Folkus jazz jams

Here’s another piece in the jazz puzzle being put in place. There’s now a monthly jazz jam session open to players around Canberra. Cameron Smith, trumpeter from Kooky Fandango, is the convenor of the sessions. Here’s Cameron’s announcement:

The Folkus Room (based at the Serbian Club, 5 Heard St Mawson) is hosting a monthly jazz afternoon on the 3rd Saturday of the month from 2-5pm.

The format will see a host band opening and closing the session, with the opportunity for walk up/jam session slots throughout the afternoon.

April 19th will feature In Full Swing Big Band.

IFS, led by Nathan Sciberras, is a 20 piece big band performing a range of swing, popular songs and modern jazz.

The IFS small ensemble will lead the jam session.

The intention of Jazz at the Folkus is to provide a venue for local musicians to perform and network with people with similar interests.

All musicians, rehearsed acts, singers, school bands and choirs are welcome to perform.

The Folkus room features a dance floor, bar and light meals are available.

Contact Cameron Smith 0422 842 605 for information on being a host band or just bring your instruments/voice and join us for a great afternoon of music making.

General entry is $12/$10.

Entry is free for walk up acts, however bookings are advised.

This is a great opportunity to promote the local community of players. Cameron has had discussions with the Canberra Jazz Club, so there’s a link to some of the longer-standing players around town. And the jams are open to school kids, so there’s a link to the next generation.

This is exciting and another piece of a puzzle to promote jazz in Canberra. As I see it, Canberra now has the Jazz School, ArtSound and its studio, CanberraJazz.net and its reports, pics and calendar, lots of musos out performing, Hippo and several other venues, links to the local jazz club and a relaxed venue for musos to mix and play together; even a history (Cool capital by John Sharpe). It all bodes well. Thanks and best of luck to Cameron from CJ.