Swing on in for the best in live music on the Beaches
Australia’s longest-running jazz festival will return to Manly from 18 to 20 September, providing three days of free live music, roving performers, swing dancers and family-friendly entertainment.
Now in its 49th year, the festival will entertain music lovers of all ages with 95 acts performing across four stages and official venues in and around Manly.
Jazz singer Monica Trapaga played at the very first festival, and says she is excited to return this year. “I love to support it because it’s such a great festival that has stood the test of time,” she says. “It’s so important to keep it going because the only way we’re going to keep jazz alive is to keep doing this and showing people that this is really fun music.”
Over the weekend Monica will perform with four different bands: Monica and the Moochers, who play ‘dirty swing’ as she describes it; Eamon Dilworth’s Crawfish Po’Boys, which is inspired by the musical melting pot of New Orleans; the Todd Hardy Swing Orchestra, a 13-piece swing outfit; and The Pocket Trio, who are the masters of swing and groove.
Monica sings with musicians of all ages and has an admiration for young talent. “I think jazz in Australia is at a very high level, and it’s because of all these young cats…we have some super musicians coming through,” Monica says.
“It’s nice to work with younger people who have lots of fresh ideas, but certainly have a great respect for what’s come before them as well, which is what jazz is about.”
Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins says the festival is one of the Beaches most loved events. “Whether you are a jazz enthusiast, a family looking for a great day out, or simply keen to soak up the atmosphere, Manly Jazz offers something for everyone,” Mayor Heins says.
This year’s program will feature a diverse mix of jazz from established and emerging performers, and festival-goers cans enjoy the return of Bucketty’s Jazz Garden on The Corso, offering live music, food, drinks and a relaxed place to take in the festival atmosphere.
MANLY JAZZ FESTIVAL
Manly Corso and beachfront
18 September, 4pm to 8pm
19 and 20 September, 10am to 6pm
Free