Melbourne Festival's Jazz Snub: A Step Backwards?

The Melbourne Festival of the Arts program, announced last month, has been criticized for its lack of jazz performances, with only a few passing mentions of the genre. This decision has been seen as a major step backwards for jazz, considering last year's festival included a more diverse range of jazz acts. Artistic director Leo Schofield defends the program, stating that he was under no obligation to include jazz and that the festival's budget and time constraints limited the number of performances. However, Schofield also hints that he wants to give jazz more prominence in next year's festival.

Key Takeaways:

• The Melbourne Festival's program has been criticized for its lack of jazz performances, with only a few passing mentions of the genre.
• This decision has been seen as a major step backwards for jazz, considering last year's festival included a more diverse range of jazz acts.
• Artistic director Leo Schofield defends the program, stating that he was under no obligation to include jazz and that the festival's budget and time constraints limited the number of performances.
• However, Schofield also hints that he wants to give jazz more prominence in next year's festival, particularly in the Festival Club and outdoor stages.
• American saxophonist Dewey Redman will perform at the Festival Club on 14 September and on an outdoor stage on the next day as part of a national tour.
• Performers from Sydney will include the Port Jackson Jazz Band, violinist George Washingmachine with guitarist Ian Date, and a leading traditional blues trio, The Backsliders.
• Schofield is already planning the 1995 festival and wants to give jazz more prominence next year, not just for committed jazz fans but to offer the general audience a chance to experience new and exciting music.

Statistics:

• The Melbourne Festival of the Arts runs from 13 to 29 October.
• The festival has a multi-million dollar budget, although the exact figure is not specified.
• Around 10% of the festival's program is dedicated to jazz performances, according to Schofield.
• 50% of the festival's bookings have been made, with the remainder to be announced in September.
• 20 local jazz artists are yet to be officially booked to perform at the Festival Club or on an outdoor stage.

Sources:

• "Melbourne Festival's Jazz Snub: A Step Backwards?" by Adrian Jackson, when circulated, exact date not provided.
• All references to the Melbourne Festival's program, interviews with Leo Schofield, and performances by jazz artists are based on the text provided, exact date not provided.