Five years on, that initial September get together is still happening, though on a slightly larger scale.

The Longford Jazz Festival took place again from September 14 to 16 and saw a number of big names descend on the town from across the state – the country too. 

The highlight, according to the festival’s promoter Dee Alty, was the Jazz Ball on Saturday, September 15, which hosted two artists from the mainland.

Sydney’s Paul Furniss and Paul Ingle from Melbourne featured on the bill, “plus a great list of local talent,” Mrs Alty said.

“Just hearing it in the local town hall was fantastic.”

This year’s event also saw Don’s son Matthew Ives and his Big Band head north from Hobart to play their first ever show in Longford.

The earlier work he did on St Helens’ Suncoast Jazz Festival with Bruce Haley laid the foundation for what was needed to bring the event to Longford, said Mr Ives.

“That’s where I gained experience and got contacts with some of the artists.”

That passion shows in the regular jazz meet-ups he is still involved with between the two towns – often drawing 40 to 50 artists from across the state.

“We’re a musical family,” he said.

For Ms Alty the continued growth of the festival is exciting.

“It’s still growing,” she said.

“It’s becoming a state festival now.”

Overall, Ms Alty sees the festival as a great drawcard.

“Jazz festivals provide a great opportunity for local and visiting musicians to share their passion for jazz, play with many different people and show an audience what incredible talent can be attracted to Tasmania.

“Longford has had a good reputation for festivals and it lends itself as an easy town to get around with lots of friendly businesses to make sure people are made welcome.”

Though drawing a crowd is what any festival wants, for Mr Ives it’s not the most important part.

“I judge it on the happy faces,” he said.

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