This year marks a special milestone as the Clarence Jazz Festival celebrates 21 years.
From humble beginnings, the festival has now grown to a nine day festival, with more than 200 artists playing at nine stunning locations around our city, including waterfront sites from South Arm to Geilston Bay, and the rural retreats of Richmond and Cambridge.
The festival program for 2017 was launched this morning at Bellerive Boardwalk. Local traditional jazz veterans, the Paul Martin Quartet, and young musicians, the Shoreline Jazz Collective, joined forces to surprise locals with their musical talents, providing a glimpse of what this year’s festival has to offer.
The Clarence Jazz Festival, held from 18-26 February 2017, also welcomes international and national musicians. Headline acts include Canadian jazz trumpeter and composer Mike Field, known for his bright, upbeat and energetic performances. Vocalist extraordinaire Kristin Berardi, one of Australia’s ‘first call’ jazz vocalists will also make an appearance, bringing her technical brilliance and full throttle soul to the stage.
To celebrate its coming of age, the festival is having a birthday party to start the event, headed up by three of the most jumping jive and swing bands in the country; Shuffle Club (from Melbourne), Lucky 7 (from Adelaide) and Yesterday’s Gentlemen (from Hobart).
The nine day festival, presented in parklands and waterfront locations throughout the Eastern Shore, allows audiences to indulge in European styling, South American rhythms and Louisiana foot stompers, all whilst enjoying uniquely Tasmanian pinot noir, cider and seafood.
Clarence Jazz Festival Convenor, Alderman Heather Chong, is thrilled with this year’s festival line-up.
“The Jazz Festival is a signature event in our city and delivers a fantastic festival atmosphere for people of all ages to enjoy,” Alderman Chong said.
“With our extensive list of artists involved this year, the Clarence Jazz Festival will celebrate its 21st birthday in style.”
“The festival program will be included in The Saturday Mercury this weekend and is also available on the Clarence Arts and Events website.”
The program provides a go-to guide for patrons to find out more about the gigs, locations and what to see and do in Clarence.
More information on the Clarence Jazz Festival can be found at www.clarenceartsandevents.net or on Facebook.