Nebraska-born blues singer Angela Fabian will be joined by her band and a host of jazz and blues performers for a free Father’s Day gig in the Brisbane bayside suburb of Wynnum.
The Australian-based performer, who began singing at age 14 at her local church, is one of the acts taking to the stage at the Wynnum Manly Jazz Festival on September 2.
Also appearing at the one-day family-friendly festival will be UQ Big Band – a jazz ensemble of more than 25 musicians from University of Queensland – and Queensland’s Royal Australian Navy Band.
Diamonds of Swing – aka well-known Brisbane vocalist Jan Lennard and powerhouse singer Di Clark – are also on the bill.
The Diamonds are regulars on the jazz and swing circuit and are known for their entertaining sets which include songs and duets from the magic era of swing from singers such as Peggy Lee, Lena Horne, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
Finishing the live set will be The Dixie Ramblers. On clarinet and sax is Trevor Rippingdale, who will be joined by trumpeter Colin Jones, pianist David Fennell, John Edwards on bass and trombonist Peter McHutchinson.
The band is led by drummer and vocalist Owen Smith, the inaugural president of the Gold Coast City Jazz Club.
The festival was started by local Gloria Davey 18 years ago to foster jazz in Wynnum and south east Queensland.
“It’s also to promote the wonderful suburbs of Wynnum Manly,” said Ms Davey.
“The Navy band has been with us all of that time. It is held on the foreshores and up to 2000 people attend.”
As well as plenty of live jazz there will be kids activities, food and drink stalls and a raffle on the day.
The live entertainment starts at 10.45am wrapping up around 5pm.
At Bandstand Park, below Gordon Parade, Wynnum. Details: (07) 3396-5825, wmjazzfest.com.au
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