Jazz, Wine & Blues

If you’re into jazz, wine or blues, this will make you happy. If you’re into all three, you’ll be ecstatic. The Ipswich Festival presents its popular Jazz, Wine & Blues event in the gracious surrounds of the historical Queens Park. 

Bring a blanket, fold-out chair or banana lounge and enjoy the goodies. South-east Queensland wines will be on offer courtesy of the Capral Festival Vineyard – sip on vino from Sirromet, Normanby, Summit Estate and 2nd 2 None wineries – or you can also B.Y.O. And so you don’t get too lightheaded, bring a picnic basket to fill with sumptuous delights from local producers.

The music kicks off at 2pm with the Ipswich City Big Band, which celebrates a decade providing entertainment to appreciative audiences. Regulars to this event will know them well.

One-man band Greg McHugh follows at 3.15pm with heavy roots and blues played with aplomb. Audiences are constantly impressed at Greg’s harmonica solos and slide guitar, so he’ll be setting the bar high for locals Downstairs Jazz to follow. The six-piece ensemble take to the stage at 4.30pm playing jazz, latin, funk, pop and rock.

Moving into the evening, the Mason Rack band provides a high-energy blues performance that will have everyone on their feet. Mason Rack started playing percussion at six with his musician dad, Billy Rack, and is now the raspy voiced lead singer who’s sometimes compared to Tom Waits or Robert Plant from Led Zeppelin. Not to be missed!

Finally, at 6.45pm and 7.45, Louis King and Liars Club will whip the crowd into a frenzy. The band has supported B.B. King, Buddy Guy, Jimmie Vaughan and Screamin’ J. Hawkins so you know they hit the mark with their mix of rockabilly and blues.

by Vicki Englund