LONGFORD livened up in spectacular fashion and ignored the changeable weather to host a highly successful ninth Longford Jazz Festival on the third weekend in September.
Attracting more than 40 musicians and 300 paying patrons to various venues over the weekend, it was fitting to see the amazing Don Ives once again lead his band, the Mahogany Hall Stompers, into the first bracket at the opening concert.
Based in the Town Hall, the program included both professional and amateur musicians, including two talented teenage singers. The Festival also hosted the Hutchins School Big Band along with their Barber Shop Choir led by Matthew Ives. Ernestos Coffee Shop was also alive with music most of the weekend and visitors to the town were treated to random performances as musicians belted out tunes in rotundas, on street corners and on the Village Green.
Opening night was at the Blenheim Hotel that not only catered for a full house but managed to provide food for many extras. Other establishments such as Sticky Beaks, JJ’s and Banjos were also well patronised, along with all the accommodation in the town.
One of the Jazz Festival co-ordinators, Dee Alty, said that all the musicians were from Tasmania, but from around the State. “Because of the last of the Covid conditions, it was decided to keep it to Tasmanians as they supported us through all the lockdowns and other restrictions and as we were planning, it was not certain what restrictions would be in place,” she said.
“The Northern Midlands Council was recognised as the major sponsor at the various venues, and also on the program along with our other sponsors. The committee is enormously grateful for their help, without the sponsors and the volunteers we could not have been able to deliver a festival of this nature.”
Next year’s festival will be the 10 and the committee will be seeking grants from the Tasmanian Arts bodies with the aim to invite artists from interstate again.