The 30th Inverloch Jazz Festival will be held from August 2 – 4.

Just over thirty years ago, a small group of locals, spearheaded by redoubtable bass player Neville Drummond together with his wife Margaret, dreamed up the idea of having an annual jazz festival in what was then the sleepy seaside village of Inverloch.

Some thirty years on, the festival has grown to be one of the prestigious events in the Australian jazz calendar.  It is still held annually in the now vibrant, beautiful seaside town and attracts people – both players and audience – from across Australia.

Over the years, the festival has unearthed some wonderful local jazz musicians who could perform on any stage: Streeton Court Big Band is always a crowd favourite as is the Invy Horn Jam. Neville will again be performing, and the festival will also include renowned local musicians Ron Anderson, David Galea, singer Jan Blake and pianist Josh Fotopoulos.

Although jazz music has changed over the thirty years, it still appeals to a wide audience.  The Inverloch Jazz Festival is now attracting a younger generation of talented musicians and their appreciative audiences. To this end, the festival has forged a close link with the Monash University's music faculty and its acclaimed jazz stream, and this year will feature three bands of Monash's highly talented younger players.

At this year's festival there will be some 45 bands, carefully selected from more than 90 expressions of interest. Popular singers including Sarah Maclaine, Pippa Wilson and Anita Harris will be featured alongside stalwarts such as renowned saxophonist Roger Clark, who played in the first Inverloch Jazz Festival. There will be around 15 bands new to the festival, all providing entertaining music ranging from traditional jazz, contemporary and modern jazz, through to Latin jazz and the newer funk-style jazz.

This year's Festival will start with a bang on Friday August 2 at 7.30pm with three venues providing fabulous, but varied live jazz music performances. The Inverloch Hub, Warrawee and The Cottage at The Inlet Hotel will begin the 30th Anniversary celebrations in style.

Great support for the Festival has been provided by: Bendigo Bank, RACV Inverloch, Bass Coast Shire Council, Elite Signs, Alex Scott and staff Real Estate, Warrawee, Inverloch Men's Shed and Sea Books Press.

This year's Inverloch Jazz Festival promises to be the best yet. Tickets are available on line at: Inverlochjazzfestival.com with early Bird tickets available until the end of June.

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