71st Australian Jazz Convention
There must be something very special about Ballarat for it to be voted host of the Australian Jazz Convention for a second consecutive year.
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In fact it’s the first time in over 65 years that a location has hosted back to back conventions.
The reason, according to event committee member Gerard Ballinger, is the city’s musical appeal.
It’s New Orleans-style streetscapes, an array of ideal music venues and friendly people were enough to help edge Ballarat over the line as the preferred location for 2016.
And with attendee numbers almost doubling in 2015 from the previous year at Swan Hill, the decision was made hard to resist.
Coming with it this year is a brand new line-up of performers which are expected to draw in jazz lovers from around the world.
This year’s five-day jazz convention kicks-off on Boxing Day, officially marking the fourth time the city has hosted the popular event since its beginning in 1946.
But while the aim of the convention is to encourage and promote jazz in Australia, Mr Ballinger said it did not mean it was a serious affair.
In the contrary, he said the event was a chance for people to meet, share ideas and appreciate performances.
“Jazz can be enjoyed by so many people on so many levels,” Mr Ballinger said.
“Whether you are a seasoned performer or a person that simply enjoys the sounds of jazz, it is an art form that captures the attention of people from around the world.
“Jazz can take you on a journey of enlightenment and pleasure as well as the opportunity for social and human interaction. It is motivating, as well as allowing an avenue for artistic expression, through music.”
This year’s convention incorporates a number of events including a street parade on December 27 in the Bridge Mall from 10.30am.
That same day Ballarat chief music archivist Rex Hardware will host a live recording tips and tricks workshop between 9-10am, which will be followed by the free Twilight Public Concert at Alfred Deakin Place from 6-9pm.
With music flooding Ballarat’s streets, it will be hard not to miss one of the event’s popular performances at its eight venues and public spaces around the city.
More than 50 genres of jazz, from big band and swing, to Latin and cool will be performed by some of the country’s best performers over the five-day event.
For more details, or to see the full list of performers schedule visit www.2016jazzconvention.org.au
A day pass can be purchased from the Ballarat Mining Exchange or Ballarat Fine Art Gallery during the convention.
