Celebrating 20 years since it all began, Devonport Jazz is ready to get back into the groove with a great festival line-up from 22-25 July.
The highly anticipated program includes many of the artists slated for last year’s COVID-cancelled festival. “We have been so fortunate to be able to engage many of the artists that we had booked for 2020,” said Festival Producer Maree Brodzinski. “These artists were very excited to be invited again after the disappointment of last year. None of them wanted to miss their chance to perform at Devonport Jazz.”
Highlights of the festival will include one of Australia’s most distinguished artists – pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky AO. Winner of eight ARIA awards, two Helpmann awards, several APRA and Bell Awards, and a Deadly award, Grabowsky will appear in a special solo performance at the Town Hall Theatre.
Five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan has proven herself one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile, and prolific artists. Her successful solo career encompasses opera, jazz, pop, rock, and dance music. For Devonport Jazz, Noonan returns to her beloved genre of jazz with her Quintet, to perform reinterpretations of the classic 80s songs that shaped her life, from her latest album “The Sweetest Taboo”.
A brand-new force in Melbourne’s live music scene, Bitches Brew will be bringing their brand of blues and roots to Devonport Jazz. Led by trombonist/vocalist Lisa Baird (Lily & King, Melbourne Ska Orchestra) the band will present a sizzling and soulful mix of sharp wit and driving rhythms. Bitches Brew is an infectious ensemble as at home on daylight festival stages or in the dark candle-lit corner of some ill-reputed speakeasy.
Queensland vocalist Ingrid James will team up with American trumpet player Paul Armstrong at the Recipe for Romance Devonport Jazz Gala, as well as a giving a taste of Swing, Bop, and Brazil.
As well as the regular format of multiple venues across the city, Providore Place will feature opportunities for local performers with Jazz in the Pavilion. This will include pop-up choirs, community bands, and other activities on Saturday 24 July, and the Jazz M.A.D. youth showcase with emerging musicians, artists, and dancers on Sunday 25 July. As a free venue, patrons will be able to wander in, sit down and relax, and have a bite to eat or have a drink while listening to a variety of home-grown talent.
Don’t hibernate this winter. Explore what Devonport Jazz has to offer.