The band consists of Kath Williams – sax/vocals; John Murray – trombone/vocals; John Withers – trumpet/guitar banjo; Col Hindson – keyboard; Aaron Giffin – guitar; Wayne Carlson – drums; Mike Hutcheson – bass and last but certainly not least, the Mayor of the Sunshine Coast Regional Council – Bob Abbot, who plays harp and vocals. Some of these artists have played with or supported major names in the jazz and blues music world over many decades. All are Sunshine Coast residents, who through their love of music, have gravitated together to produce an entertaining session of blues for your enjoyment.

Jacki Cooper

While working for the renowned Stanford Jazz Workshop at Stanford University in the USA in 1994, Jacki studied with US jazz singers Mark Murphy, Kitty Margolis, Madeline Eastman and Nancy King, and gigged regularly with local musicians. She recorded a radio program on Fog in the City Radio, and was also invited to San Antonio, Texas, to sing with the Jim Cullum Jazz Band at the famous Landing Jazz Club on the Riverwalk. In 2003, Jacki was the featured resident vocalist on the inaugural season for the cruise ship, Oceania Regatta, cruising around Europe, Russia, Scandinavia, and the Mediterranean. In 2005, Jacki invited to perform at Sax n Art Jazz Club in Ho Chi Minh City in Vietnam with world-class saxophonist, Tran Manh Tuan. In 2007, Jacki and John toured China, performing at JZ Jazz Club and the House of Jazz and Blues in Shanghai. The tour highlight was performance at the Oriental Arts Centre with the Shanghai Symphony Big Band.

In Adelaide, The Jacki Cooper Jazz Quartet performed regularly on the local jazz circuit. Jacki is also an actor and has featured in several commercials on television. In 1998 she was the presenter of CityScene, a lifestyle show promoting events in Adelaide.

Since moving to Sydney in July 2006, Jacki has been collaborating with Swing City’s John Morrison. Together they formed “New Generation” which is a forum for young players. Currently “New Generation” features Tim Fisher on piano, Karl Dunnicliff on double bass, and Bernard Winetroube on vibraphone.

Visit Jacki’s website at www.jackicooper.com for more information.

John Morrison

“The Cat in the Hat”

John Morrison

John Morrison has delighted audiences for more than 25 years with his humor and dedication to sounds that swing. Equally at home in a small group or big band setting, his musical facility runs the entire spectrum from traditional jazz, swing, Bebop, R&B, Soul and commercial jazz rock.

The eldest of the Morrison family, John has spent much of his musical life playing and recording with his younger brother James Morrison. At age 8, John began playing cornet in the school brass band and by the age of 10 had built his first drum set from pots and pans. In these early few years he played many different instruments and styles but jazz drumming was to be his calling.

After living in New York for over 12 months in the late eighties, John and James returned home to form Australia’s premier jazz big band “The Morrison Bros Big Bad Band”. John widened his exposure and experience also playing with a variety of other well-known artists including James Moody, Scott Hamilton, Richie Cole, John and Jeff Clayton, Garry Dial, Jimmy Whitherspoon, Eartha Kitt, Don Burrows, George Golla, and Bob Barnard.”

As the driving force behind Swing City, John, who was voted Australia’s best big band drummer, looks forward to a big future for his most exciting project to date – Swing City.

Further to his playing schedule, John is a musical director for Pan Pacific and heads highly successful high school jazz music camps.

He is known for his work in the recording studio both as player and producer and hosts his own “Jazz at Five” radio show on Sydney radio station FM 99.3

Visit John’s website for more information.

Occupation: Musician. Sax and Vocals. Acting. Radio Broadcasting. Public/After Dinner Speaking. Television Presentation/Production/Writing. Master of Ceremonies. Event and Tour Management. Music Producer/Director. Jingle composition and copy writing.

Music Experience: OL’ 55. Skyhooks. Elvis Costello. Garth Brooks. Jo Jo Zep and the Falcons. Tom Jones. Split Enz. Roy Orbison. Cold Chisel. Dire Straits. Frankie J. Holden. Lou Rawls. Billy Daniels. Ricky May. James Morrison. Renee Geyer. The Angels. The Black Sorrows. Joe Camilleri. Glenn Shorrock. Dragon. Billy Thorpe. James Reyne. The Sports. Paul Kelly.

