11 days, 11 a.m. to 3 a.m, 114 events, 165 musicians, 3 Umbrian chefs
In May 2005, Umbria Jazz, one of the world’s greatest jazz festivals will be presented in Melbourne, making Melbourne the jazz capital of the Southern Hemisphere.
Just as the Australian Open drew together the top tennis players in the world, so too the Umbria Jazz Festival will draw together the world’s top jazz artists.
For the first time ever, the Umbria Jazz Festival will be transported in its entirety from Italy to Melbourne. “It is unprecedented, that Carlo Pagnotta, the man who for more than 30 years has reigned over one of the most prestigious jazz festivals in the world and discovered some of the greatest jazz legends in the world, should bring Umbria Jazz to Melbourne,” said Albert Dadon, Chairman of the Festival.
Celebration of Life: from May 5 – 15, the autumn days and nights of Melbourne will be filled with hot jazz, blues, gospel and funk music and sublime Italian slow food. From late morning till the early hours, jazz lovers will be able to savour fine meals from the Umbrian region, while listening to jazz, then strolling from one venue to another.
Umbria Precinct: the heart of Melbourne will be transformed into a jazz precinct that resounds with the syncopated rhythm of life. Groups will perform in Federation Square, the Forum Theatre, Bennett’s Lane, BMW Edge, Hamer Hall, the Grand Hyatt Melbourne and in the City of Stonnington’s Malvern Town Hall and Chapel off Chapel.
Artists: Of the 165 artists performing at the Festival, one of the many highlights is the sensational 15-year-old Francesco Cafiso, winner of the famous World Saxophone Competition in London who has been described as the new Charlie Parker. While the Festival will be presenting the up and coming, the Festival will host Jazz legends such as Wayne Shorter, John Scofield and Paolo Fresu. Other Jazz great include Karrin Allyson, Harry Allen and Joe Cohn from America. Stefano Bollani, Danilo Rea, Giovanni Tommaso will be among those travelling from Italy. Joe Chindamo and Graeme Lyall, James Morrison, Graeme Bell, Paul Grabowsky, Mike Nock, Allan Browne and Kate Ceberano among the Australians.
Free Program: so that the whole of Melbourne can enjoy the Festival, more than 50% of the performances are free. From the USA, Dr Bobby Jones and the Nashville Super Choir with Gospel at its best, Rockin’ Dopsie Jnr. and the Zydeco Twisters from New Orleans, Funk Off from Italy and Los Cabrones from Australia will perform each day from 1.30pm to 7pm in Federation Square and some evenings at the Malvern Town Hall, in Stonnington.
Food Venues: Chefs from the Umbria Region will prepare regional delicacies at the Grand Hyatt Melbourne and Forum Theatre. The Grand Hyatt Melbourne will host a 3-course buffet lunch daily with live music entertainment, as well as an Umbrian themed dinner menu. Or enjoy a unique and spectacular dining experience in the Forum’s Main Theatre before the 8:30pm double bill.
Master Classes: with jazz greats John Scofield (guitar), Bill Stewart (drums) and John Patitucci (bass).
TICKETS CAN BE PURCHASED THROUGH THE FOLLOWING OUTLETS:
FORUM & BMW EDGE:
Ticketek 132 849 / www.ticketek.com.au
HAMER HALL, the Arts Centre: Ticketmaster7 1300 136 166 / www.ticketmaster7.com
BENNETTS LANE: + 61 3 9663 2856
GRAND HYATT MELBOURNE: + 61 3 9657 1234
CHAPEL OFF CHAPEL: + 61 3 8290 7000
Students (23 and under) and pensioners are eligible for concession tickets
FESTIVAL PASSES: $990 for entry to every show of the Festival
Through Festival office – +61 3 9827 1499
Visit www.mijf.org for full program details and more information re FESTIVAL PASSES
MEDIA ENQUIRIES:
AUSTRALIA:
PRUE BASSETT PUBLICITY
P: +61 (0) 3 9652 8641
M: +61 (0) 419 559 040
E-mail: prue@netspace.net.au
USA:
ENZO CAPUA
P: +1 212 2657223
M: +1 – 646 – 331 7223
E-mail: enzoc@worldnet.att.net
ITALY:
UMBRIA JAZZ FESTIVAL
P: +39 (0) 75 5732 432
E-mail: info@umbriajazz.com
