History
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz was conceived in 1989 as the dream of a group of local business people who wanted to establish a significant event for their town and region - an event that would be unique and that would attract many tourists to the area. Launched in 1990, the Festival was immediately hailed by critics, musicians and fans as the best jazz festival in Australia: a reputation that has been confirmed and enhanced in the years since then. The Festival's artistic director, Adrian Jackson, has consistently assembled programs that demand uncompromising excellence from performers, while presenting a balanced showcase across the range of jazz styles, but with an emphasis on modern, contemporary jazz. At the core of the program are the National Jazz Awards, featuring a different instrument every year.
For more information, read this article by Rebecca Curtis as published in 2009 Australian Geographer
Board of Management
|
Patti Bulluss |
1989 |
Background in media and hospitality. Holder of more “knowledge” than anyone else, and has contributed an enormous amount of volunteer effort. |
|
Ken Gaudion |
1998 |
Retired agricultural businessman, musician,arts council member. |
|
Geoff Davidson |
2000 |
Former senior public servant |
|
Debbie Watts |
2002 |
Customer Service Officer, Rural City of Wangaratta |
|
Kate Green |
2003 |
Tourism Development Manager, Rural City of Wangaratta |
|
Michael O'Brien |
2007 |
Father Michael is the Priest of the Wangaratta Cathedral |
|
Clinton Leys |
2007 |
Hospitality and Event Management |
|
Lisa McInerney |
2009 |
Physiotherapist, Rural City of Wangaratta Councillor |
|
Ron Webb |
2010 |
Former Mayor, Rural City of Wangaratta Councillor |
|
Doug Evans |
2010 |
Small Business Operator |
Kate Green
Kate has been involved in marketing, communications and event management in a metro and regional context for nearly twenty years. As Manager - Tourism Development with the Rural City of Wangaratta she plays an important role as a key liaison between the Festival Board and Council. Her ever growing interest in jazz was developed as a child through her Mother's love of Oscar Peterson, Don Burrows, George Shearing, Peggy Lee, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Andre Previn, Dave Brubeck and Galapagos Duck. Kate is passionate about the Wangaratta Jazz Festival and the community spirit it evokes.
Geoff Davidson
"The Festival is a four day excitement trip, a year at a time in the making. It focusses Australia's jazz and blues fans and the local community on Wangaratta and the wonderful north east. It is a privilege to be a part of an event that has such an impact on so many levels. ( Personally, I really only like the blues)."
Consultants
| Adrian Jackson | 1990 | Acknowledged and experienced Artistic Director |
| Michelle Buxton | 2002 | Acknowledged and experienced Publicist |
| Kay Richardson | 2009 | Experienced Management Consultant |