It wouldn’t be Jumpers and JAZZ in July without the iconic ‘get up ‘n dance’ jazz vibe that has burst onto the Festival scene over the years.
The broad eclectic range of high standard performers that have graced the stages in our CBD streets, concert venues, cafes, hotels and country halls have been instrumental in lighting up the region with their enthusiastic and genuine desire to share their “good time” feel with all audiences.
All time faves making their appearance over many years include
Dezzie D and the Stingrayz: – they have quickly become festival favourites and local personalities with their upbeat music, dynamic vocals, tight grooves and explosive horns. Combining their onstage presence, energy and power-house performances, they have kept fans leaping out of their skin and transporting them back to the ‘era of the 40s and 50s Rhythm & Blues, Jazz, Jump, Swing and those American Juke Joint Halls.
Freud Squad: The Freud Squad have enjoyed playing at the Warwick JJJ Festival in public and private functions since the festival began in 2004, entertaining audiences with their popular collection of jazz vocal standards and Latin favourites. The focus is on everybody enjoying swinging grooves and some modern arrangements of classic favourites.
Girl Friday: has been gathering an army of loyal fans at the Festival since 2016. Front singer Michele G incorporates her theatre background in her engaging stage presence, and fronting a quartet of musicians with considerable experience and diverse talents, fans always make sure to book a table at their events.
Mal Wood: Mal Wood Quartet have become Jumpers & Jazz frequent flyers as they deliver their swinging show full of classic Jazz ‘n Blues tunes. Considered one of Warwick’s favourite musical sons, Mal Wood has also extended his reach to the very young, incorporating engaging segments on trumpet communicating jazz to young ones present.
Well Swung Daddies: The Well Swung Daddies have won their way into Festival music-lover hearts over many years. Their light-hearted, energetic onstage presence, along with their Neo Retro Swing Band arrangements has kept audiences engaged on street stages and concert venues.
Robyn Brown: More than the music, it is Robyn’s smooth elegance, her warmth and passion, her feeling and heart that has moved Festival audiences through the years and left a mark on their souls.
From a sultry ballad to a jumping swing, a Latin groove to a romping scat solo, every note is delivered with passion and grace and draws the audience into the story.
Recent additions to the Festival Hall of Fame: Return entertainers “by request “ include Slips and the FW’s, Cigany Weaver, Big Kitty. UQ Big Band, Trombone Kellie Gang , the Australian Army Band Jazz Ensemble Qld, The Royal Australian Navy Band Qld, the Marist Brothers Big Band Ashgrove, and many others.
Festival goers have also enjoyed many entertaining hours with home grown local talents such as Teri Welles, (singing since 2010 with Aperitif which morphed into Jazzify Band in the later years), Deeny Kohler-Caporale who went on to host very popular cabaret events at her cafe ‘Joie de Vivre’, and Blue Violets, Michelle Fajdiga, Janelle Makings and Tara Lacy , a well-loved trio turned duo with their own unique rockabilly/jazz “style” and superb blend of voice.
From the community, Warwick State High School Band, East Street Singers and more recently Warwick City Jazz Band, have also lent their talents to the street vibe to many appreciative audiences
Swing dancers from all over are regular visitors to the festival, basking in hours of live entertainment inspiring Lindy Hop, Balboa, East Coast Swing, West Coast Swing, Jitterbug, and Jive.
They have also been inspired by
Empire Swing Dancers, who have become another crowd favourite with their showcase styles, and workshops encouraging newcomers to engage in their fun-filled pastime.Empire Swing Dancers have fun teaching and performing a variety of different styles of Swing Dancing including Lindy Hop, Charleston, and jive routines. Recent years have seen Empire Swing offering dance workshops to audience members who can then jump up and dance showing off their new found dance skills.
The Festival committee has continually endeavoured to bring the ideal musicians and styles that ‘bring to life’ the various unique event vibes. We bring back festival faves, while introducing new styles and genres to keep the program fresh and alive. Festival goers can look forward to a future roll out of high quality entertainment in the years to come!
Written by Media Coordinator Bette Bonney