Held over the long weekend, its traditional time of the year, the Manly Jazz Festival hosted more than 100 free performances across four outdoor stages and indoor venues, as well as in shopfront laneways.
At age 41 years it is the largest and longest running jazz festival in Australia which continues to attract tens and thousands of music lovers to Manly each year who enjoy fabulous music in a spectacular location.
Ranging from renowned international jazz artists such as legendary US drummer Carl Allen to primary school bands, there was something to cater for every musical taste. This year’s jazz styles included Traditional, Soul/Blues, Big Band, Gypsy, Vocal, Swing, Funk/Fusion, Modern/Bebop, Latin and New Orleans.
The event climaxed last Monday evening with a jam session at the Ivanhoe Hotel which featured artists, who had performed in individual sets over the three days, coming together with skillful, dynamic improvising culminating in the unifying and inclusive force that is the spirit of jazz.
All pics Ben Apfelbaum
