The MJC (and Martin Jackson) will have completed exactly 30 years of, sometimes, hard labour on this coming Australia Day long weekend: 30 years since the MJC's first concert on January 30, 1983 (and exactly 20 years since the MJC's first Sunday night at Bennetts Lane Jazz Club). Congratulations to Martin, all those hard working committee members over the years, the musicians and the audiences.
To celebrate (despite the lack of State finance), their 30th. Anniversary Project kicks off on Friday at noon in the City Square, with a FREE outdoor concert featuring two swinging groups in the Craig Fermanis Trio and Daniel Gassin Sextet (plus some special guest performers).
On Saturday night catch the Jex Saarelaht Quartet at the Uptown Jazz Cafe. Then on Sunday, 2 pm, at The Edge, Fed Square, we have the MJC's 30th. Anniversary Concert. The trio of Browne-Costello-Grabowsky premiered at the MJC's first concert at RMIT Glasshouse on January 30, 1983, and went on to win two ARIAs for their albums on Spiral Scratch. Allan Browne and Paul Grabowsky will perform in a trio with bassist Frank DiSario. Their set will include Grabowsky's piece for the wonderful late Gary Costello. This unique concert also features the Keller-Murphy-Browne Trio and the premiere of a collaboration between New York pianist Barney McAll, tenor saxophonist Julien Wilson and Sydney bassist Jonathan Zwartz. Tickets through Ticketmaster or at the Door. $30/$20 con ($10 children). MJC Members: Gold $20/Silver $20 & $15 con
Our regular Sunday night at Bennetts Lane will feature Rabid Hawk, while Tuesday night at Bennetts Lane will present Allan Browne Sextet performing his "Conjuror" CD of music and poetry. Archival and a compilation CD set will follow during this year.
