20th Devonport Jazz returns to State’s events scene

Devonport Jazz is returning to the Tasmanian events calendar this year from 22-25 July with a focus on local talent, plus some big headline acts, including ARIA-Award winners Katie Noonan and Paul Grabowsky.

Devonport Mayor Annette Rockliff said it was the 20^th anniversary of the award-winning annual music festival and this year’s events would be held at various locations across the City.

“It’s exciting to see Devonport Jazz make a return and Devonport City Council is proud to once again provide a platform for these artists to showcase their talents,” Cr Rockliff said.

“Council knows how important the arts scene is to not only to our community but the entire State, and we look forward to once again donning our yellow scarves and getting back into the groove with some amazing jazz tunes.

“Providore Place will feature opportunities for local performers with Jazz in the Pavilion, which will include pop up choirs, community bands and other activities on Saturday, 24 July, and the Jazz M.A.D. youth showcase with emerging musicians, artists and dancers.”

Devonport City Council Events Coordinator and Festival Producer Maree Brodzinski said the highly anticipated program includes many of the artists slated for last year’s COVID-cancelled festival.

“These artists are very excited to be invited again after the disappointment of last year. None of them wanted to miss their chance to perform at Devonport Jazz,” Ms Brodzinski said.

“Highlights of the festival will include one of Australia’s most distinguished artists, pianist and composer Paul Grabowsky AO. Winner of eight ARIA awards, two Helpmann awards, several APRA and Bell Awards and a Deadly award, Grabowsky will appear in a special solo performance at the Town Hall Theatre.

“Five-time ARIA award-winning artist Katie Noonan has proven herself one of Australia’s most hardworking, versatile and prolific artists. Her successful solo career encompasses opera, jazz, pop, rock and dance music.

“Noonan returns to her beloved genre of jazz with her Quintet, to perform reinterpretations of the classic 80s songs that shaped her life, from her latest album The Sweetest Taboo.

“Don’t hibernate this winter. Explore what Devonport Jazz has to offer.”

Other highlights include dinner shows, breaky blues, the Australian Army Band and Musos in the Mall, to name a few.

A paranaple Festival Pass is available from $99, which enables patrons to attend the performances by Katie Noonan, Gospel Song, ABC Radio Live Broadcast, Jazz in the Pavilion, 7AD’s Musos in the Mall, Pure Jazz Sessions, Ingrid Games Quintet (featuring Paul Armstrong), Paul Grabowsky, The Projekt @ Central Bar, Billy Whitton/Randal Muir Trio @ The Alex and SeaFM Jazz M.A.D.

A digital program of Devonport Jazz 2021 will be available on Monday at www.devonportjazz.com ^[1] and Council’s website www.devonport.tas.gov.au ^[2] – printed programs will be available from participating venues, Visitor Information Centres and Council customer service soon.