The 2023 Castlemaine Jazz Festival kicks off this evening with an opening night party featuring the TEK TEK Ensemble, The Seduceaphones and The Seven Ups at Castlemaine’s Theatre Royal.
The three day festival over the King’s Birthday long weekend (June 9-11) will see 30 bands and hundreds of musicians feature in live shows across multiple local venues including the Royal, Phee Broadway Theatre, Castlemaine Bowling Club, Boomtown Wines, The Coolroom @ Northern Arts Hotel, and several performances at the Castlemaine Town Hall to coincide with the Rotary Art Show.
A host of big bands will be descending on Castlemaine for the event offering everything from that revered traditional jazz sound through to more contemporary numbers.
Castlemaine Jazz Festival vice president Harry Coulson said the big bands deliver that iconic traditional sound from the 1920s to 1940s.
“We will be welcoming Estee Big Band which has that real traditional focus, Red Sand Big Band, Maryborough Big Band and High Society Jazz Orchestra. These bands will be playing music from composers the likes of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and golden oldies from singers such as Ella Fitzgerald,” he said.
“The Low Down Big Band and Estee Big Band will also deliver some more contemporary numbers from the 60s and 70s by icons such as Maynard Ferguson and Charles Mingus and may even break out a bit of swing.
“The Low Down Big Band will also play some more advanced innovative sound by composers still active today including Gordon Goodwin and Maria Schneider,” Coulson said.
“We will also be hosting the Melba Big Band – an all female group packed with talent and led by Justine Jones. This band has a really diverse repertoire,” he said.
“Melbourne based group Big Band Frequency will be bringing their funky, fiery, and soulful sound, and will have you swinging off your seats and onto the dancefloor!”
And, of course, Castlemaine’s very own Thompson’s Foundry Band which will be heading up the line-up at the Theatre Royal on Saturday evening from 5pm opening what will be a night not to be missed for big band enthusiasts.
“I love a big band. I love listening to them and I’ve enjoyed the opportunity to play with them.
“It’s a real credit to the leaders of these bands to bring these artists to together, schedule regular rehearsals and get them out and sharing their music with the community. It’s a huge amount of work and we get to reap the benefits!” Coulson said.
Night, day and weekend passes to this weekend’s festival are still available. To secure your ticket www.castlemainejazzfestival.com.au