More Than Just Jazz

What started as a grey and cold annual Thredbo Jazz Festival weekend (this year known as the Jazz, Funk & Groove Festival) ended up with a bright and sunny Sunday. The crowds were down but the spirits high. The good side to reduced numbers was you could easily get into any venue and mostly find a seat.

The music genres varied from Jazz to Gospel to Latin and Rock. My biggest applause must go to the two remaining members of SCRIM who turned up in Thredbo from the Australian Army Band after all the other members had fallen by the wayside (due to illness or other causes). With a good sense of humour and purpose they battled on alone in true Anzac tradition with their vibraphone and saxophone for 2 hours without bass, drums, keyboard or trombones.

Thanks to all - performers, guests, organisers, volunteers and especially the sponsors. The Yalumba wines were great.

Here are some daytime scenes. Note in the last photo the proximity to the Squatters Run apartments where I have a studio for rent and/or sale ;-)

Kirrawee High School Stage Band - always a favourite

Armondo Hurley and the Funk-O-Matics

Gospel singing poolside on a sunny Sunday morning

The View from Madeleine's Couch - that's the name of her group not where I was sitting ;-)

Doug Parkinson poolside

Doug certainly raised some nostalgia amongst much of his audience

The street walkers were very popular

Music in the square beneath the Squatters Run apartments

Although all traces of last week's snowfall have disappeared, I'm still hoping for a white Easter even if that may make finding the Easter Bunny more difficult.

Grump: Is it just me or have our illustrious media missed the point?
Gillard's plan: take a dollar in carbon tax; give 50 cents back and we are better off?

If you are that desperate to feel "better off" send me money and I'll give you 50% back ;-)