Great Tropical Jazz Party on Magnetic Island follows Race Week

by Fiona Harper on 2 Jun 2009 The Great Tropical Jazz Party (www.magneticislandjazz.org), now in its 13th year is an annual festival of cool jazz beneath the palms on tropical Magnetic Island, just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville.

Commencing on Friday 11 Sep 2009, the GTJP features highly acclaimed international, national and north Queensland jazz musicians. The festival programme includes three nights and two days of jazz, culminating in an informal Jam Session on the Sunday night. Held amidst the lush tropical gardens of the All Seasons Magnetic Island (formerly the Magnetic International Resort), the stage is set poolside, creating a relaxed, intimate venue that attracts jazz lovers from all over Australia. The Jazz Party follows on from Sunferries Magnetic Island Race Week from the 4th to 9th September, with many crews lingering on the island to relax after a week of competitive sailing.

The GTJP has earned an impeccable reputation since its inception in 1997 for offering top class entertainment in a relaxed setting, becoming one of Australia’s premier jazz events. Festival Director Marilyn Sheather says, 'Every Jazz Party seems to be bigger and better than the one before. We’re able to attract quality musicians simply because the musicians love to play on Magnetic Island. The festival is unique in that all sessions are held at the one venue, enabling musicians who are between sets to sit back and enjoy the music of their peers.'

'Last year’s headliners, Chris McNulty and Paul Bollenback, travelled all the way from New York, and were blown away by the venue and the surroundings,' Sheather enthuses.

'Many musicians bring their partners and families as well. It’s such an intimate, tropical setting that encourages families to linger and enjoy the balmy nights and warm days of Magnetic Island.'

The 2009 programme features eight bands and almost 40 leading international, interstate and local musicians, playing exciting Jazz styles from mainstream to contemporary. Etype Jazz, fresh from electrifying performances in the Spiegeltent at Adelaide’s Fringe Festival, wrap their songs in contemporary jazz, a ‘cool swinging groove’ style that has been impressing audiences in Australia and overseas for more than 15 years.

Weekend passes cost $60, which allows admittance to all five day and night sessions. Single session tickets are also available.

Event dates: Friday 11 September 2009 to Sunday 13 September 2009

Magnetic Island is located in the Great Barrier Reef Marine Park, just 20 minutes by ferry from Townsville. The island is predominantly green space and National Park, with a permanent population of approximately 3000 residents. Magnetic Island enjoys an average of 320 days of sunshine a year, with 20 beaches and bays providing plenty of opportunities for visitors to experience the delights of this tropical island.

Contacts
Fiona Harper
Marketing Manager - Great Tropical Jazz Party www.magneticislandjazz.org
fiona@fionaharper.com.au 0425 795 453

Marilyn Sheather
President - Magnetic Jazz Assoc Inc
magneticjazz@hotkey.net.au 07 4778 5918