Wangaratta Jazz 29 October – 1 November 2009

Started off late on Thursday afternoon and got to Robertson before a veil of fog and rain made the driving too hazardous. Stopped at the old railway station and wandered across to the ‘Bowlo’ for dinner. In the morning when we awoke, we found ourselves in a delightful park, full of flowering waratahs and .
Had a long drive Friday, just stopping for breaks, to get to Wangaratta by late afternoon. Wangaratta is a pleasant country town that is not too big but has the facilities to make it self contained. Decided to camp in a park by the river, as the caravan parks were full for the Jazz Festival. Walked up to town to hear Jazzgrove Mothership Orchestra with Charles Tolliver. They make amazing music, with 20 musicians (15 of them brass).
Woke to a warm day and wandered into town for some more jazz including Barney McAll (a waste of 50 mins of his life, according to Peter), Kristin Berardi, Linda Oh, Falling Water Trio and the highlight an American jazz singer, Kendra Shank. Also heard some great blues including Birdie King, Glen Terry, Andrea Marr, Blue Heat and again the standout performer was an American blues singer, Deborah Coleman.
Another great festival, with incredible organisation, but there seemed to be less musicians than previous years.