Once again the Jazz Quest proved to be a big drawcard during the Merimbula Jazz Festival. Developed and organised by Paul Dion, the quest aims to encourage players under the age of 25 and offers prizes for the best.
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The Lakeview Hotel which hosts the event, also provided the $1500 prize money.
“Jazz Quest celebrates the wonderful, dazzling young talent at the festival. The future of jazz is well and truly ensured in the hands of the young players,” Mr Dion said.
Jazz Quest celebrates the wonderful, dazzling young talent at the festival.
- Paul Dion, Jazz Quest organiser
The innovation of having a Jazz Quest for younger players has driven the jazz festival in a successful direction, by ensuring that school bands and younger, modern players with different styles of jazz, attend the festival, Mr Dion explained.
The first prize of $600 was won this year by bassist Isaac Said Bass who held the hushed audience spellbound with his playing.
Flute player Joel Dreezer was awarded the $400 second prize followed by drummer Alex Wanjura, third, Tom Bell on alto sax fourth and Haris Hodzic bass guitarist fifth who won one hour of recording time at Sapphire Coast Music School.
Merimbula’s move to be the festival for younger players was noted by Bega Valley Shire mayor Kristy McBain during her welcome speech on Saturday.
