The Southern Downs offers diverse natural beauty and what better reason to explore its welcoming country towns than experience a wide selection of jazz, food, art and craft right through the Jumpers & Jazz season!
Jazz on the Mountain (Bestbrook Mountain resort), ideal for a bunch of friends or family day out, will feature an afternoon with live acoustic jazz group The O’Brien Trio, and an authentic country experience with the opportunity to make your own hot damper and fresh butter washed down with genuine billy tea. Wine tasting is also an option. Kids will enjoy saying hello to the horses and other farm animals – and perhaps join in the wagon ride.
Meanwhile, Killarney will turn on two great weekends. The famous Killarney Bonfire night promises perhaps the biggest bonfire you’ve ever seen and the chance to chat with friends around the amazing metal “firey giants” (fire drum) creations. A great family night out with live music.
Killarney Hotel proprietors invite you and your friends to kick back and relax with Pandora Karavan and her unique gypsy flavoured jazz, along with hot food and cold beer.
For a quieter “spoil yourself” afternoon, Goomburra High Tea offers a glass of bubbly with delectable food and plenty of dancing fun with Natalie de Jager’s jazz band.
Travelling south, head to the wine country on the Granit Belt through the day, and then dance the night away at the Ballandean Tavern “Jazz Dinner Dance” with local favourites Jazz Aperitif.
For those who are keenly awaiting the great array of all things creative which Jumpers and Jazz offers every year, Leah Kelly, organizer of “Meet the Makers” at Allora, “prettiest little town on the Downs”, promises a diverse array of crafts with artisans on hand for “show and tell” and items for sale! Leah herself creates colourful “Cabochon” glass beads for various decorating purposes and will be revealing her creative secrets to visitors.( Leah will also be hosting workshops through the week so you can walk away with your very own unique pendant keepsake.)
Leah is proud of the diversity of crafts people can experience at the event.
“All our artisans on the day are from the Downs. Other fascinating items include stunning silk-dyed scarves, natural soaps, popular paper beads, and wool enthusiasts should enjoy watching creations being worked on an original 70’s knitting machine!” Home baked refreshments will also be available.
While in Allora, make a day of it and drop into the Old Allora Shire Hall for the Museum open day.
For history buffs, this will be a memorable visit as Allora district holds some of Queensland’s oldest recorded memories. Add live Jazz by favourites Lorraine Stanley and the ever popular “Saxy Lady” plus some home cooking, and it all adds up to a warm, engaging day.
The Mt Colliery surrounds should be the perfect place to immerse yourself in the CWA timber themed craft and photography display, featuring the outstanding work from the Allora Photography Club alongside the exquisite items by local woodworkers.
CWA Secretary Melinda Borelli is excited to have such a display for Jumpers and Jazz.
“The woodworkers have quite an enticing array of items on show and for sale, from rocking horses to functional “keepsake” bowls, and other unique pieces which would stand proud in any home. The photography club have excelled in producing an amazing presentation. It’s a delightful drive to Mt Colliery. Top it off with scrumptious snacks and it will be a trip well worth your while!”
For details about any of these marvellous truly “country” experiences, head to the Festival’s website www.jumpersandjazz.com to view the full program or purchase the program booklet for a gold coin donation at Warwick Art Gallery, Warwick Visitor Information Centre, Bryson’s Place, Style Shoes or Just Because Flowers and Gifts.