BANDS from across the state converged on Port Macquarie between June 2-4 for the annual Big Band Blast.
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A little taste of New Orleans concluded the three-day celebration of brass and big band tunes with a parade along Town Green.
Festival organiser John Morrison didn’t disappoint with this style and flair inspiring young musicians to celebrate the best of the big band sound.
Music filled the Glasshouse forecourt from Friday night while Panthers hosted a day-long extravaganza of sound with more than 30 school bands showing appreciative crowds what they were made of.
On Saturday night, Ross Irwin on trumpet and Denis DiBlasio on baritone sax featured on stage with the 3B Horns - a monster jazz orchestra with many talented musicians and special guests.
John Morrison, along with his partner Jacki Cooper, have made their mark on the Australian jazz scene not only for their musical exploits, but also for their determination for all children in Australia to be exposed to music education.
They travel around Australia visiting schools and presenting their "Make it Swing" workshops. As well as visiting schools with established band and choir programs, they also spend time in schools with little or no music program in the hope that the schools will be inspired to make music part of the curriculum.
Besides their educational adventures, John and Jacki are regular performers at festivals and jazz clubs around the country. They started the Big Band Blast in Port Macquarie in 2013.