Television: Countdown. The Fast Lane. Flying Doctors. Hey Hey it’s Saturday. MDA. Logie Awards segment producer. Our Place. ABC Jazz Series. The Paul Hogan Show. Daryl Somers’ Tonight Show. Blankety Blanks. Sale of the Century. Celebrity Squares. MTV. Getaway. Wilde about Golf. A Pub too Far. Postcards. The Russell Gilbert Show.
Spicks and Specks. Live at The Basement.

Delilah

There is no doubt about it, Delilah is a born performer, a born entertainer. At the early age of 4 years Delilah was entertaining neighbourhood kids in her backyard in Baltimore, Maryland, charging one cent for admission. Later, inspired by the gospel music of her church choir, more interested in singing in school concerts then reading textbooks, Delilah with stardom in her eyes, headed for San Francisco, singing Jazz and Rhythm & Blues in a Pizza Parlour. Delilah’s undoubtable talents were quickly recognized alongside the likes of Sly Stone and Bobby Freeman.

Bookings in Canada resulted and were followed by a successful trip to Japan. Delilah’s professionalism was however then cultivated over a five-year period spent in Las Vegas. There, she was recognised for the great performer she is, appearing with people such as the late Duke Ellington, Sammy Davis Jnr., Lou Rawls, Robert Goulet (and the list goes on). This period set the mould of a very versatile singer, performer and actress.

A trip to Australia in the early 70s paved the way to an extensive, successful tour of South East Asia. The demand was such that she took in Indonesia, Taiwan, Bangkok, the Philippines and Hong Kong. A trail of rave reviews remained in her wake, wherever she performed. Hong Kong took her to heart, as many then and now are found to do. A weekly television show “Just Delilah” followed amidst modelling assignments and a film. Delilah’s desire to return to her favourite country, Australia, was fulfilled when she returned to play in the stage production “The Wiz”. It was around that time that Delilah decided to make Sydney her home.

This tall, slim and sensuous lady has appeared regularly on every major national television show, such as Bert Newton’s “Good Morning Australia“, Dave Allen’s “Live across Australia” and many more. Her voice and character, her ability as a performer are welcomed for the variety and strength they transmit to an audience. At the time Delilah made a big hit in the disco scene and became firmly established on the club circuit, topped by nomination as the “Queen of Disco”, which highlights the fact that she is a very talented and versatile lady.

Delilah also performed in Tokyo at the World Popular Song Festival 1979, where she wooed the audience with her great performance of the song “Here and Now“, winning the Most Outstanding Performance Award as well as the “Most Attractive Female Performer” Award.

Since then and up until the present time Delilah has “paid her dues”, proved herself to be worthy of being noted by many, far and wide. On all levels her professionalism, her voice, her truly talented personality has been proving itself to audiences on all levels. She’s done Disco, she’s done Rock ‘n’ Roll, she’s done Blues, she’s done Soul, ‘cos she’s got soul. This lady can go anywhere and do anything, ‘cos she’s got it all. She’s the spirit of the blues, a little Ella, a little Aretha, a little Lou Rawls, yes! Lou Rawls. Her show takes you from Pop to Country, Rhythm and Blues, to Jazz ballads that makes one’s hair stand on end. There’s rock, like her raunchy rendition of Blueberry Hill. She crosses the age barriers like no other. Delilah’s creative performances bring an element of theatre to the stage, to the audience. She gets them up there with her, she gets down there with them.

‘ … Delilah definitely has the ‘edge’ and James Brown has the ‘edge’ and Hendrix, Morrison and Billie Holiday had the ‘edge’ “
Greg Perano, On The Street 17/10/90

Delilah’s stage presentation is truly in the style of the greats, and that’s why in 1990 John Singleton, David Hollins and Mike Gordon saw her as the lady for their 5 million dollar advertising campaign for Campbell’s Cash and Carry though, once again it was Delilah’s wit and humour that added that bit extra. This highly successful campaign has increased her value as an asset to any organisation which employs her diverse talents.

Delilah is a must to see and hear. From the “old timers” to the “young bucks” Delilah performs in such a way that everyone finds something to take home in their memory pocket and something that brings them back next time for another serving. One can never get enough of what this lady has to offer.

Listen to Deleilah at http://www.australianjazzagency.com.au/acts/delilah/
Read the ABC “Spirit of Things” interview with Delilah

Ara Neccessian

Ara arrived in Australia from Armenia in mid-7O’s and established himself in recording sessions with some of Australia’s finest singers and musicians. His versatility in different styles of music has enabled him to be in continual demand as a professional musician.

