MEDIA RELEASE
July 2008 

NOOSA JAZZ FESTIVAL

OUTSTANDING LINE UP, NEW CONCEPTS IN 08 

The four day jazz spectacular that is the Noosa Jazz Festival has announced an outstanding line up sure to please all genres of jazz and music fans when it comes to sunny Noosa from Thursday, 4 to Sunday, 7 September 2008.

Enthusiasts are encouraged to get in early by checking out the program and buying tickets online before the printed program gets out – tickets are now on sale.

“Noosa Jazz Festival is recognised as one of Australia’s most popular jazz industry gatherings, with over 160 Australian and international artists coming to Noosa. This year we have added some new concepts and new events to the festival. Again we have taken the Noosa Jazz Festival to a new level,” said Garth Prowd, Managing Director USM Events.

“In keeping with Noosa Jazz Festival tradition of great talent and great fun, we are making it even easier for patrons with a new ‘state of the art’ ticketing system and an improved festival layout,” adds Garth. 

“I can confidently say that in 2008 the Noosa Jazz Festival is offering its broadest range of jazz styles including nu-jazz, funk, soul, boosa nova, modern, rhythm and blues, groove, mainstream, dixie land, swim, latin and traditional artists in both large outdoor concerts and intimate festival venues.

‘Last year it was The Cat Empire that blew up a storm as the headline concert act and this year it is Australia’s own, ARIA Nominated Jackson Jackson, supported by Los Delincuente All-Stars, one of the most exciting up and coming Afro-Cuban/Soul bands in the country, Watussi with their unmistakable distorted riffs and funked-up percussive rhythms, and The Bamboos, Australia’s premier Deep Funk outfit.

 “Festival goers can still come and soak up the Bourbon Street atmosphere in participating restaurants. The ever-popular and well established features of the roots of the festival such as Youth in Jazz, Jazz in the Woods, Beachside Jazz, jazz cruises, the welcome jam and final blast are old favourites here to stay,” adds Garth.

“Don’t miss American sensation, Mr Bob Malone who will educate us in the history of true American roots music that promises a multitude of rhythm, soul, jazz, blues and a whole lot of banter. And if that’s not enough, 10^th Avenue Jazz Band, also direct from the States will transport you into the timeless era of swing’n Dixie, performing old music in new ways.

“Singer, songwriter and actor, Catherine Lambert who is most recognised from her role as the jazz singer in the Oscar winning movie, `Lost in Translation’, with Bill Murray will perform at Noosa in an exclusive concert.

“The Noosa Jazz Festival has two dynamic young talents, Melbourne sensation, Becky Fox, and Sydney’s Anita Spring.  These two women together have raised the bar and added sexy and sultry to the word ‘jazz’. 

“Margie Lou Dyer, Rebecca Barnard and Judy Jacques, accompanied by internationally toured drummer Alan Brown will blow you away.”   

“We’ve added further depth to the mix with festival favourites such as George Washingmachine, Society Syncopators, Matt Baker, Carol Ralph, Jan Preston, Dan Barnett and Wildrice along with the return of internationally acclaimed guitarist, George Golla accompanied by Bruce Mathiske. 

“Also, for the traditional jazz enthusiasts, Bob Barnard, Geoff Bull, Geoff Power and the phenomenal 19 piece Ed Wilson Big Band will take centre stage in a never to be repeated performance during the four day festival.”

What you will notice this year is a more user friendly festival layout, with venues placed within walking distance of each other. 

“On top of the restaurants offering our unique Jazz packages; there are now less venues and more stages all located within the Hastings Street precinct. There are now only two official outdoor venues, Lions Park and Noosa Woods,” said Garth. 

Garth explained that Lions Park boasts three stages, with an Open Licensed Bar, Food and Market Stalls. The Lions park precinct will be in operation from 11am to 10pm daily, except Thursday, 4^th September. The ‘Main Stage’ is fully enclosed under a Circus Tent catering for 2,000 patrons providing full protection from the elements; The ‘Riverside Stage’ will be located right alongside the Noosa River, and the ‘Tingirana Room’ located at the top of the Lions Park. 

Noosa Woods contains the much loved Traditional Jazz Room, or known to most as the ‘Trad Room’. This fully enclosed venue will be completely contained with its own catering, licensed bar and toilets, and most importantly some of the best Trad acts we’ve brought to the festival in its 17 year history. 

This year we have introduced a new simplified ticketing system, made possible with the new festival layout and events now contained to the Hastings Street precinct, offering the ultimate jazz lovers pass. The ‘Gold’ Ticket will allow entry into any venue throughout the 3 days. On top of that, we’ve introduced ‘Day Passes’, allowing entry into any venue for the respective day purchased.  

 “It’s not just about seeing some good jazz bands or extending the styles you are familiar with. Noosa Jazz Festival offers student development workshops with acclaimed performers, exclusive interviews and performances with Australian jazz legends and much more,” he said.

Stay tuned for more announcements and in the meantime hit the jazz festival website for further details on www.noosajazz.com.au or for general enquiries call USM Events on: 07

Ticket Prices

Thursday (Welcome Jam)       $25.00      Sunday                                    $48

Friday                                    $48.00      Three Day Pass – Gold Pass  $98

Saturday                                $65.00      River Cruise                              $25

Saturday Night Concert          $35.00      The Sunday Mail Jazz in the Park  FREE