Christine Sullivan and Joe Chindamo

[Salome]

The opening of the Jazz festival was one hell of a gig. At Malvern Town Hall Christine Sullivan did a gorgeous set, and what a great band with Steve Magnusson, Andy Gander & co, a relaxing but engaging performance.

Joe Chindamo followed with the debut of Paradiso (music from films) a project involving Nigel McClean (violin) who plays with so much warmth and passion, Joe Ruberto (accordion), Alex Pertout, percussion, Geoff Hughes (guitar) plus his usual sidemen Dave Beck and Phil (hat boy) Rex on bass. A very strong, special performance that brought the house down. Some very strong solos and the arrangements superb. The CD is out so if you missed the gig, go shopping.

Kevin Rudd was there (good speech Kev) to open the festival, hopefully by next year he won't be in opposition anymore. Loads of other VIPs, and so much BIG HAIR, but hey we were in Stonnington!

Bravo to the council for supporting Australian Jazz. Bravo to Adrian Jackson for excellent taste, Bravo to everyone who puts in hours of their own time, voluntarily for a wonderful festival, that gets better each year adn yet this is only the first night. Yipee

Salome spotted so many OJFers getting sloshed on the pre gig drinkies, well darling if you're not on OJF you just aint hip.

[Uncle Bob]

Yes but where were Mal, Jim, Paul etc. and all the other Jazz Dons didn't they get invited? Or were they hiding down the back?

[Blues Clues]

They were hiding down the back eating popcorn, drinking Gurana and chewing gum. All ast the same time. Yuk.