With spring just around the corner, things are starting to brighten up a little; and bringing Scarborough back into the spotlight now that beach season is making a comeback, is the annual Jazz By The Beach festival on Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 August.
The festival will see a collection of Western Australia’s hottest jazz musical talents who will bring their world-class performances to a multitude of venues across the Scarborough Beach foreshore; ranging from free and ticketed events to suit anyone who’s curiosity is sparked.
The 2022 program has been curated by Festival Founder and Director, Catherine Summers and features over 50 musicians performing across 10 venues. From brunch to lunch, afternoon into sundowner, an evening party or a black-tie event, the Jazz By The Beach festival has a unique experience for everyone to enjoy.
You can soak up Gin and Jazz Legends at The Scarborough Beach Bar with the Adam Hall Trio, or indulge in Beyond The Sea; an ocean view lunch with multi award-winning jazz vocalist Simone Craddock at Zoie Cafe. Perhaps you’d like to get a bit fanciful with Jazz Party! In the Style of Postmodern Jukebox with Claire Fahie and her phenomenal band as they make their festival debut.
As well as curating the festival, jazz diva Catherine Summers will be performing at the highlight event, A Swinging Gatsby Jazz Soiree with Catherine Summers New Orleans Nine in the Ballroom at The Rendezvous Hotels’ Diamond Lounge. The dazzling show will see the full brass nine-piece band taking you on a trip back in time to the swinging 1920s – from toe-tapping favourites to blue grass greats, it is bound to be a spectacle.
Catherine shares, “Audiences just love that New Orleans French Quarter feel, with jazz spilling onto the streets, and where visitors can easily walk from one venue to another.”
“There’s something really unique and special about holing up at one of Scarborough’s cosy venues to enjoy an incredible jazz performance full of heat and sizzle.
“Our first year was in the midst of the Covid-19 pandemic, so it’s exciting to bring back Jazz By The Beach and showcase these incredible acts without restrictions and providing a much needed boost to a struggling local arts scene,” Catherine finishes.