From Burlesque Blues To The Icons of Australian Jazz, The 2017 Mornington Winter Jazz & Blues Festival Has It All….
With the Mornington Winter Jazz and Blues Festival now just weeks away excitement is starting to build as Mornington gets set to welcome some of Australia’s finest musicians and artists to the Peninsula for one very special long weekend.
As always Mornington bars and restaurants will come alive with the sound of swingin’ jazz and smooth blues from Friday 9th June to Sunday 11th across the Queens Birthday Long Weekend. In addition this year sees a return of the ever popular Main Street “Festival” Market Grooves on Saturday 10th with plenty of new and unique stalls to keep you captivated and free kids entertainment located in the Empire Mall. Also running across the weekend will be, Guided Historic Walking Tours of the township and rides on the steam locomotives of the Historic Mornington Railway.
Festival goers will be spoilt for choice this year with an expansive program, including headline performances from Australian icon Kate Ceberano at the Grand Hotel Mornington; an intimate performance at Mornington Peninsula Regional Gallery (MPRG) from Jazz Baestro James Morrison; and sumptuous dinner & show from Jazz Bell Award Winner for ‘Young Australian Jazz Artist of the Year 2016’ Olivia Chindamo at The Rocks Mornington.
2017 sees “Music After Dark,” proudly presented by Mornington Peninsula Shire, take on a new twist. This year the performances will be held at St. Peters Hall just off Main Street Mornington. Having recently undergone a state of the art sound and lighting upgrade the hall provides the perfect backdrop for these ever popular festival performances. Held over two nights, Saturday 10th and Sunday 11th; Saturday will feature the finest young jazz and blues performers the Peninsula has to offer. If uncovering emerging artists is something you enjoy, then this will be the destination for you. Sunday 11th showcases a supreme line up of Jazz musicians that will surprise even the most seasoned festival goer!
Jazz and Soul enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy across the weekend, including performances at newly opened The Brooks Restaurant & Bar, Gods Kitchen, Casa De Playa, Assaggini, and at The Royal Hotel with a special performance from Kylie Auldist, well-known Australian Soul Singer of The Bamboos and Cookin’ On 3 Burners fame.
Swing and Blues fans will find just the right mix of foot stomping tunes at Double G Saloon from Friday to Sunday and at ‘The House of Blues’ event at Beaches Mornington on Sunday 11th June, an all-day event featuring back to back blues, swing and guaranteed good times.
Now in its 5th year the festival continues to deliver with a unique and inclusive line up of performers across the genres of Jazz, Blues, Swing and Soul. There is something for everyone and as a festival dedicated to supporting live music, arts and culture on the peninsula we invite you to take a look at the program and join us for a long weekend of fun and entertainment on the Queen’s Birthday Long Weekend, 9-11 June.
Tickets On-Sale Now.
First published in the Mornington News – 16 May 2017
