Month: December 2013

It wouldn’t be Christmas without one of the Swingmasters Christmas Supper Dances.

The dancers at Buckley Park were treated to a night of fantastic LIVE music, A very Christmas themed evening and a magnificent supper.

We welcomed Paul to the drums tonight.  Wendy was in top form, singing beautifully, I even got to sing a few with her.

Merry Christmas from the Swingmasters (Wendy, John, Graeme & Ann)

Melbourne Music Performers group held its final Soirée for 2013.  It was  well attended and all the musicians gave great performances.

We were lucky to have Agus join the House Band this month as Tony had another engagement, but he suprised us all and turned up with his percussion.  This was great, we had a full band with Kevin, Stan, Paul and Me and later Izumi on Sax.  Also joining us for the first part of the evening was Luella, Blue Tango, Charlie, Sebastian, Tiina and Marion.  The open mic section welcomed some new talent – Matt and Seth.  We Jammed on “Merry Christmas Baby”, it was a great night.  Lots of positive feedback and everyone was enjoying themselves.  We have over 280 members in the group and welcome new members anytime.  Thanks to Tony at Kojo Brown for his support of the Melbourne Music Performers since we moved to his establishment in October.

For more information, or to join the group – visit;

The week before Christmas is always very busy and we’ve had a few gigs lately.  The Main Street Traders booked us again for a few days of Jazz and a bit of Christmas music.

We were once again treated to the wonderful sights of Croydon.

There is always something we take away from Croydon, a special memory, something that can stay with us forever (thanks Joseph c/- facebook)

Jan was wonderful (as usual) Neil, Frank, Joseph and Me had a great time.  Lots of positive comments from the passing traffic, and there is always Besame Mucho – This now holds a special place in our hearts!  The temperature on Thursday was close to 40 but we managed to play some cool jazz.

A lovely afternoon playing some Trad Jazz with the BlueTone Jazz Band.

Wearing our “Santa” hats (Well at least I was) we entertained the residents at the nursing home.  They just loved singing along to their favorite songs.

The line up was strong, Vocals,Soprano,Tenor,Clarinet,Trumpet,Flute,Keys,Bass & Drums.  I am always amazed how so many instruments play so well together, especially when it’s improvised.

A great afternoon with some really lovely people.

I am pleased to get to play with the BlueTone Jazz Band this year at the Grampians Jazz Festival in Halls Gap (February 2014)  It’ll be so much fun!

It’s always wonderful being invited to anyone’s celebration, but when we get to provide the entertainment, that’s even better.

We had a great afternoon, played in a slightly smaller group, in a beautiful garden setting in Monbulk.  Lots of bubbles and happy people here!

Even some surprising sights – even if I do say so myself!

It had been a while since I had the chance to play up at Jazz on Main so I was really looking forward to getting together with Jan Blake and the guys from Body and Soul.  Had a fantastic night.

We played well, the very friendly audience enjoyed the night.  Jan was singing up a storm, Neil, Alan, Trevor, Frank and Me all had a great time.  It’s such a privilege to play with these very talented musicians.

The next time most of us will get together will be December 17 & 19 when we get to Jazz up Main Street Croydon.  Other than that we will all be together again in Halls Gap in February at the Grampians Jazz Festival.

Mayoral Art Exhibition at the Maroondah Art Gallery.

We had a great evening!

Wednesday, 4 December, 2013, Jazz Notes (Kevin, David & Me) played at the opening of the Mayoral Art Exhibition at the Maroondah Art Gallery.

The exhibition was presented by the Croydon Branch of the Bone Marrow Institute to raise funds for research into leukemia and associated cancers.

A great crowd enjoyed our music – thanks everyone for taking the time to come and speak to us.  It’s always lovely to receive such positive feedback.

Ann Craig (flute)
Kevin Blazé (guitar)
David Taylor (bass)

Charity Fundraiser Trivia evening @ St Burnadettes. (Saturday 30th November)

A really fun evening with Easy Street; Jan, Tony, Frank, Norm and Me.

We played  a couple of great sets that added to the evening.  This was the fourth year that this event was run.  It was hosted by the BGN Group and raised in excess of $3000 for The Room to Grow Foundation  – helping kids on the Thai/Myanmar border.

Private – Celebrate 2013 Christmas Music Party. (Sunday 1st December)

A beautiful start to summer.  The weather was just perfect, there were lots of wonderful friends and family present to share in a great afternoon of music, laughs, food and the odd drink….  We are so lucky to have such brilliant musicians as friends.  Thanks everyone for spending the day with us.