Bundaberg jazz lovers will be entertained with two performances as Galapagos Duck returns to the Railway Hotel on Saturday.
Bundaberg Jazz’s Matthew Farthing said Galapagos Duck formed in the late 60s and it has since become one of Australia's best-known jazz bands and a household name in jazz circles.
“Their mantra is to create a jazz-oriented performance experience that is able to be appreciated and enjoyed by everybody, and these musicians are world-class virtuosos,” Matthew said.
“Expect both excellent musicianship and lively entertainment.”
Matt said it was great to see not only the well-loved band, but also local musicians return to the stage after COVID-19 restrictions had eased.
“Musicians who perform as a hobby see it as a chance to come together to do what they love and enjoy camaraderie as well as performing,” he said.
“All this naturally applies to full-time professional musicians, but every gig would be important to generate whatever income they can.
“The arts sector seems to have received the rough end of the COVID pineapple, and it is wonderful that so many of our local jazz-lovers feel that it is important to support these industry professionals.”
Galapagos Duck will perform twice on Saturday, August 22 as a five-piece band, as three of the regular members were not able to attend due to border restrictions.
Matt said Galapagos Duck had been known to draw up to 140 people to a Bundaberg Jazz session and with current licensing restricted to seating of 60 patrons only, the band committed to two shows if there was demand.
The first show sold out, but tickets were still available for the evening concert.
The line-up will include regular bassist and guitarist John Conley who has been with Galapagos Duck since 1981; and regular drummer/vocalist Rodney Ford on drums and vocals who joined in 2001.
“Filling in for our locked down friends on trumpet and vocals will be Mal Wood who has extensively toured internationally and worked with Jerry Lewis, Grace Knight, and The Morrison Brothers among others,” Matt said.
“Adam Thomas on vocals and tenor sax who has worked with James Morrison, Kate Ceberano, Wilbur Wilde and Tom Berlinson to name a few, and Brisbane pianist/vocalist Dave Spicer who among other things has developed an online music school that has over 30000 subscribers and over 5 million lessons taken.”
Matt said The Railway Jazz sessions were normally an afternoon gig. For evening tickets go online or in person at Bout Time Music, Targo Street, for $20.
“We have asked that tickets are booked and prepaid to help with restricted numbers, however if there are still spots left on Saturday evening, you can take your chances at the door,” he said.
Early Saturday there were still 15 tickets available.
For more information phone Matt on 0402 568 307 for details.
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