The biennial Valley Jazz Festival will return to the streets, cafes, bars and concert stages of Fortitude Valley and surrounds from Wednesday 25th to Sunday 29th May 2011. This 5 day festival is one of Jazz Queensland’s major programs of events and also a key event on the national jazz festival circuit that will animate over 200 local, regional and national artists, across more than 16 live music venues, attracting over 7,000 visitors to Brisbane’s vibrant inner city. In its 5th production, this event remains Brisbane’s only multi-venue festival, critically focused on the jazz art form, by presenting the most compelling and innovative accomplishments in Australian jazz and creative improvised music.
Artistic Director Andrew Shaw unveils the first two artists who will headline an innovative program of acts that will provide diverse opportunities for live music lovers to experience and engage with the very forefront of contemporary jazz, in colourful array of styles. While maintaining Jazz Qld’s commitment to the community through affordable ticket prices and presenting mostly, free public events.
So without further ado, Jazz Queensland is proud to announce the voice of Australian Jazz, Vince Jones, backed by a first-rate band featuring Australia’s leading jazz artists, Matt McMahon – Piano, Ben Waples – Double Bass and Simon Barker – Drums.
Joining Vince on this first announcement is the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra with Kristin Berardi. Australia’s leading jazz orchestra, featuring Australia’s leading young jazz vocalist, who will be presenting original compositions and jazz standards arranged by some of the world most dynamic large ensemble composers.
Vince Jones
If there was one voice in Australian jazz more recognized than any other, it would be that of Vince Jones. Our leading vocalist, interpreter, trumpet player and composer has entertained and informed us for decades with his ever-evolving elite group of musicians.
“A musician paints his or her life with the music they play. Each song a colour, each album a painting, reflecting the thoughts and experiences of that time. I have tried to make as beautiful and evocative music as I possibly could, and will keep this philosophy in the forthcoming music. You can only hope all the work you’ve produced will combine to make as honest a self portrait as you can possibly make,” says Vince Jones.
Described by the Herald’s jazz writer, John Shand, as ” unique crossover force in Australian music”, Vince Jones tackles that blurry genre somewhere between jazz, blues, folk and scat.
Date Venue Bookings | Sun 29 May 2011 Online Tickets: 07 3872 9000 |
Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra with Kristin Berardi
Valley Jazz Festival is proud to present this exciting new collaboration between the Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra and Kristin Berardi – Australia’s leading young jazz vocalist, presenting original compositions and jazz standards arranged by some of the world’s most dynamic large ensemble composers.
The Mothership is widely acknowledged as Australia’s leading jazz orchestra and was nominated as Australian Jazz Ensemble of the Year in 2006, 2007 & 2009. Musically this ensemble represents many of the finest young improvisers Australia has to offer, and features original music from Sydney’s most dynamic and creative large ensemble composers all packaged into one exciting super-ensemble.
Individually, the orchestra’s members have dominated Australia’s top prizes over the last decade, including the National Jazz Awards, the Freedman Fellowship, the Australian Jazz Artist of the Year (Bell awards), the James Morrison Scholarship, plus numerous international appearances and releases.
“…fits together as if genetically engineered” – The Australian, “powerhouse Australian Big Band…” – All About Jazz (US)
Date Bookings | Sat 28 May 2011 Online Tickets: 07 3872 9000 or, www.jwcoca.qld.gov.au |
For more information visit: www.valleyjazzfestival.com
* Flexi pass conditions
- The festival flexi pass will be available for use with a minimum of 5 concerts;
Not all concerts are available for use with the festival flexi pass; - Jazz Queensland Incorporated will determine and advertise the eligible concerts March 2011;
- The festival flexi pass is not transferable;
- If a normal full priced or concession ticket is purchased from the JWCoCA Box Office for a concert, it will not be exchanged for a festival flexi pass at a later date should the purchaser change their mind;
- The festival flexi pass will go on sale after the full program is announced in March 2011.
