Lisa Dennis
Local musicians will gather to celebrate the 10th anniversary of Castlemaine Jazz Jam this Sunday.
The jam is held on the first Sunday of the month at the Maurocco Bar in the Midland Hotel, opposite the Castlemaine Railway Station.
The event began in May 2013 at the former Commercial ‘Comma’ Hotel Castlemaine. When that closed, the jazz enthusiasts moved to the Cumberland Hotel and finally the Midland Hotel in Templeton Street where it remains today.
Castlemaine Jazz Jam co-founder John Hannah said they were excited to celebrate a decade of local grassroots jazz events.
“The Jazz Jam remains very popular and is attended by about 30 musicians and 50 audience members each month,” he said.
John told the Express the idea was suggested by Ken Turnbull back in November 2012 when they met at a birthday party for James Cox, a local saxophonist.
“Ken had run blues jams in North Melbourne and Fitzroy during the 1990s and had tried to get a jazz jam started in Maldon,” John said.
“I was presenting a weekly radio show on WMAfm (later MainFM) and organising live music for the 2013 Fringe Festival. I became the booking agent for the Commercial (Comma) Hotel.
“Together we started planning a monthly jazz jam, and the first Castlemaine Jazz Jam took place on May 5, 2013. It has continued almost every month since.
“Our goal with the Jazz Jam is to provide a space where musicians can try out their music, meet other musicians, and possibly form new bands. We provide a drum kit, a Yamaha professional stage piano, a PA, foldback speakers and an attentive sound mixer.
“We try to provide an environment that nurtures all participants, from beginners to experienced performers.”
The jam provides the opportunity for groups formed on the day – or beforehand – to perform to an enthusiastic and supportive audience.
Audience members pay a small $5 entry fee. All monies collected are used to cover the purchase and maintenance of equipment and the printing of posters and flyers. None of the organisers receive payment for organising, running and promoting the jam.
Although musicians are not paid, they get free entry and a free drink.
John thanked all the musicians and audience members who had been part of the Jazz Jam’s journey over the last 10 years and in particular thanked their gracious Maurocco Bar hosts, Mauro and Anne, for providing their wonderful venue.
“We encourage everyone to come along this Sunday and help us celebrate our 10th birthday!” John said.
Names on the board after 1pm, music from 2pm.
