The Bays holds jazz festival

The Bays Community Group held the first Bays Jazz Festival outdoors at the newly-refurbished community hall in Woy Woy Bay Rd on Sunday, November 9.

Group president Bob Puffett welcomed the crowd of over 150 local residents and their children and thanked them for coming to the to the launch of the first Jazz Festival at the Bays.

"Thanks for all your help in making this event successful, and we hope that next year's Jazz Festival will be an even bigger and better event," he said.

Mr Puffet said that the event was part of the community-building services the group offered to the local area.

Following the successful August Bush Dance, it demonstrated the support the group received from its members and volunteers, and from local residents.

"The day proved sunny and fine, despite weather reports to the contrary," he said.

"Artwork and posters by local artist Jim Doe, together with decorations and staging by volunteers, created a wonderful 'New Orleans Bourbon Street' atmosphere in the grounds."

The festival featured local band Just Jazz, with John Callaghan (bass), Carol, Ralph (vocals), Tony Burkys (guitar) and Mal McGillivray (drums).

Just Jazz entertained the crowd throughout the day with a wide repertoire of jazz standards, ballads and dance numbers that had people dancing on the lawns of the community centre until near sunset.

"It could be, that with all the new music and cultural festivals now operating, the Peninsula is set to become a entertainment hot-spot on the Central Coast," Bob Puffett said.

Email, November 12