2nd, 3rd May 2026
The Jazz Jammers Newsletter 22nd January 2026
No Jam THIS WEEK!
18th Jan turned out to be the last session at the The Governors Hall
It was a raucous, muddy, who gives a wotsit type of arvo - lots of musos, lots of noise, little to entertain the other pub patrons, most of whom sat outside. We put close to 40 punters in the Gov for the afternoon, but Management finally spat it. Valerie as a closing number presages not well for future jams, and the Good Captain pulled the pin early - leaving the usual crew to pack everything into the two cars on hand and ride off into the sunset, sadder but probably no wiser.
Next Jam Session?
https://open.spotify.com/track/6WdcvzQADmrL8nucimUV6r
Looks like we may be back at the Middle Park Bowls Club in a fortnight's time. A Newsletter update will be posted as soon as we know...
More Gigs and stuff....
Jazz at the Boatshed Cafe
Next session will be on January 25th, and we are going for a middle European line-up - Katerina Myskova (Czech Republic) on vocals, Don Gula (dubious Ukrainian provenance) on bass, and Mike (sourced from various countries) on congas, with the same old rubbish on keys. The Boatshed Cafe has had a few good sessions of late - a few audience regulars, more startled lake lappers stopping for a while - and this week?
Katerina Myskova , vocals
Don Gula, bass
Mike, percussion
Ted Woollan, keys
Sunday 25th 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...
Katerina Myskova, the Czech chanteuse
The Duchess
The CCQ is back at its usual haunt outside the Dirty Duchess - Deb was first back last week, and was as relaxed and entertaining as ever.
This week Aimee Everett, western suburbs Diva, will be heading up the CCQ
The Duchess of Spotswood Cafe, Saturday 17th January 10.30 - 12.30, 87 Hudsons Road, Spotswood.
Castlemaine (Jazz Jam ) - hold your horses!
E-mail received from John Hannah, who runs the Castlemaine jam sessions. There will be a session on 31st January - as a 2.00 - 4.00pm follow on to the Sanfona performance (see Below). John assures me that they will be back to their normal schedule for the first Sunday in March.
"Unfortunately, after consultation with the CFA, the Newstead Live Festival, including the 3 chord club open mic has been cancelled. There will be NO open mic in January or February. However, we are looking forward to an exciting jam with Sanfona gypsy jazz fusion band at 1 pm on Saturday 31 January.
Should be exciting and challenging. See you there."
Thereafter the Jam sessions will be First Sunday of every month, 2 - 5pm...
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
- this 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/
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
Coming Soon!
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.