As part of Ballarat’s Winter Festival, performances range from the eclectic Phileas Fogg Trio – with musicians from Macedonia, France and the UK – and famed clarinetist Andy Firth, who has played at New York’s Carnegie Hall.  

Ballarat Events manager Gerard Ballinger said the first weekend had been an “outstanding success”, with local saxophonist Sam Boon leading the charge on Friday night.

“There was a strong crowd on opening night, the atmosphere was extraordinary, and Sam is an absolute star,” he said. 

“I think the word will now get out the quality is there for the next weekend. The Jazz Series has a lot of scope for advancement and growth.

“I’d like to think it will be a permanent fixture for the Ballarat Winter Festival, because it might be cold outside but it’s wonderfully warm inside with lovely music.”

This is the series’ inaugural year. 

The Jazz Series will re-emerge in the last weekend in July, with the Georgia Brooks Swingtet performing rip-roaring swing at their CD launch on July 27.

Lauded performer and improvisation pianist Andrea Keller will play at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute on July 29.

The Jackson Four, and guitar experts Mick Trembath, Peter Baylor, Ashley Kluss, Wayne Parker and Barry Deenick will also get Balalrat into the groove as part of the series.

More information at jazzseries.com.au