Push for jazz club

Dunsborough-based five-piece Local Vintage Jazz perform this Sunday from 4pm at Old Dunsborough Hall in the hope of spurring on the South West’s first dedicated jazz club.

The quintet has been performing for more than five years and developed “a lot of musical history together”, according to lead saxophone player Mike Wiese.

“Over our time playing, we’ve gained a sizeable following, which had nowhere to go after our frequent gigs had to stop a year ago,” he said. “But there’s an unusual amount of jazz in the South West that probably comes off the back of Jazz By the Bay and it’s developed into a thriving ecosystem we need to nurture”.

Wiese told the Times jazz would continue being popular, as locals “craved novelty”, which this improvise-heavy musical style delivered.

“We’ve got amazing international musicians living right here, along with other communities like the swing dancers,” he said.

“They all need somewhere to go, and a regular, dedicated event like a jazz club would give it to them”.

Vocalist Charmaine Clements said she was optimistic about the performance on Sunday and its potential to spark something greater.

“We’re just hoping this Sunday is successful, and we keep building this following so we can make a jazz club a reality,” she said.

Tickets at the door from 3.30pm. BYO food and drink.