Ian and Nigel Date are Australia’s leading exponents of the gypsy jazz guitar style. From a gypsy campfire to the low-down bluesy sounds of New Orleans to the South American street party to the sophisticated inner city salon, The Date Brothers happily invoke these sounds and styles and play in a virtuoso manner on their acoustic guitars.  Their music is inspired by the famous Belgian gypsy guitarist, Django Reinhardt, who in the 1930's formed the "Quintet of the Hot Club of France with Stephane Grappelli.  Between them they have played at all the major Australian jazz and arts festivals and venues.

Ian is regarded as one of Australia's great guitar players. From humble beginnings in rural Australia he has gone on to forge an international career. He has performed with a who's who of Australian jazz including James Morrison, Bob Barnard and others. Critics have described his playing as endlessly inventive, lyrical and melodic and always delivered with impeccable timing. Ian is also the patron of the OzManouche Festival, a yearly event that takes place in Brisbane. He is currently based in Co. Cork Ireland and tours regularly in Ireland, Scandinavia, mainland Europe and Australia.

Nigel is a freelance professional guitarist based in Sydney with more than 30 years experience. He works with some of Australia's best jazz musicians. He has performed at festivals and concerts in Australia and overseas, made TV appearances, radio shows, countless weddings, bars, cafes, corporate gigs, residencies and recording sessions.

He is known for being an accompanist for singers, violinists, horn players and other guitarists.

The Date Brothers live shows are always thoroughly entertaining, and with their infectious good humour and winning presence everyone is assured of a good time. The guitar combination of virtuoso guitar playing punctuated by songs featuring Ian on trumpet and vocal adds another dimension to their show. The brothers get together in Australia once or twice a year as well as overseas, and that's about to happen here in Merimbula.

Joining them on this occasion is Stan Valacos on double bass. Stan is no stranger to the Down South Jazz Club with his last appearance being only in February this year when he accompanied George Washingmachine, as he has done on many occasions. Other appearances over the last decade have been with John Morrison's All Stars, Jugalug String Band and Sancha Prowse and the Blue Gypsies. He has also played regularly with different groups led by Geoff Bull, as well as The Paul Furniss Trio and other combinations. He is in high demand by most leading musicians on the Sydney jazz scene. At the Southern Highlands Classic Jazz and Ragtime Festival he played with three top musicians - Geoff Bull, Paul Furniss and Anthony Howe. Stan also plays 7-string guitar in a Brazilian Band called “Performing Brazil”. He has played at the Ascona Jazz Festival in USA and also joined the Society Syncopators for several gigs in Europe prior to appearing for the Down South Jazz Club in July 2008 with the Geoff Bull Jazz Band.

You won't want to miss this outstanding show. Cost is $15 for jazz club members and $20 for visitors with music commencing at 7.30 pm.  Bookings can be made with Aileen/Kevin Walsh (64959853), at  bookings@downsouthjazzclub.org.au , or will be available on the night at the door. The Club Sapphire bistro opens at 6.00 pm with its extensive menu if you would like a meal before the show.