New jazz festival for Brisbane Feb 10-12

[isaacs]

I have curated another jazz festival at the Brisbane Powerhouse which will take place February 10-12 2006. Working with the Powerhouse I have been able to put together a very exciting program of international, national and local talent. The Festival is called Hot Nights Cool Jazz.

Below is the Festival media release

Media Release December 2005

Brisbane Powerhouse presents
HOT NIGHTS COOL JAZZ

Australian Jazz guru Mark Isaacs today announced a sizzling line up of international, national and local jazz talent to perform from Friday 10 to Sunday 12 February, 2006 as part of Hot Nights Cool Jazz at Brisbane Powerhouse.

Hot Nights Cool Jazz curator Mark Isaacs says the jazz programme, which includes Lynne Arriale Trio (USA), James Muller Trio, Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie, James Sherlock Trio, Ingrid James Quartet, Kidney and Megan Washington will be cool enough to chill even the most sweltering of summer nights.

”From the internationally acclaimed Lynne Arriale Trio, who are famous for their emotionally stirring performances and regularly feature in the world’s most prestigious jazz festivals, to James Muller, Australia’s leading jazz guitarist and one of the most exciting and innovative musicians in the country, this year’s line up is sure to appeal to even the most fussy of jazz aficionados,” Isaacs said.

“With two of Australia’s most brilliant artists in trumpeter Scott Tinkler and pianist Paul Grabowsky, Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie is sure to be one of the highlights of the listening year, while a fantastic selection of local musicians such as James Sherlock will keep the Spark Bar happening during the three-day-long line up,” he continued

Explaining that Hot Nights Cool Jazz is prompted by the success of Cool Nights Hot Jazz, Isaacs says jazz lovers can look forward to more jazz events at the Powerhouse throughout the year.

“The popularity of the event proved to us that Brisbanites love their jazz and showed us that if you put on a great selection of international, national and local artists people will travel the distance for the experience,” Isaacs said.

James Sherlock Trio, Ingrid James Quartet, Kidney, Megan Washington and Toby Wren Trio will play in the Spark Bar before and after the headlining performances in the Powerhouse Theatre.

Jazz lovers wishing to attend Lynne Arriale Trio, James Muller Trio and Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie can take advantage of a special Hot Jazz Trio offer to attend all three performances for $69.00, representing a $28.00 saving.

- ENDS -
Performers The Lynne Arriale Trio
When Friday 10 February, 2006
Price $34 / $28
Venue Powerhouse Theatre
Performers James Muller Trio
When Saturday 11 February, 2006
Price $29 / $23
Venue Powerhouse Theatre
Performers Tinkler Rex Grabowsky Edie
When Sunday 12 February, 2006
Venue Powerhouse Theatre
Price $34 / $28
Bookings 07 3358 8600 or www.brisbanepowerhouse.org

[isaacs]

Now nine days away. Tickets selling very well.

[isaacs]

Tickets still selling well, and it is possible some shows will sell out in the next few days. Brisbane jazz lovers advised to book now! Delighted to know that a few jazz fans have flown into Brisbane especially for the event.

[Ms Mulch]

Brisbane people love their jazz so much that Ken Edie has to work for the council chopping down trees to make a living!

[isaacs]

I don't think that sad state of affairs is attributable to the "people" so much as the lack of venues that present jazz on an ongoing basis.

[Brisso]

Not sure that's true Mark. The people you see at events like this don't seem to go to normal gigs. The population is growing up here so it can't be argued that there just aren't enough people. The weather may contribute to this however. It's just too hot to do anything and as a result people have outdoor interests and they're just too buggered to go out and hear music - who knows?

There have been many attempts at different venues, but they usually stop due to lack of attendance. The one that appears to be working though is "Jazz on a Sunday Vibe" at the Zoo. This is only once a month.

The Valley Jazz Festival hasn't been able to secure funding this year either.

I could go on and on, but it's too hot.

[isaacs]

Brisso said:

The people you see at events like this don't seem to go to normal gigs.

This is not unique to Brisbane. Most of us wish a fraction of the Sydney & Melbourne people who attend Wangaratta would regularly support local venues in their cities. When established players play for 30 people in Sydney and Melbourne and pull 1000 at Wangaratta it's clearly not happening. Big events will always do better.

[brischicky]

Ms Mulch,
Ken chooses to do this - he doesn't have to. It was more a case of him wanting a break from doing gigs that he really didn't want to do .. not the money side of things ..

[Chimay]

I'm not sure that "making a living" is really the issue, it's a shame he is forced to make that decision. After all, Jack DeJohnette doesn't play at anyone's wedding, why should Ken?

[tinky]

Ken is truely an amazing player who would probably find it hard to make a living playing music anywhere in the world, thats unfortunatley the truth.

[kerayzee]

Kenny Baron plays weddings, so why shouldn't anyone else.

[Bleugh]

But Kenny Barron is not that good.

[UB]

Chimay said:

I'm not sure that "making a living" is really the issue, it's a shame he is forced to make that decision. After all, Jack DeJohnette doesn't play at anyone's wedding, why should Ken?

how do u know? Are u Jacks agent? He could play at loads of weddings and Barmitzvah's and funerals and school fetes. Cos u dont read about it dosnt mean it dosnt happen

[tinky]

Jack would get 10 grand for a solo gig at festivals, probably more when with Jarrett, somehow I doubt he'd do weddings etc unless for family or v.g freinds. Would be funny if he did do the odd $100 wedding though.

The issue with Ken is that doing gigs that are not his flavour (putting it mildly) is really frustrating and soul destoying, we all know the feeling. Some peolple just can't do that sort of stuff, he's not a workhorse type of muso.
Lets face it too, who out of us makes a living from playing music??

[Maria]

I don't think Ms Mulch really meant the discussion to focus on Ken, but rather the Brisbane scene in general. As per the new post "Anybody out there", so many players leave Brisbane, so it's difficult to really get things happening. That and lack of venues that aren't part of a chain and booked by an agent.