By Jane Little
The Newport Jazz Festival is back for its sixth year, lighting up Hobsons Bay with a seriously vibrant spread of jazz across multiple local venues.
From the Newport Bowls Club (front and back rooms) to the Library Hub and Scout Hall, the whole precinct comes alive with 42 bands and two big days and nights of jazz
Leading the lineup is Melbourne jazz legend Bob Sedergreen, joined by Ash Gaudion and Ian Dixon. With over 50 years shaping Australia’s jazz scene, Bob’s influence as a performer, composer and educator is nothing short of iconic.
Vocal powerhouse Sarah MacLaine brings her signature style—lush, velvety tones, a huge vocal range, and fresh takes on jazz standards that keep audiences hooked. A regular at spots like the Paris Cat and Birds Basement, she’s festival magic.
For lovers of trad, don’t miss Shirazz—serving up their trademark high-energy, foot-stomping sound that’s made them a festival favourite both here and overseas.
Local artists representing the West include Queens of the West (QOTW) who showcase a harmony-rich, three-part vocal line up, backed by guitar, bass, drums and sax. Together they serve up a veritable musical feast that includes hot swinging jazz, sultry blues and torch songs with a comedic edge. Along with the occasional well-polished original, QOTW provides high energy, toe-tapping fun.
Also from the West are the Newport Djangos playing jazz standards and gypsy swing tunes in a style inspired by The Master, Django Reinhart. The group formed in 2008 when a number of friends from the Newport Fiddle and Folk Club realised that they shared a love of Django’s music.
For guitar fans eager to learn a few tricks, get in early for the Lee Jones guitar workshop and catch him live at his two festival gigs.
From swing to funk, bebop to blues, fusion to bossa and beyond—this is a full-spectrum jazz experience right in the heart of Newport and it’s all happening on May 2nd and 3rd.
Tickets available now at:
melbournejazzjammers.com.au
