Wollongong’s CBD will host a free micro jazz festival this weekend, bringing a full day of performances across six local venues.
Jazz in the City is a music event provided by Wollongong City council to showcase local talent and support businesses in hosting music events for the community.
The event takes place this Saturday, June 6 and provides a gig trail where audiences can drop into sets to explore the city and indulge in jazz music.
City Centre Place Maker Carla Yamine said she hopes the community will appreciate the wealth of music and venues the city has to offer through the event.
“As part of creating vibrancy in Wollongong City centre we really wanted to support local businesses and work with them to bring live music and activation,” Ms Yamine said.
“We also know we have a unique situation where we have a conservatorium of music in our city which trains and nurtures so many incredible music artists.
“It seemed like a great pairing of bringing vibrancy to the city, supporting the businesses, and showcasing a bunch of our local artists.”
The program offers eclectic curated performances across a variety of genres, hosted by a range of CBD venues.
Audiences can expect to engage with sounds from South American roots, Latin Rhythms, Contemporary Jazz, R’N’B, Funk and Soul, performed by local, regional and Sydney based artists.
Cha Cha Del Mar lead singer Anamaria Gomez said she was looking forward to seeing people enjoying the music and venues.
“Live music attracts so many people … If there’s live music in a venue, you feel much more attracted to come in than if there wasn’t,” Ms Gomez said.
“People want this real connection with musicians.
“It’s not just about listening to music … it’s about the interaction, not just with the musicians but the interaction with other people that is created by the band that is playing.”
Cha Cha Del Mar will play at Mr Crown from 4pm and will bring Latin rhythms and folk energy to the festival.
Orgainsers say Jazz in the City will provide a chance for the community to engage and experience professional live music in the heart of the city and an excuse to explore vibrant local venues.
