......and all that Jazz

3 days of sunshine & great music was had when I went with Mum to Halls Gap. It was the 22nd annual Grampians Jazz Festival & what a fabulous way to spend a few days. While Bill had 2 weeks in a row in Qld, I decided that an adventure of my own was well overdue. Mum has been going to this festival for many years and I have often thought it would be a fun thing to do and so I was thrilled when she asked me to come along with her this year. Yes, I know, I've heard all the 'Mother-in-law' jokes. Well I'm here to tell you we survived each others company for 4 days and I had a ball - and yes, I guess Bill will have another weekend to himself next year. I'm going back again. It was awesome fun.

Halls Gap is a little town with approx 300 people. It is nestled at the foot of the Grampians about a 3 hour drive from Melbourne. It is such a peaceful place and the view from just about every room/coffee table/picnic table is of the spectacular mountians surrounding the town. During this weekend each year the population swells to approx 5000 people staying all round the area in Motels, Hotels, Caravan parks and private homes that folk have rented out.

Starting from 6.00pm on Friday night until 6.00pm on Sunday night the town is full of music. There were 8 venues running each day with bands playing 45 min sets until 12.45am. A Grand Parade on Saturday morning added to the fun. All bands played 2 offical gigs each but many of the band members played in more than one band and there were many places during the day where muso's just boogied with each other as they filled in their days. No matter where you wandered to throughout the day/night there was music to be heard. One of the cafes was the unofficial nightspot with jam sessions until the wee hours each night. Not us, we were in bed by 1.30am both nights.

All types of Jazz was represented with Trad being the most popular judging by the huge crowds in the main pavilion. Though the smaller venues with Modern, Swing & Blues mixes all had big crowds watching and dancing the time away. One of my favourites was a young band from Geelong, Swing-It, whose music is described as Jump Blues & Neo Swing - just magic - and I can't wait to see them when they perform in town. Another favourite was Gail Kingston and the Hot Foot Shuffle, a trad band from Adelaide. Another crowd favourite was Sunday's Picnic Day at Stony Creek - a free venue for all.

Monday morning seemed strange as it was so quiet with no music to be heard, just the birds relishing the quiet once again. We joined the exodus of cars, campervans & caravans wending their way back to civilisation and arrived home safely later that afternoon.

Back to work on Tuesday but I'll remember the sheer joy of the music for a long time to come. Bill made it home on Friday afternoon and it was good to see him after 2 long weeks. We caught up on 2 weeks adventures over a bottle of Red & a yummy dinner - downstairs.

So until next time............