Jazz in Canberra for February is dominated by the St Valentines Day Jazz Festival, held at the Australian National University over the weekend of 14th and 15th February. Some of the interstate bands that will be performing include The Graeme Bell All Stars, gospel and blues singer Lee Gunness, The Geoff Bull Olympia Jazz Band, rag-time pianist John Gill, Cajun band Psycho Zydeco and jazz violinist Ian Cooper. Local bands and artists will include Straight Ahead, The Black Mountain Jazz Band, big band's Jubillee Jazz and Spectrum and singer Gery Scott.
Speaking of whom reminds me that Jazz On A Thursday is still continuing at the Canberra Yacht Club from 7pm - 9pm. Gery and the trio have attracted quite a following here and anyone interested in fine jazz singing and playing can avail themselves of this, plus fine food and beverages.
The Black Mountain Jazz Band - masters of dixieland and trad - can be heard every Saturday afternoon and the Dickson Tradesmen's Club from 2pm - 5pm. This is one of Canberra's longest running jazz gigs.
Finally, some jazz celebrity gossip. Jazz pianist and singer Craig Schneider has tied the knot with Ruth Stevenson. Craig and Ruth were married at the Duntroon Chapel on January 24th, with a reception held at the Federal Golf Club. I'm sure that everyone in Canberra's jazz community will want to wish Craig and Ruth every happiness for a wonderful life together.