Check out some video of the group in the Video Gallery :)

Playing on the day will be Victorian musicians – Reg Packer (banjo), Alan Richards (drums), Don Blainey (tuba) and Bill Beasley (trombone) and our locals – Tony Thomas (trumpet), Jim Lole (sax) and David Lole (piano).

The line-up looks terrific and this should be an afternoon of trad jazz not to be missed! We hope to see a huge crowd there to support David in his efforts to bring this exceptional group of musicians to Canberra. How spoilt are we! The event is free to members but we will be running a raffle to cover costs.

There is also the opportunity to join us for lunch in the bistro from 12.30. We are getting great crowds for lunch so a booking is advisable. Please phone Barbara Newman on 6231 5406.

Also, Events to Note:

APRIL 28 Laurie Bennett Allstars with Johnny Nicol
Guitar/Vocals – Johnny Nicol
Piano – John Harkins
Reeds – Ben Jones
Bass – Brendan Clarke
Drums – Laurie Bennett**

Just an update to the bus details for the annual ‘Great Jazz Safari’ to the Southern Highlands on Sunday 26 May.

You’ve read about it in the latest newsletter and as you know, this year’s venue is the Highlands Golf Club, Hume Hwy, Mittagong. This is a first for us all after many years at Robertson, and Berrima before that until we outgrew the venue, but by all accounts, we are in for another great day out. The really good news is that Mittagong is a little closer to Canberra than Robertson so we won’t need the usual 8.30am start on a cold Canberra morning.

Instead, our bus will depart from Southern Cross Club, Woden at 9.15am (sharp) and collect from Southwell Park at around 9.30am. We will be travelling directly to Mittagong and our aim is to arrive at around 11.45am for those who may want to meet us there. The venue sits around 200 and there’s usually around 140 of us so we should have no problems with seating but it would be useful to know if you are intending to be there – note the $5 door charge.

For our new members, expect 3 hours of great traditional jazz and the company of a fun–loving crowd of fellow jazz lovers determined to have a good time. The jazz is always the best and this year is no exception. The much–in–demand Geoff Power (cornet, trombone, tuba, vocals) will lead a very talented band. Ben Jones on tenor sax currently leads his own popular group, ‘The Ben Jones Quintet’, which comprises some of Sydney’s finest young trad musicians. Ben is Patron of the Dubbo Jazz Club & this year’s artistic advisor for the Dubbo Jazz Festival. Legendary jazz bassist, Darcy Wright has played & recorded with many of Australia’s jazz greats. Pianist Frank Watts – well, a quote from the Bridge City Jazz Band’s website reads: You always need a good pianist and Frank Watts is one of the best…he’s with us again..on ya Frank! Rounding out the quintet is the ever popular drummer, Lawrie Thompson.

The host Club, which this year is Sydney, will also run the usual fund–raising raffle to assist with costs.

The price for the bus will be $25 which includes the $5 door charge. I will be at ‘Jazz at Jamison’ this Sunday so you can catch me then for a booking – note, payment with your booking is preferred.

Dont forget you can book online here – click Payments. Make sure you include Great Jazz Safari and your name(s) in the Description.

I know I said this last email but your Committee hopes to see a big crowd at Southern Cross Club, Jamison this Sunday to support the special appearance of ‘Vintage Quine’, playing for the first time in Canberra.

Yours in jazz

Linda Wiese
CJC Secretary

The editorial/production team has been away and it’s a big thank–you to treasurer Ron for doing this latest newsletter. Myrene will have hard copies in the post Monday.

Just some updates for you.

First, the Spiegeltent program. Tickets can now be purchased on–line but as yet the information about each show/artist has not been loaded. Tickets will also be available at the door. I guess all you can do is keep checking the Spiegeltent website for more information.

Below is a blurb off the Centenary 100 website which gives you a little information about what’s on.

The magnificent Famous Spiegel Garden is set to be the throbbing underbelly of Canberra’s centenary celebrations, with an extraordinary carnival of quality entertainment from local, national and international artists.

The programme – which runs from March 1st to 24th – includes such famous names as Parisienne chanteuse Caroline Nin, Irish folk singer Mary Coughlan and world-renowned cabaret artist Robyn Archer, as well as jaw-dropping circus and burlesque from the five-star sell-out show, Briefs. Bands include The Gadflys, Perch Creek Family Band, Mikelangelo & The Black Sea Gentlemen, Flap! and The Naughty Rhythms.

This legendary pleasure garden, with its unique, mirrored, Belgian spiegeltent, has spent many years travelling to arts festivals and fairs throughout Europe and Australia, but will visit Canberra for the first time when it takes its place in the Senate Rose Garden, next to Old Parliament House.

Many top artists originating from the capital will be showcasing their talents at The Spiegeltent, including duo Frencham Smith, singer-songwriter Daniel Champagne, rhythm & blues group The George Washingmachine Band, ’80s good-time party band Cell Block 69 and indie rockers The Falling Joys.

Other highlights include a live broadcast by Australia’s longest-running satirical radio show, How Green Was My Cactus, an afternoon of smooth sounds from Canberra Jazz Club – including the screening of a documentary on Madame Pat Thomson (plus concert) – and a screening of a film series on Canberra from its inception to the present day by the National Film and Sound Archive.

The dazzling season will also include children’s and family entertainment during the days, delicious food, cool drinks, hot sounds and all manner of festival frivolity at night.

The Famous Club Spiegel will open its doors as an après-show green room for all the back-door Johnnies, front-door Sallys, the famous and infamous. A club of distinction for ladies and gentlemen, The Famous Club Spiegel will have guest cabaret and music stars such as the Noir Review, The Shuffle Club and The Shout Brothers.

The Famous Spiegel Garden will be open from midday until late daily. For more information visit www.spiegeltent.net

Second, I have attached a flyer for the Date brothers show with Ian Cooper.

Third, the Illawarra Jazz Club asked us to post an update for their annual festival and that appears below.

ILLAWARRA JAZZ CLUB

Festival  – 3/4/5 May at the Corrimal Hotel.

Feature Bands include: Shirazz ( Melbourne), Fish Fry ( Newcastle), Galapagos Duck, Todd Hardy’s Ellington Tribute,Wild Rice, Laurie Bennett with Johnny Nicol, Virna Sanzone + many more.

Sunday Breakfast & Gospel 

Early Bird pass only $75 (before 12/4/13 ) 

All details at www.illawarrajazzclub.com  or ph 0403 750 724

Lastly, as part of Senior’s Week, we are holding a Mid-Week Jazz Concert that some of your members might be interested in attending -  Midweek concert, Wed. 20^th March, featuring Carol Ralph – Corrimal Leagues, 12 noon.

Yours in jazz

Linda Wiese

CJC Secretary