10 reasons to visit the Melbourne Jazz Festival
Love jazz? Then you won’t want to miss the Melbourne International Jazz Festival. Running from June 2 to June 11 this year, here are 10 reasons why you don’t want to miss this event.
1. Celebrate a milestone
The Melbourne Jazz Festival is marking its 20th anniversary in 2017 with the most impressive show ever. Some 500 artists from Australia and around the world will perform in more than 120 shows across the city. There’s nothing else like it in the Australian jazz community.
2. See a legendary jazz guitarist
Bill Frisel has been called the most innovative and influential jazz guitarist of the past 25 years and will be performing two shows at the festival. In ‘When You Wish Upon A Star’ he is joined by an all-star band and will be reinterpreting classic cinematic scores from Psycho to The Godfather.
3. Hear a Grammy winning vocalist
Dianne Reeves is the most awarded female jazz singer in history and will be performing one special show to close the festival. She creates an intoxicating medley of jazz music with R&B, Latin and pop for a show that will blow you away.
4. Feel silent jazz
Out of Earshot is a unique performance that will show you how you can feel jazz music with your body, rather than hear it with your ears. It transforms music into physicality and explores the power of non-verbal communication. It will make you rethink everything you know about jazz.
5. See an Australian exclusive
Corey Henry & The Funk Apostles are bringing their special brand of groove to Melbourne for their only Australian show. It will be a cool combination of retro and modern funk, drawing from classics like Marvin Gaye and Prince.
6. Swing dance the night away
Put on your dancing shoes! Melbourne’s renowned swing dance community is hosting a buzzing big band dance night at Melbourne Town Hall and everyone is invited. If you’re not sure of the moves, arrive early for a free dance class.
7. Drink and dine
While the music feeds your soul, you’ll need to feed your stomach too. Restaurants and bars around the festival venues are offering special menus and deals for attendees, so you can sample some of Melbourne’s best cuisine.
8. Hit the clubs
Jazz was born in the smoky, intimate atmosphere of the clubs and there’s something really special about hearing it there still. The Jazzlab in Brunswick and The Toff in Town in the CBD will be hosting classic gigs that will make you feel like you're in 1920s New Orleans.
9. Take the family
If you’ve got grandkids in tow, this is the perfect opportunity to introduce them to the wonders of jazz. Play School’s Big Jazz Adventure combines your favourite television characters with a trio of Australia’s best jazz musicians for a morning of games, music and songs.
10. Learn from the masters
Festival headliners and up and coming musicians will be hosting a series of fascinating two-hour workshops during the festivals. They’ll will share their experiences, give advice and reveal their process – and best of all, it’s free.
Have you ever been to the Melbourne Jazz Festival?
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