See T-jazz News for early details of the 2009 Thredbo Jazz Festival While the artist and venue planning progesses for next year, enjoy all the information and images remaining on our site from the 2008 Festival
The 21st Thredbo Yalumba Jazz Festival
Friday evening 2nd May to Sunday 4th May 2008
 LEROY JONES
featured trumpet soloist with Harry Connick’s Orchestra
was the star attraction at Thredbo 2008 from May 2-4.
Although his roots lie in the rich tradition of New Orleans music, there are bop overtones to his playing which makes him a class exponent of straight-ahead jazz. Jones is one of four New Orleans born trumpeters _ the others are Wynton Marsalis, Nicholas Payton and Terence Blanchard _ who have enriched the music in the past 20 years. Jones, who will be accompanied by Finnish trombonist, Katja Toivola, is also a spirited vocalist.
NEW in 2008 - SWING DANCE CAME BACK!
 The Festival’s highlight was three Swing Dance gigs.
Drummer Anthony Howe led the Swing Wing in the first of three swing dance dates.
The Thredbo All Star Big Band under the direction of drummer John Morrison featured at Saturday night’s dance date. Sunday had swing era numbers of Goodman, Shaw, Miller and the Dorseys) featured by The Ozcats reviving the sounds of Bob Crosby’s Bobcats.
Two FREE Swing Dances Classes in the Keller Bar were run by Jumptown Canberra from 11:00 am to 12:00 noon Saturday and Sunday.
Thredbo did SWING in 2008 and delivered the great Jazz everyone expects:
- Thredbo Jazz Festival’s 21st year was celebrated at a Bernstein Tribute Concert featuring Leroy Jones and Katja Toivola;
- Clarinetist/saxophonist and vocalist Ben Jones presented the jazz side of Bobby Darin and the young Frank Sinatra Songbook with his quartet;
- There was the best in Latin Lounge with Lionel Robinson and
- New Orleans to contemporary with the Allan Brown Quintet;
- Violinist Ian Cooper and guitarist Jim Pennell
- Jane Irving with pianist Matt McMahon’s trio;
- Julie O’Hara and the Peter Baylor Quartet;
- Alison Penney and The Money Makers plus;
- Catherine Hunter Quintet, Jeremy Borthwick’s Exposed Bone, The Bogalusa Strutters, The Kevin Hunt Trio, The Mike Price Trio, The Shuffle Club, Paul Dion and Kirrawee High Stage Band and
- Guest appearances by Errol Buddle, Al Davey,Trevor and Michael Griffin and Bob Barnard.
Passes and Resort Inclusions
A weekend festival pass gains access to all festival venues throughout Thredbo and includes unlimited scenic chairlift rides on the Kosciusko Express Chairlift. The chairlift rises 600 vertical metres from the picturesque valley floor to the top of the Rams head Range which is the closest access point for a leisurely walk to the top of Australia - Mt Kosciuszko.
Festival packages including accommodation and weekend festival pass were available from $240pp. Go to Passes and Inclusions for all information.
PLEASE NOTE THAT BOOKINGS ARE ESSENTIAL AT ALL RESTAURANT GIGS - so once the program becomes available please book early.
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