2nd, 3rd May 2026
The Jazz Jammers Newsletter 15th Jamuary 2026
Penultimate Gov
Yes, we are back at the Gov for this week and the next, and then - who knows?
Tempora mutantur, as Pliny might have said, had he lived long enough to attend a Hawthorn East Jam. Which he didn't. Given his reputed proclivity for stuffing his lyre, cithara, or early form of lute with garden fruits and blowing raspberries, it is probably just as well we are moving on.... or am I thinking of someone else?
So - two more sessions at the Gov, and then we are thinking of going back to the Cornerstone for a bash, and Middle Park Bowls Club for a lash. Both have asked us back, so we might as well fully exploit the short term memory loss.
Feedback from the Gov was that the music we played tended to startle the horses and dissuade the locals...draw whatever conclusion you like from that...
So - times change, and we must change with them: onward and upward....
Jam Session at The Governors Hall
27 Hall St, Hawthorn East VIC 3123
Next session: Sunday 18th January , 2.30pm to 6.00pm...
Bring your own charts, or use ours. Enthusiasm essential, Performance Anxiety optional, Charts a bonus, Competence to be well concealed as a kindness to others.
More Gigs and stuff....
Jazz at the Boatshed Cafe
Next session will be on January 18th, with the same lineup as last week - which we are looking forward to, as last week's session was a blast.
Aneta Graham, vocals
Michael Holt, sax
Steve Martin, double bass
Ted Woollan, keys
Sunday 18th January, 10.30am - 1.30pm.
The Boatshed Cafe, Albert Park: stop in the Aquatic Drive car park, and head for the water's edge. Munchies, toasties and a coffee served by Anna's hand-picked friendly staff...
The Duchess
The CCQ will be back at its usual haunt outside the Dirty Duchess - Sam has asked us back, and we are looking forward to this one.
Deb Woodroffe will be singing, with Col, Nev, Steve and some ageing roué on piano...
The Duchess of Spotswood Cafe, Saturday 17th January 10.30 - 12.30, 87 Hudsons Road, Spotswood.
Castlemaine Jazz Jam
At The Maurocco Bar, Midland Hotel, Castlemaine, opposite the railway station. Get your band in early as this is a popular event with the locals.
First Sunday of every month, 2 - 5pm... The next jam will be on a Sunday in 2026 (date TBC).
Photos of the last jam:
https://www.facebook.com/gwynn.james.7/
Sanfona performance in Castlemaine - Saturday 31st January, 1- 3pm.
Sanfona, will perform a 1hr set, followed by a 1 hr jazz jam session at the Maurocco Bar in Castlemaine on Saturday 31st January, 2026, 1-3 pm. This event is organised by the Castlemaine Jazz Jam Organisation. Sanfona is a jazz quintet from Melbourne that blends French and fusion styles, performing original arrangements and compositions inspired by European artists like Ludovic Beier, Django Reinhardt , Jean Marc-Jafet, Richard Galliano and many more. Sanfona's music is a unique mix of gypsy jazz, bebop, funk, and contemporary jazz.
Their performance at the Maurocco Bar is part of their Summer Tour 2026. $5 entry fee/free entry for musicians. Come along to listen/play or both! For more information contact John at johnhannah45@outlook.com
Find more information on Sanfona and the tour at www.sanfona.net
Bob Sedergreen and Friends present Diane Peters harp in her only Melbourne performance.
Diane established herself as a wonderful jazz harpist in Australia before moving overseas performing in France and mainly Italy where she lives and has played with the cream of Italy’s Jazz artists.
For this performance she will be joined by long-time associate Nick Haywood bass who has performed in Europe and was based in Prague as they present a program of Diane’s jazz inspired original music The program has been tailored to blend Afro American grooves and jazz improvisation
They will be joined by iconic Melbourne pianist Bob Sedergreen who has recorded with both of them and what promises to be an intriguing musical event played by Australian musicians who have won international acclaim
8pm January 24 2026
Southside at Classic Cinemas
6 Gordon Street
Elsternwick
January 24th 2026
- next Saturday
Bop till ya drop with support Ruby's Rogues
Mr Boogie Man Bar
160 Hoddle St, Abbotsford VIC 3067
Festival News - and news of other Festivals
Newport Jazz Festival Australia
2nd, 3rd May 2026
Band Registrations now open*
* no password required!
The sixth annual triumph of optimism and amnesia over experience and enthusiasm...
The friendly Festival is back - we have been planning this for a while now, and confirm that Festival favourites Bob Sedergreen and band, and the delightful Sarah Maclaine with her quartet, will be back - along with around 40 other bands - some crowd favourites returning, some new faces to add spice to the mix, and a coupla big bands to add some oomph to the ooh...
This year, we are using the two Bowls Club stages, the Scout Hall and the Library, and squeezing the programme into two packed days. If you or your band would like to apply, hats may be thrown into the ring - Band registration is now open!
Save the date!
https://www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au/
Inverloch Jazz Festival
31 July - 2nd August 2026
The Inverloch lads are just getting under way on the 2026 Festival - we don't have the details yet, but this Festival has always been a favourite, and we will post info as it comes to hand...
https://www.inverlochjazzfestival.com/
Coming Soon!
Port Fairy Jazz Festival
February 13th - 15th 2026
The biggest Festival in Victoria. The schedule has been release - 127 bands - phew! Quite a few Jammers have this on their to-do list. Lots of info on the website - band registrations are closed, tickets are on sale .
https://www.portfairyjazz.com.au/
https://www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au/post/port-fairy-jazz-festival-2026
About Melbourne Jazz Jammers
The jam sessions are a side gig run by the Melbourne Jazz Jammers Inc., a Not For Profit Incorporated Association - the Jam Sessions started before 2002 at Dizzy's Jazz Club, and have run on a weekly basis ever since. We also promote The Newport Jazz Festival Australia, which is coming up for its sixth year.
The Jammers are loosely run by an organising Committee of volunteers.
If you would like volunteer for the Festival and/or help pack up after the Jam each week, you are unlikely to meet much resistance. Really...
If you would like to throw your hat in the ring for a spot at one of the gigs, contact Col (he needs a new hat), or Ted at the jam sessions.