30th Annual Grampians Jazz Festival 2016

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Fri 12 Feb 2016 - Sun 14 Feb 2016

Horns, rhythm and guitar - instruments that'll produce sounds that could be raspy, edgy, rough, smooth, soulful, warm, dark and many other combinations, will soon be blowing into Halls Gap. Hark the herald, I hear the sounds of the 30th Annual Grampians Jazz Festival .

It runs from Friday 12 to Sunday 14 February 2016 at Grampians Road, Halls Gap. What started as a fun 21st birthday celebration for Warracknabeal woman Jacquie Shaw with a few muso friends, has continued for 30 years, gathering speed and expanding to 160 bands, local, interstate and international, in 9 venues this 2016. Some of the venues are at The Hall, The Boutique Guest House, an Indian Restaurant, The Pinnacle Motel building function room, a few marquees and of course, in nooks and crannies and a variety of spaces at Halls Gap. CLICK HERE for map of Halls Gap.


The road to indulging in fantastic jazz that brings the streets of Halls Gap to life is by way of pre-registering. CLICK HERE for the pre-registration form which you need to print, fill out, make applicable amounts payable to the Grampians Jazz Festival and post form and payment to the address supplied in the form. If you pay by the 15th of January 2016, 'the music lover adult' and 'musician's spouse' will get a discounted rate of $5 less.

You'll also be able to register at Halls Gap, but consider the convenience of not being in a queue of thousands by pre-registering and getting a discount. Your festival badge is your receipt, and it'll be available at the Halls Gap Hall from Thursday (11 Feb 2016) afternoon. That is your passport to gain entry into each venue, so make sure you display it loud and proud.


This event, a major tourist attraction in the region, will boast many visitors and feature street side stalls to add to the vibrant atmosphere. The street parade on Saturday will give you the opportunity to dress up in the original colours of yellow and black with white (that's a hint to bring clothing in those colours) to join in the march that ends in a combined performance. The party never ends even after the close of the formal program. Make sure you look out for musos still playing 'red hot jazz' at the local night spots into the wee small hours of the morning.

Sunday brings to you a 'jazz gospel service' in the marquee. Rest assured there's something for all tastes and ages and you are encouraged to come and join the buzz. If you're a muso yourself but not performing officially on stage, why not bring an instrument and put your name down on the 'blackboard' to play a tune for the masses. Don't forget your picnic chair and most importantly, keep your eye on the website (there is no event or Facebook page) closely around mid to late January 2016 for updated information.


The present committee wish to hand over the reins to a fresh team to carry the festival into the future. If you have any ideas of how you could contribute for the festival to continue; to promote jazz music; to encourage jazz musicians, and to especially bolster the young and the enthusiastic, contact the current organiser who is listed in the programme page .


If you've decided to make a good long weekend of it and have come to town on the Thursday (11 Feb 2016), you can put your name down on the 'blackboard' for the early-birds during the day for performing at 7pm at the Mountain Grand and in a marquee (one of a few on the main strip).

Friday afternoon will be inundated with registrations at the Halls Gap Hall. See below for program thus far, but as mentioned above, keep checking on the website closer to date for updated program, band line-up, venue information etc.

Musos not playing onstage are encouraged to join in casual 'blows' in various places around Halls Gap; some spots will be sporting pianos.


Thursday 11 February

Friday 12 February

**Saturday 13 February
*** 10am - Street Parade (ending in combined performance). Dress up in original jazz theme colours (yellow and black with white) and join the march.

Sunday 14 February


Halls Gap Primary School (10-14 School Road, Halls Gap (03) 5356 4235)
Though not part of the jazz festival, the local primary school will be having a school market for the weekend of the Jazz Festival. They also have a Facebook page , through which you can stay updated.

Their outdoor market features home grown, home made, arts, crafts, clothes and produce. School parents serve hot and cold refreshments along with a barbecue featuring delicious egg and bacon rolls. All proceeds go to the Halls Gap Primary School, so make sure you visit them, buy up and eat big for a good cause.

#community_events
#festivals
#jazz
#music
#victoria
#february
!date 12/02/2016 -- 14/02/2016
%wnmelbourne