Jazz by the Bay goes global
It seems fitting that in its fifth year, Jazz by the Bay is going global, with international acts making an appearance in Dunsborough, Busselton and surrounds for the first time.
This year’s headliners include three musicians from the legendary Buena Vista Social Club orchestra teaming up with popular Perth jazz crooner and musician Adam Hall with the Velvet Playboys; UK-based jazz singer and recording artist Karen Lane with her four-piece band, and festival favourite the vivacious Cathrine Summers.
Festival Director Cindy Wiese said Jazz by the Bay 2017 would expand to four days for the first time.
“Thanks to growing demand, this year’s festival will run from the Friday to the Monday of the June long weekend (June 2-5), and we’re shaping up to have more than 20 artists performing in about the same number of venues across the region.
“Jazz by the Bay turns the heat up in winter, gets visitors and locals out of hibernation and into some cozy venues to enjoy cool jazz. I’m really excited about the way this year’s program is already looking,” she said.
The Buena Vista Social Club had phenomenal international success 20 years ago when their first album was released, spectacularly reviewed and word of mouth spread around the world. Buena Vista’s irresistible Cuban rhythms did not wane and they continue to sell successfully today.
Three musicians hailing from Cuba – Lazaro Pompa (trumpet), Pablo Calzado (drums, pictured below) and Camila Cortina Bello (piano) will combine with slick Perth songster Adam Hall and the Velvet Playboys for a night of hot latin and high energy at the Piano Box Jazz Bar at Old Broadwater Farm.
The seven-piece band will take on the music of Buena Vista Social Club as well as hit songs from Coldplay, Rolling Stones, The Eagles, Elvis and more, fusing fiery Latin rhythms with pop classics. Wear your dancing shoes! The Playboys are regularly invited to perform internationally.
Piano Box Jazz Bar tickets are now available for $95 plus booking fee from www.stickytickets.com.au/49925
Karen Lane has been based in London for 16 years but hails from Perth originally. She has released five albums to critical acclaim, and she has worked with some of the UK’s finest musicians performing from Monte Carlo to Cape Town, and in some of London’s premier jazz clubs. She has a versatile style, swinging from jazz standards to Bossa Nova.
Cathrine Summers (pictured below) has performed at all but one Jazz by the Bay Festival and her award-winning shows regularly sell out thanks to her charisma, on-stage charm, sultry voice and incredible vocal range.
Free and ticketed events are scheduled across the Jazz by the Bay long weekend indoors and out and catering for all jazz tastes – for cool cats, swingers, scatters and jivers.
There’ll be all-day free live music at Dunsborough’s Lions Park on Saturday and Sunday, and ticketed daytime, dinnertime and shows late into the night at wineries, bars, theatres and private properties.
Jazz by the Bay provides a complete feast for the senses with many events including stunning local food and wine in the experience.
More acts will be announced in coming weeks and a full program of Jazz by the Bay performances will be available from the event website www.jazzbythebay.com.au along with ticketing information. Visit the event’s Facebook page for all the latest news and www.margaretriver.com for accommodation options.
The Festival is made possible thanks to support from City of Busselton, Tourism Western Australia, Department of Regional Development – Royalties for Regions, Retravision, Satterley and more.
