JAZZ fever has officially hit the South East with the annual Generations in Jazz (GIJ) festival kicking off at the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre last night.
The nation’s largest jazz event of its kind, accommodation providers, schools, sporting and community clubs, as well as residential properties will house the record influx of over 5000 students who have made their way to the Blue Lake city.
These young musicians will join residents and visitors alike in experiencing a weekend full of concerts and workshops under the big top at OB Flat, aptly dubbed “the world’s largest meringue”.
Among the world-class headline acts attracted for the annual event include the United States’ Joey DeFrancesco, Lizz Wright and Kurt Elling.
Although performing vastly different styles of music, the trio all fall under the umbrella of jazz and are eager to share their wisdom with the younger generation this weekend.
Jetting into the Limestone Coast late yesterday afternoon, Joey, Lizz and Kurt spent time exploring the picturesque Cave Gardens, the site of today’s Jazz in the Park exhibition.
Talented students competing over the weekend will head to the precinct from 11.30am to entertain the masses in a free concert.
With a wealth of knowledge to share, Kurt said he is excited to connect with the students as much as he is too perform.
“We’re going to meet a lot of beautiful young people who are incredibly talented,” he said.
“We have high expectation of their abilities and will tell them whatever we can to help make the most of the gifts.
“Who knows, we might discover a star – the spider web is always prepared to capture a beautiful moth.
“But mostly we’re just going to have the fellowship of everybody who loves the music in a beautiful location and drink some excellent red wine.”
As a world-renowned jazz star, Joey has not forgotten his roots, with experiences similar to GIJ that he believes helped shaped the musician he is today.
“I started jazz very young and was very fortunate to be around many great musicians,” he said.
“I can liken that to Generations as having seasoned players to guide me along the way was the ultimate experience – I hope I am able to give them something similar.”
Although only in the Blue Lake city for a short period, the trio hope to explore the region’s natural beauty which is something Lizz believes makes a musician.
Reminiscing on her own upbringing, Lizz said she learnt the most coming up in a “communal jazz community”.
“People really shared their love of music with me – whether they were drummers, singers or bass players, the told me what was important to them,” she said.
“I think being in small communities with beautiful surroundings is really nurturing for a young musician.
“I like to know about the natural features of a place – to find out what’s in the water and what about that is expressed in someone’s musical style.”
Lizz said she hopes to mirror this during her time with the students this weekend.
“I enjoy talking with young people and really listening to them and helping them find ways to explore and embrace their own story,” she said.
“It’s important to figure out how to borrow feelings, ideas and things they imagine and learnt to tell stories.
“No matter how highly skilled you are, it’s all about giving that gift of empathy to the audience, relating to their feelings and tapping into that emotion.
“I think that is what can build a beautiful career in the industry.”
The festival will wrap up Sunday with a midday concert, which will include presentations of the coveted James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and the GIJ Vocal Scholarship.
