The 2007 Melbourne International Jazz Festival is set to be the biggest ever, with an array of the world's finest jazz musicians descending on the city in May next year.
Herbie Hancock and Chick Corea lead the international contingent for the festival, which runs from May 3-13. Other international guests include Gary Burton, Frank Gambale, Pharoah Sanders Quartet, McCoy Tyner Trio and Dave Liebman, The Las Vegas Mass Choir, Bir??li Lagrène Quartet (France), Jens Winther Quartet (Denmark), Ramon Valle Quartet (Cuba) and Yamand?? Costa Trio (Brazil).They join local acts including James Morrison, Kate Ceberano and Jamie Oehlers Small World Ensemble.
Melbourne Lord Mayor John So told Undercover, "2007 is a special year, because more than half the events are free for the public. We want everyone involved. The city will be bustling for 11 days, as we take jazz to the streets of our city."
Victorian Minister for the Arts Mary Delahunty spoke to Undercover about the utilisation of public space for the event. She said, "Federation Square will be an integral part of the free public festivities. We will also be holding events along the banks of the Yarra, using the space that proved so popular during the Commonwealth Games."
Artistic Director of the event, Albert Dadon, explained that the key venues for the festival will be Hamer Hall, Palms at Crown and iconic jazz venue Bennetts Lane.
