Friendly jazz at Newport

Newport Jazz Festival performers are looking forward to entertaining festival crowds. (Damjan Janevski) 463454

Newport Jazz Festival is returning for its fifth year offering the Hobsons Bay community three days of incredible jazz.

The festival runs from Friday 2 May to Sunday 4 May, showcasing 44 bands at multiple venues including Newport Bowls Club main room and back room, the library and Scout Hall and the Junction Hotel. The festival will feature trad, mainstream, swing, blues, Bossa, beebop and beyond.

Opening the festival on Friday night will be famous Melbourne jazz swing and R ’n’ B band The Pearly Shells at their first Newport Jazz Festival. On

Saturday jazz legend Bob Sedergreen & Friends return to Newport Jazz. Bob Sedergreen’s impact and influence in performance, composition and education for over half a century has won the respect and admiration of recognised talents both in Australia and internationally. This year Bob has a stellar lineup of well known Melbourne players: Ash Gaudion on sax and vocals, Ian Dixon on trumpet, Gareth Hill on bass and Mark Voogd on drums. For this year’s festival Bob has chosen a program of jazz classics. Each player will contribute to the program to ensure highlights and

contrasts.

Adam Rudegeair will again join Bob Sedergreen in their Bourbon Street to Brunswick Street Project. Then Adam’s Trio will feature jazz/soul singer Joys Njambi at her first Newport festival. Adam is a man of many talents. His eclectic exploration of the synthesis of funk, jazz and more experimental styles has resulted in spontaneous and deep grooves.

Last but by no means least, festival favourites The Sarah Maclaine Quartet will close out the festival on Sunday night, at their fifth Newport Jazz Festival.

The Music Valley Big Band is a surprising young group who will perform at their first Newport Jazz Festival. Featuring members of the MV Dream Team, a powerhouse ensemble delivering both captivating standards and innovative arrangements. This group showcases both local and global musical artistry.

Tickets available online at:melbournejazzjammers.com.au or at Newport Bowls Club, 4 Market Street, Newport.