Who’d have thought you could squeeze so much awesome music and fun into just 2 days: 8 sets with 6 of those on Sunday! (we really know how to have fun).
It was a great weekend of jazz with delightful weather every day. The venues were well prepared with excellent sound techs allocated to each venue. The volunteers were so helpful and the organizers did a fantastic job keeping the program exciting and the bands to time.
We played at some terrific venues: Merimbula RSL – Maple Leaf and Function Rooms, Lakeview Hotel, Twyford Hall and in the very cute and intimate Dulcie’s Cottage.
Pippa Wilson and Friends
As always, we were thrilled to back Pippa Wilson. This was Jazz Notes second time at Merimbula with Pippa and we were joined by Larry Kean (drums) and Doug Kuhn (double bass). With excellent crowds and a great vibe, our two sets were amazing. As an added bonus, these sets were a great leadup to our Knox Concert Series later in July this year and Seniors’ Week at the Australian Jazz Museum.
Jazz Notes Duo
We performed two sets (back to back) in the beautiful Dulcie’s Cottage. It was the perfect setting for Ann and Kevin. The audience feels part of the ensemble. And having a 2-hour time slot was a great chance for many audience to hear the magic that happens when flute and guitar get together. George and Don were certainly onto something back in the day – Ann & Kevin are pleased to be continuing in that tradition.
Ann Craig – flutes, Kevin Blazé – guitar
Flute, Vibes and 2 Gits
Unique sounds with Marek showing his style on the vibes. The only vibes player at the festival and we had a good audience at both of our sets.
Ann Craig – flutes & percussion, Kevin Blazé – guitar, Frank Morgan – bass, Marek Podstawek – vibes & percussion
Caught In The Act! – Round Midnight
Unfortunately Malcolm and Ashley couldn’t make the trip this year but we still played some great repertoire. One lovely young man came and said “imho, you were the best band in the festival!”. Ann became the only jazz musician at the festival playing the picocolo and we think the alto flute, as well as her usual flute. So for our instrumental bands a few firsts!
Ann Craig – flute, alto flute, piccolo, Kevin Blazé – guitar, Frank Morgan – bass, Marek Podstawek – drums & percussion
Other bands
Between sets we managed to catch a few other bands:
• ‘SWonderful
• In2Deep
• In Full Swing
• Jazz Lauvers
• Kooky Fandango
• Triple Exposure