Perth jazz festival to go ahead in November

Perth International Jazz Festival has announced its 2020 event is going ahead from 6th to 8th November offering a weekend of world-class jazz.

The Perth International Jazz Festival is returning to the Perth Cultural Centre for its eighth annual event utilising The Rechabite as the Festival Hub. This venue gives audiences the chance to experience as much of the ticketed program as they can by easily moving from the main hall to the Goodwill Club in the basement.

Delivering more family-friendly and free community events than ever before - including a Jazz Parade and a Jazz Picnic in the Park; ticketed top-class performances from expats Linda May Han Oh and Tal Cohen – who have returned to Perth from the US to escape COVID-19; a “swingin’ 1920s-style Cotton Club Dance Party” and an intimate Jazz Dinner.

Festival Director Dr. Mace Francis said planning this year’s event has been a wild ride in these unprecedented times noting “it’s with great pleasure and, honestly, sheer delight that we we’re able to present the 2020 Perth International Jazz Festival.

“There has been a lot of changes that have had to happen, but at our core we want to give you a weekend of the very best jazz that we can.

“Come and take a risk with us to see as much music as you can, experience new delights, reacquaint yourself with old favourites and just have the best time! This festival is for you and we look forward to seeing you there… from a safe distance.”

Generous support from Lotterywest, City of Perth, City of Vincent and ECU/WAAPA, will see The Perth International Jazz Festival open on Friday night with a completely free night in the State Theatre Courtyard in collaboration with RTRFM 92.1, leading into free day time concerts at Northbridge Piazza on the Saturday and Sunday, as well as the Jazz Picnic in the Park event on Sunday in Hyde Park.

The artist-in-conversations events will this year be at the Alex Hotel, where audiences can hear artists speak about their work and lives, and The Ellington Jazz Club will also present a weekend program including the infamous Jam Sessions.

Getting out to hear great music is more important than ever in 2020, and the Festival is working closely with the relevant government authorities to ensure a safe environment for audiences, staff and volunteers. With the holding of this event, all State Government directions are being adhered to along with individual venues operating under their own COVID Safety Plans.

The Perth International Jazz Festival is the only dedicated international jazz festival in WA. The brain-child of the late Associate Professor Graham Wood, in its first year it ranked fourth in Time Out’s ‘Top 7 Australian Jazz Festivals’.  

For information on events and ticketing go to Moshtix 

Image: International bass player Linda May Han Oh returns from the US to perform with WAYJO for one night only.