The smooth sounds of saxophones and trombones filled the Longford Bowls Club for the official opening of the 2021 Longford Jazz Festival on Saturday.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The event, in its eighth year, celebrates all things to do with the beloved music genre of jazz while simultaneously bringing the community together.
Prominent Tasmanian actor John X, also known for his vocal talents, opened the festival with the house band.
"Coming from an actor background and only singing purely by accident about 20 years ago, it's great to have the honour to not only launch it but to also sing some songs ... it's pretty exciting," he said.
"It's a little bit nerve-wracking I must say, there was a song I sang today that I have only ever sung once before ... it's a bit intimidating being amongst some of these people."
Mr X said he was chuffed to share the stage with the talented musicians and sing some of the jazz classics to an audience.
"I was so happy to hear this was still going ahead [with COVID-19 restrictions] and I think people need this in their lives at the moment, especially in rural areas and community areas like this," he said.
The Jazz Festival is being held in multiple venues in the Longford area, with a variety of concerts, times, and events to satisfy all jazz lovers.
"Jazz is an amazing thing, it seems to appeal to everyone," Mr X said.
"There is something about that calming, glorious, happy, joyous effect that music has and jazz has that little bit of an extra layer that makes people feel comfortable and cozy, and they can relax and forget about their worries for a while."
Plenty of voices joined Mr X to sing along to the jazz music, with feet tapping away under the tables and heads nodding along to familiar tunes.
Attendee Sallie Creese, of Eaglehawk Neck, is a member of the Hobart jazz club and has attended the festival for the past four years.
READ MORE: Man killed in firework tragedy at Birralee
"John X is brilliant. He is an amazing entertainer and gets better every year," she said.
"We are so lucky to be able to have [the festival] with other states having to cancel things."
Coordinator Don Ives said it was a great feeling to have the festival go ahead.
"We love to keep music live and it's not all jazz we play, we play swing and every now and then we may throw in a rock and roll number too," he said.
"We believe [the festival] is for the town, and the people from the town come and support us."
The festival will also boost businesses and accommodation in the area, with Ms Creese planning on supporting local while attending the event.
The festival finishes on Sunday afternoon.
Tickets are available via trybooking.com, with deals for multiple sessions.
What do you think? Send us a letter to the editor: