort and a luncheon event Trattoria Benati at Noosa Junction plus river cruises followed by lunch or dinner at the Noosa Yacht and Rowing Club.
Events tickets: Noosa Chorale’s All That Jazz and Jazz Festival. Email: info@noosajazzclub.com, phone: 0478 256 245, noosajazzclub.com/program-tickets/
