Jazz artists and performers of every type called to take part in MANLY JAZZ 2014
Organisers of Australia’s longest running public celebration of jazz music, the iconic ‘Manly Jazz’, are this year inviting participation by a broader range of jazz performers, genres and styles.
“Jazz is at the core of almost all modern music styles so at Manly Jazz we celebrate a variety of music while still cherishing the purist forms of jazz” said Festival creative director, Caroline Speight.
The thirty-seventh annual ‘Manly Jazz’ will run from 1 to 6 October with performances in over 15 indoor and outdoor venues including major stages alongside Manly’s 2.4 kilometre (1.5-mile) Pacific surf beach.
‘Manly Jazz’ is known worldwide for its beautiful location and the diversity of music it presents, from traditional New Orleans jazz to funk, Latin, fusion, blues, gospel, swing and roots.
In 2013, 80,000 music lovers flocked to Manly Beach to hear artists such as Lionel Cole, the incredible Emma Pask and Big Ol’ Bus Band.
Previous years have attracted international and local jazz greats such as Bill Summers, Eric Alexander, Tricia Evy, James Morrison, James Valentine and many, many more.
“The musical performances have evolved over the years and now range from traditional jazz to blues and funk performing in designated venues including open air beach-side stages, concert halls, bars, clubs and even churches,” said Jean Hay AM, Mayor of Manly.
“Manly Jazz is first and foremost a music festival – a real celebration of sound. But it is also a celebration of Australia’s beach culture and especially the wonderful Manly vibe. What better place to do so than right here at our beautiful beachfront?”
With a focus on building the future of music, ‘Manly Jazz’ continues to showcase young talent by inviting college and high school ensembles to perform as well as having them play with jazz greats.
“We’ve always included some small workshops with our guest artists and this year we are hoping to expand on this so that musicians of any style, young and old, can come along to talk with and learn from the professional musicians,” said Ms Speight.
“It’s a special part of Manly Jazz that literally makes music and musicians accessible to anyone but it hasn’t always received the recognition it deserves. This year we want to change that.”
The deadline for applications for artists to participate in Manly Jazz is Monday 30 June 2014.
Submissions open Friday 28 February 2014 and performer or venue details can be submitted online at www.manlyjazz.com.au
We are looking to hold jazz events in the Community Hall on Scotland Island next year. I wonder if you could help me in contacting artists/bands who may be interested in coming over to perform.
Thank you
Colin Haskell
President Scotland Island Residents Association