MEDIA RELEASE
April 16, 2008
Jazz celebrates 21 years in Thredbo
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The annual Yalumba Thredbo Jazz Festival will celebrate 21 swinging years in May
with a celebratory line-up of artists performing a mix of jazz genres from swing
and lounge through to traditional.
Headliners including Leroy Jones (USA) who is the featured trumpet soloist with Harry
Connick Jr, his wife trombonist Katja Toivola (Finland/USA) and Ian Cooper and Jim
Pennell will perform alongside more than 25 great jazz bands over the weekend of May
2-4, 2008.
The festival kicks off Friday afternoon and the music continues though till late on Sunday
night. Highlights of this festival are the picturesque alpine backdrop, variety of venues
and diverse range of jazz styles that are sure to please jazz lovers of all ages.
"It will be swingtime in the mountains this year," said co-artistic director Kevin Jones.
"For the first time there will be three swing dances, one with an all-star big band. It
should be a great experience for both the dancers and listeners.
"There will be two dances on the Saturday, the first with music by drummer Anthony
Howe's Swing Wing in the afternoon. In the evening, dancers can relive the sound of the
Swing Era with music associated with Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller, Artie Shaw and
the Dorseys played by an orchestra under the direction of drummer John Morrison with
his wife Jacki Cooper handling the vocals.
"On the Sunday, festival goers can enjoy dancing to the sounds of The Ozcats featuring
vocalist Patricia Amphlett. The dancing group Jumptown Swing will give exhibitions of
swing dancing at each dance,” said Mr Jones.
“We’ve been so lucky to secure this remarkable line-up for Thredbo, especially Leroy
Jones. Jazz music lovers will be well satisfied across the full jazz spectrum,” said Ken
Sparkes, co-musical director. “This year will also be a good one for singers. Lionel
Robinson, whose Sunday afternoons in Cascades has become one of the most popular
festival events, will be back on the program and Ben Jones, probably best known as one
of our leading mainstream tenor players will be in fine voice to reprise his jazz side of
Bobby Darin and the young Frank Sinatra.
“Melbourne’s Julie O’Hara is sure to pay her respects to her idol, the late, great jazz
singer Anita O’Day; Catherine Hunter will delve into the great American songbook with
her quintet, and Sydney’s Jane Irving will make her festival debut backed by the trio of
pianist Matt McMahon,” said Mr Sparkes.
The special 21st anniversary concert on the Sunday afternoon will begin with a tribute to
Leonard Bernstein on the 90th anniversary of his birth followed in the second half by
Leroy Jones and Katja Toivola.
Others on the weekend program include Al Davey, Errol Buddle and The Griffins. The
ever popular Kirrawee Stage Band will again perform – a treat to see such talented kids
play up a storm.
The full program and all information can be found on the new official website
A weekend festival pass is $120 and includes scenic chairlift rides. A day pass can be
purchased for $60 and an evening pass from 6pm is $40. Kids under 14 are free and
student tickets are half price.
There is plenty of accommodation in Thredbo to suit all budgets. Great value jazz and
accommodation packages are available from $240 per person and includes two nights
accommodation, a festival pass and chairlift rides.
Call Thredbo Resort Centre 1300 020 589, Thredbo Accommodation Services 1300 138
311, or Visit Snowy Mountains 02 6457 7132.
Other artists at the festival include:
Ali Penney & the Money Makers, Allan Browne Quintet, Darren Heinrich Organ Trio,
Maree Steinway Trio, Exposed Bone, Jazz Mechanics, Matt McMahon Trio, Mike Price
Trio, Paul Dion, The Bogalusa Strutters, The Funky Monstars, The Shuffle Club and
Wizard and Oz.
The Yalumba Thredbo Jazz Festival is supported by Kosciuszko Thredbo Pty Ltd,
PRIME Television, Snow FM, 2XL, Dig Radio, Kosciuszko National Park, Roland
Pianos and Thredbo Supermarket.
The following are available for interview:
Musical Directors, Ken Sparkes 02 9665 5714 or Kevin Jones 02 9144 6513
For more media information please contact: Meagan Cutcliffe, Thredbo Chamber of
Commerce 0416 161 471 events@thredbochamber.com.au
NEWS 
