By JONATHON HOWARD
THE 23rd annual Noosa Jazz Festival has been hailed a roaring success after hundreds of eager jazz fans converged on Noosa Heads Lions Park on the weekend.
The park was transformed into a colourful display of dancers, performers and families soaking up the sun and sensational atmosphere.
The sweet sounds of jazz filled the air as artists such as Vince Jones, Grace Knight, Emma Pask, Jan Preston and a host of others performed to cheers from the audience.
Several events were sold-out including Tastings on Hastings, where pop-up restaurants lined the famous street.
Festival CEO Vickii Cotter said Noosa’s backdrop blended perfectly with some of the best musicians in Australia, along with mouth-watering offerings from restaurants and cafes.
“We had more than 20,000 people attend the region for the Jazz Festival over the four days (Thursday 4 Septmeber to Sunday 7 September),” Ms Cotter said.
“This year we even played host to an official touring party of 120 New Zealand delegates who stayed and played at the event as well as taking in the sites of the local region.”
Ms Cotter said the festival village once again provided the best location.
“At the heart of the festival was the ‘Festival Village’, which offered 2 stages over 45 performances including main stage performances, workshops, master classes and jazz river cruises, all set in a family friendly relaxed picnic style atmosphere,” she said.
“The event welcomed the introduction of the ‘Legends Series’ – where legends of the Australian Jazz and Music Industry entertained guest in an intimate dining experience.
“The 2014 ‘Legends Lunch’ with Steve Clisby from Channel Nine’s talent show THE VOICE, was held at the RACV Resort and featured a two-course lunch menu, complimentary beverage on arrival and show.”A new addition in 2014 was the ‘Legends Dinner’ series with guests dining alongside Vince Jones and band while enjoying a delicious three-course dinner meal prepared by Noosa Springs Resort.”
In summary, Ms Cotter said this year’s Noosa Jazz Festival was by far the best on record.
“We had a great time in the festival village this year! Perfect weather, amazing artists, sell out shows and wonderful patrons – for us, yes! This was the best year on record,” she said.
