Torquay jazzman makes next move

Callum Watson’s highly successful Geelong Jazz Soirées will relocate to the historic Victorian Railway Institute Hall this month to deliver two upbeat performances.

The award-winning Torquay composer said the century-old building was once a popular dance hall and training facility, with railway workers and Geelong locals often putting on concerts during its heyday.

He also said the venue was the “ideal next step” for the Geelong Jazz Soirées event model, which had previously used the Black Hatt for its Sunday afternoon shows.

“This is the perfect venue for these events. It has just the right amount of natural ambience for jazz, and there is room for the audience to move around or even dance.”

Slated for October 13 and 27 as part of the City of Greater Geelong’s Seniors Festival program, the first instalment will see decorated jazz singer and ABC recording artist Amelia Evans take to the stage.

The event will be Amelia’s first Geelong performance as a jazz vocalist – a genre she said she first discovered as a teenager.

“It’s always exciting travelling to perform for new audiences. I turned to jazz later in high school after attending the Generations In Jazz Festival in South Australia,” she said.

“At the time I had begun studying with the great Bob Sedergreen who was and continues to be a huge influence on me.

“The interaction and collaboration involved in playing jazz is what drew me in, and I was inspired by the freedom of expression it offered.”

Amelia will be joined by a strong line-up of local jazz performers including Evan Jones and Sean Loughran. Premium wines will be sold at both events thanks to wine partner Jack Rabbit Vineyard. There will also be Devonshire tea and cheese platters for sale.

Geelong Jazz Soirées will return on October 13 and October 27. Festival-goers who purchase their tickets before tomorrow (Friday, October 4) go in the running to win a $100 gift voucher to spend at Jack Rabbit venues.

General admission entries are $15 per person or $10 for groups of 10+ people. To book, visit callumwatson.com.au/geelongjazz.

The Victorian Railway Institute Hall is located on the corner of Latrobe Terrace and Gordon Avenue, Geelong.