The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is thrilled to announce the Festival’s bold return in 2024. Coming into its 34th year with a fresh look, the Festival has been revived under the helm of Festival Chair Andrew Nunn, and Artistic Director Serge Carnovale, founder of Melbourne’s renowned Paris Cat Jazz Club.
The pair, along with a new board of directors and a team of passionate Wangaratta locals are excited to relaunch this iconic celebration of Australian Jazz and Blues. With persistence, and support from the Australian jazz and blues communities, Wangaratta Jazz and Blues will deliver its 34th Festival taking place from 1 – 4 November 2024.
With 13 venues already secured, more than $40k from crowdfunded donations, Nunn says, “We’ve been overwhelmed by the support of our local North-East community, and the broader jazz and blues scene,” he said.
“These donations have provided the support we have needed to lay the foundations to stage the 34th festival, and it’s great seeing the Jazz, Blues and Wangaratta communities pushing this forward together.”
Nunn is a local business owner and musician who has been instrumental in moving the Festival to its next phase. As the owner of Melbourne’s beloved Paris Cat Jazz Club, Carnovale programs over 600 gigs a year at the inner-city venue, which showcases the best of Australia’s emerging and established jazz artists.
Now, stepping into the role as Artistic Director, Carnovale is excited to bring the deserving calibre of artists back to Wangaratta. “Wangaratta Jazz and Blues has played an integral role in supporting Australian musicians over its 30 plus year history and is one of the country’s premier regional festivals,” he said.
“I’m excited to be involved in this new phase and showcase the very best Australian Jazz And Blues artists. There’s a lot of public and industry support for this event and we really plan to put on something special. I’ve been impressed by the board’s passion and desire to keep the festival going in these challenging times,” said Carnovale,
The Festival will continue with the prestigious National Jazz Awards, with this year set to crown Australia’s best saxophonist. Previous winners of the Jazz Awards have reached the top of Australian Jazz, including ARIA award nominated artists Kristin Berardi (vocals) and Sam Anning (bass) and Grammy nominated pianist and composer Barney Mcall (piano).
Festival-goers can expect a four day musical feast showcasing jazz and blues of all styles, including original, contemporary, traditional, mainstream, experimental and improvised music.
In its new direction, the board aims to honour the Festival’s long standing legacy in showcasing the country’s best and brightest jazz and blues musicians, while bringing some new fresh twists to the festival yet to be announced.
The 2024 Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues runs 1 – 4 November (Melbourne Cup Weekend). Program announced and tickets on sale for select events from 30 June. For more information, visit: www.wangjazzblues.com.au for details.
Image: Andrew Nunn and Serge Carnovale – photo by Katya Menshikova | Straight Line Photography