past event

Grazeland Takeover

Grazeland

Jazz Fest is taking over Spotswood hotspot Grazeland with two huge days of free music. Enjoy a vibrant mix of local jazz, bossa nova, funk and West African grooves as you explore the West’s favourite playground for foodies.

 

Friday 17 Oct

Arch Stage

Eamon McNelis’ The Skellingtons
6:00pm – 7:00pm

Led by award-winning trumpeter and singer Eamon McNelis, The Skellingtons play swinging tunes from the catalogues of 1930s and 1940s icons including Billie Holiday, Una Mae Carlisle, Duke Ellington, Jelly Roll Morton, Hoagy Carmichael and more.

Alcides Neto
7:30pm – 8:45pm

Alcides Neto is a Brazilian-born, Naarm-based composer, guitarist and percussionist, whose music is rooted in the rich traditions of Brazilian culture. In this MIJF debut performance, Neto’s quartet offers a fresh and nuanced take on Brazilian music that will appeal to both new listeners and those already familiar with Brazilian sounds.

Metro Stage

Sleepy Jay (DJ)
5:30pm – 9:30pm
Naarm-based DJ Sleepy Jay is known for taking dancefloors on an eclectic journey through sound. Blending jazz, funk, soul and house, her sets celebrate rhythm, groove and the joy of connection.

Saturday 18 Oct

Arch Stage

VCASS Ensembles
1:00pm – 3:00pm

Hear emerging musicians from the Victorian College of Arts Secondary School. These talented students bring passion and energy to a selection of much-loved jazz standards.

Holly Moore Trio
4:00pm – 6:00pm

Melbourne based saxophonist, Holly Moore, is cementing her place as a diverse and dynamic new voice in the Australian jazz scene. Sit back and enjoy Holly’s original compositions and she takes the stage with Matt Hoyne (guitar) and Steve Hornby (double bass).

Jarabi Band
7:00pm – 9:00pm

Delighting audiences on a journey from the ancient Manding Empire of West Africa to modern-day city life, Jarabi Band weaves timeless Guinean musical traditions with the contemporary sounds of Melbourne’s vibrant jazz scene. Led by visionary master musician Mohamed Camara, Jarabi crafts a unique fusion of infectious rhythms, intricate melodies and soul-stirring vocals.

Metro Stage

Sleepy Jay (DJ)
12:30pm – 5:30pm

DJ Sleepy Jay is back behind the decks for a second Grazeland set, spinning a mix of bangin’ soul, funk and house tunes to keep your Saturday arvo vibes high.

Sidestep (DJs)
5:30pm – 10:00pm

Close out the day with DJs Jack Thompson and Ashley Mortimer — a duo with over 15 years experience spinning the best of jazz, funk and dance.

 

NB: Grazeland entry $4.00 per person.
Children under 12 free.

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