The Jazz Jammers Newsletter 10th June 2025
Newsflash - It is The Gov.
Going One Better...the B Team smashes it
As is so often the case, the absence of the Merimbula mob gave others a chance to shine - and 28 jammers took the opportunity. This was a sparkling session - a mix of regulars (Mike, Neville, The Good Captain, Anthony, Deb, Jeff, Keith, Michael Holt) with Steve Martin, Stan, Ivan, Paul, Adam and Andy Moon on bass, Graham and Mike on drums, Gentleman John Curtis, Bru, Evelyn, Катерина, meself on the keys, Martin Case (sax),and a clutch of singers featuring newcomers Michelle, John, and Nan... and Megan just about the pick of the tonsilisters. Of the newbies, we thought Evelyn (piano) shone - hope she comes again.
Standards, Ballads, BeBop, a bit of blues, and some good instrumentals - this session had a diversity of genres to choose from - and the regulars seemed well pleased with it all. Even the Chef joined in - although we were tempted to order more food just to get him quietened down and back in the kitchen.
Who knows what the next session will bring? Be there to find out.
The Next Jam Session Sunday 15th June
The Governors Hall, 27 Hall Street Hawthorn East. Siri will guide you there or get off the Monash at Burwood Road/Toorak Road), take the first turning left and Hall Street is on the right.
Session starts at 3.30pm and should run to 7pm. Parking is easy on a Sunday
If everybody could click on the link below, you will all know what to look for, and the Governors Hall people may be further persuaded that having the Jammers around on a Sunday arvo would be a good thing...
Clicketty Click!

The Newport Jazz Festival - ya missed it...
Click on the landing page for a quick roundup...
https://www.melbournejazzjammers.com.au/
More Gigs and Jams....and rain.
Challis Street Imbroglio: rained off..
Last week's session was cancelled on the day - driving rain and the cold making an outdoor session impossible.
This week, the Captain Chaos Quartet rides again - with the Debster on vocals.
Outside Wilde Interiors on Challis Street, Newport, Saturday 14th June, 10.30 am to 12.30pm
Jazz at the Boatshed Cafe
More rain - and Anna cancelled both the Sunday Session and the Monday session. Apologies to La Slattery and Aneta - we will get you back...
Sunday 15th June, 10.30am start - fingers crossed this one goes ahead - Don Gula (bass), Martin Case, (saxophone), and the usual rubbish on keys will accompany Miss Annabelle Crutchely Smythe's antipodean cousin, aka Annie Smith as she warbles through her way through her wonderful repertoire.
The Boatshed Cafe, Albert Park: stop in the Aquatic Drive car park, and head for the water. 10.30am to 1.30pm Sunday 15th June
Castlemaine Jazz Jam
Take the easy drive up the M79 to play with the best (at least by their own estimation) in central Victoria.
The next jam will be on 5th July, at The Maurocco Bar, Midland Hotel, Castlemaine, opposite the railway station.
John hasn't sent through the usual glowing report from the Castlemaine crew for the June session, but we will chase it up.
First Sunday of every month, 2 - 5pm...Sunday 4th The next jam will be on 1st June,

Other Festival News - and news of other Festivals

Newport Folk Festival
4th - 5th July 2025
The Folk is a fabulous event with an eclectic mix of bands - from all over Australia, and beyond.This is the Festival that inspired the Jammers to put on a Jazz Festival in the same venues.
If you go to one Folk Festival this year, make sure it is this one. If you go to two Folk Festivals this year, go to this one twice.
Come and Play!
https://newportfolkfestival.org.au/index.html

Castlemaine Jazz Festival
June 5th - 8th 2025
YA MISSED IT!
"A celebration of jazz music held annually in the vibrant town of Castlemaine, located in the heart of Central Victoria. Taking place over the King’s Birthday long weekend in June, the festival brings together a diverse array of musicians and bands, offering an unforgettable experience for jazz lovers of all kinds.
ALSO MISSED THIS ONE!

Merimbula Jazz Festival
June 6th - 9th 2025
We are awaiting the return of the jammers who went - amongst them Christine Manetta, Phil Ress, Roger Evans and Ashley Thompson - and on their reports on this year's Festival.
About Melbourne Jazz Jammers and the Newsletter
The Newsletter has settled down to around 900 hits per month. It goes to over 12,000 email addresses each week, in 29 different countries. If you would like us to promote your Festival, or gig, we will promote it for free. Just send the details to melbournejazzjammers@gmail.com
The jam sessions started in 2002, making this the longest running jam session possibly in the planetary system. They are a side gig run by the Melbourne Jazz Jammers Inc., who will not start planning the next Newport Jazz Festival for a while. We need the sleep...
Meanwhile, back on planet Earth, if you want to 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, or promote your gig through the Newsletter, contact Col (he needs a new hat), or Ted at the jam sessions.