“IT IS a life changing event – you will never look at jazz the same way again,” The Cat Empire’s Ollie McGill said following Saturday night’s vibrant Generations in Jazz concert.
“This was my fifth visit to Generations in Jazz and every year is always a life changing experience.
“You just look around – it’s constantly buzzing – I think people are just really excited about jazz.”
His comments were echoed by a number of VIP guests who were enamoured by the atmosphere at the 6000 seat big top tent and in smaller venues across town during the three-day event.
Australian trucking magnate Lindsay Fox attended the festival for the second time at the invitation of close friends James and Judi Morrison.
“I have no commercial or vested interests other than seeing an outstanding Australian give back what he has learnt through his life to 5000 kids every year,” Mr Fox said.
“The proof of its success is not only all of the people that you have here, but you’ve also got the premier who jumped on a plane to specifically see what a great show it is – he had heard about it, but he wanted to see it with his own eyes.
“Seeing is believing.”
Seymour College has made the annual pilgrimage to Generations in Jazz for the past 10 years.
This year, 28 students from year seven to 12 travelled to Mount Gambier to compete in the stage band awards.
Grace Heaslip and Olivia Heeson, both 17, have performed at the festival for four and five consecutive years respectively.
“The inspiration and the atmosphere and the satisfaction at the end product is incredible,” Olivia said.
“We work so hard throughout the year and then we step off stage and realise that all that hard work was worth it – you feel really proud of each other.”
Saint Ignatius College students attend every second year and this year around 50 students representing two stage bands and three vocal groups made the pilgrimage to Mount Gambier.
“It’s just such a world-class event,” 17-year-old student Jack Mencel said.
“You see some of the world’s greatest jazz musicians here and for all of these people to come all the way down to South Australia … it’s just an amazing experience for everyone involved.
“It’s my third visit here and every year I know that it’s going to be a great experience.
“It’s consistent and we always look forward to it.”
