Monday 21 May, 2012

The 10-day 2012 Melbourne International Jazz Festival kicks off on Friday 1 June, featuring more than 300 musicians and 100 events in the heart of Melbourne.

V/Line offers an affordable, safe, fun and convenient way to get to and from the festival. On the day of performance, holders of V/Line tickets to Melbourne get 10% off select Festival events as listed on vline.com.au

The Festival features concerts from living legends and powerhouse artists such 3-time Grammy winning vocalist Dee Dee Bridgewater (USA), pianists McCoy Tyner (USA), Hiromi (Japan) and Samuel Yirga (Ethiopia); Future Now, collaborative hip hop, R&B, post-modern jazz from beat-boxer Taylor McFerrin (son of Bobby), 5-time Grammy winning musician and Spike Lee film composer Terence Blanchard (USA); as well as late-night art parties, intimate club gigs, film screenings and masterclasses.

There are events for families and children, including the ever-popular Play School Big Jazz Adventure, featuring Big Ted, Little Ted, Jemima, Humpty and hosts Teo Gebert and Rachael Coopes, introducing children (and parents) to the wonders of jazz; and over thirty free events including lunch time concerts daily at Fed Square.

Marketing and Stakeholder Relations General Manager Paul Matthews said getting public transport to the festival was all the more enticing with V/Line passengers getting 10% off select performances.

“Melbourne is really making a name for itself as a destination for jazz musicians and the Festival line-up is jam-packed with noteworthy local and international acts,” Mr Matthews said.

“There’s definitely something for everyone across the ten day festival. Bring the family in for a free lunch time concert, or make a night of it on a Friday or Saturday when later trains run out of Melbourne.”

To promote the festival to regional Victorians, commuters hopping off the train at Geelong, Ballarat and Bendigo next week will be treated to a free jazz band performing on the platform.

Take in the tunes on the following days:

Geelong Station
Monday 21 May
5:00 -7:00pm

Ballarat Station
Tuesday 22 May
5:30 - 7:45pm

Bendigo Station
Wednesday 23 May
5:30 – 7:30pm