Tall Tales and Unsafe Sax on Norfolk Island

  

A piano-playing humorist who embellishes his concerts with tall tales and true and a veteran crooner who has grooved with Sammy Davis Jr are among 22 performers taking at this year’s Norfolk Island Jazz in the Pines Festival from December 8-12.

Now in its seventh year, the five-day event attracts favorite acts from across Australia and New Zealand and presents them in a range of concerts at various island venues.

Jazzing the luncheon concerts up will be author-composer-singer-pianist Dorian Mode, who peppers his Harry Connick Jr music style with rib-tickling yarns and readings from books he has written on life and travel. Backing the Central Coast-based performer will be saxophonist Graham Jackson and bassist Ian Esplin.

Dinner concerts and a matinee will roll out a huge array of talent, including Al Davey and his monSTARS from Sydney (Peter Locke on piano/organ, Stan Valacos on bass, tenor, Brad Child on sax/clarinet and Anthony Howe on drums), and Newcastle-based saxophonist Trevor Furmer and his Unsafe Sax group (Peter Toohey guitar and double bass, Gavin Ahearn piano and Doug Gallacher drums and percussion). They will also back award-winning Newcastle/Sydney soloist Julie Wilson.

Joining them from the NSW South Coast will be crooner Les Crosby, who has performed with the likes of Sammy Davis Jr, Peter Allen and Shirley Bassey, and across from New Zealand will be singer Malcolm McNeill, who will team up with the Mike Walker Trio (Mike piano, Bruce King drums and Peter McGregor bass).

Former Kiwi and now Sydney-based jazz soloist, Jo Elms, will also be on the island to lend her talent to a line-up offering the full compliment of feel-good jazz, swing and blues music.

Oxley Travel is offering special seven-night Jazz in the Pines packages from $1587 from Brisbane, $1652 Sydney, $1630 Newcastle and $1855 Melbourne, taxes included. Prices are per person twin share and include return flights with Norfolk Air, seven nights accommodation and car hire, airport transfers, a half day island tour and the full festival package as well as a souvenir program and welcome drink on arrival. Subject to availability. For information or to book call Oxley Travel toll-free on 1800 671 546 or visit www.oxleytravel.com.au

For extra information about the jazz festival email jazz@nigtb.nf and for general information on Norfolk Island go to www.norfolkisland.com.au.