Jazz set to get the region swinging

Jazz by the Bay launches across the Capes today with a range of events set for Dunsborough, Busselton and Margaret River over the weekend.

The festival hub — On the Green — in Dunsborough, will see Lions Park pumping throughout the weekend, with free world-class live jazz and soul and funk entertainment from 10am-4pm on Saturday and Sunday.

A big marquee will provide shelter and seating, with audiences encouraged to join in the fun on the dance floor.

Among the acts joining the jazz-fest will be Local Vintage, Skedaddle, the Harry Mitchell Quartet, the Daniel Susnjar Afro Peruvian Jazz Group and the Jessie Gordon Quintet, as well as local acts Songbirds of the South West, the Busselton Ukulele Group and the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra.

Festival director Cindy Wiese said the local event brought a world-class musical experience to the region’s doorstep.

“People turn up and are often quite surprised,” she said.

“We engage with a range of musicians, go to venues from pubs to beautiful, unusual environments like the caves and Cape Naturaliste Lighthouse and also stage high-end fine dining experiences. So the festival appeals to a range of people and music within jazz.”

Clancy’s Fish Pub will host the festival launch night, which opens to the public from 7.30pm. In Margaret River, Morries will host the Bonnie Scotts Jazz Duo — a free event running from 9pm-10.30pm. Festival-goers are encouraged to secure spots for ticketed events. For the list of events, see jazzbythebay.com.au.