Ara has worked all over Austral and throughout the world on various occasions. He has also performed with singer, Delilah, at Darwin Casino and is currently working with the “Doobie Bros Show” featuring Glen Shorrick as special guests.

He has also worked at the Bourbon and Beefsteak Bar, Kings Cross for many years and continues to work with The Bourbon Boys band at numerous venues throughout Sydney and interstate.

Ara is a welcome keyboard player in any top-line musical combo in and around Sydney and Australia.

Gavin Pitt-Ware

Dingo Creek welcomes Gavin Pitt-Ware to the 2010 Festival.  Gavin is of Torres Strait lsland – Jamaican background.

He started his musical career working with Maori Showbands throughout Australia, New Zealand, Far
East, England & Europe. Gavin came into his own when he returned from overseas to work solo in NSW Clubs and TV performances.

He started his own 3 piece band – “Baseeka” – at the Kings Cross venue, called “The Persian Room” in 1974. He also ventured over to the USA with the Jacquie Love show in the 1980’s. Gavin was a resident’musician/singer for many years at the world-famous Bourbon & Beefsteak Bar.

He is now the founding member of “The Bourbon Boys” who currently perform at live venues throughout Sydney and interstate. Gavin has accessed many styles of music in his 40 years of performing – Lou Rawls, Barry White, Billy Eckstine, Nat King Gole, Lionel Ritchie and many more.

Gavin’s appearance on any programme is guaranteed to please audiences worldwide.

The biography of great Australian jazz singer/guitarist, Johnny Nicol, is now available.

Titled “Johnny Nicol: My Life, My Music”, the 258 page book has been written by respected journalist and author Scott Nicol.

There are dozens of stories about –  and interviews with – singers, musicians, actors, radio and television personalities, sportsmen and even the occasional rogue – all of whom Johnny Nicol rubbed shoulders with over the years.

Those interviewed include Don Burrows, Bob Barnard, Renee Geyer, Kerri-Anne Kennerley, Lucky Starr, Lucky Grills and many, many more.

John performed in Las Vegas, England, Southeast Asia and of course in hundreds of places throughout Australia.

John also shares his battles with racism and how, for many years, he hid his Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island background from all but his closest friends. He shares how ultimately he has embraced his cultural identity and how he is helping others do the same.

The book is just $25 (+$3.95 P&P) and $2 from every sale through this website (please mention Dingo Creek when replying) will go to SIDS and Kids Queensland. Email author Scott Nicol direct on: journoscott@yahoo.com

Feel free to read some of the lovely e-mails we have received.

How very disappointing for you and us. Thank you for letting me know. I was so looking forward to the weekend however I understand your position. Here’s to the rain stopping now for a while and that you dry out a bit. Hoping that I will be able to join you in 2010. If there is anything I can do to help just let me know. Love and many blessings to you
 
Dear Dingos,
How disappointing–not only for us but you also. Hope you will not be too inconvenienced
See you all next year

I don’t think we can complain about the rain… but we will miss the enjoyment of the festival. See you next year
What a shame but we’ll be there next year.
 
We are really disappointed for you after all that hard work! Jake loves coming up there so much, as do we – but he always gets so much out of it.
Hope we can catch up soon anyway
 
I must say I am very disappointed, but feel more sorry for you having to make the hard decision of the cancelation. Hope your clean up is not too difficult. Looking forward to next year please send details by mail
Regards 
 
Very disappointing for all of us not to be able to share a great weekend but you still have to contend with water and mud which is very wearying.Hope all subsides quickly and with little damage to your vines etc.
 
I was only thinking about how you were affected and we both are very sorry for you having to cancel but can fully understand your predicament.

The Dingo Creek Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival which was to be held on 18 – 19 April has been cancelled due to flooding. The Festival will be held again on 17 – 18 April 2010.

The annual event is held to benefit SIDS and Kids Queensland, attracting up to 2000 visitors and some of Australia’s greatest jazz and blues musicians.

Organisers Marg and David Gillespie say their family property at Traveston, 20 minutes south of Gympie, has been hit by flooding from the nearby Six Mile creek, making the property inaccessible for visitors, campers and supply trucks.

“Our property hadn’t even dried out from the rainfall of the first weekend in April, and the past couple of days have just clinched it,” said Marg.

“The area where people normally camp for the Festival is running like a river, the car parking area is a swamp, and the water has reached the gate just a few hundred metres from the house.”

More than 300 people had pre-purchased tickets for the 2009 Dingo Creek Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival. Tickets are non-refundable, but Marg says they will be honoured for the 2010 event.

“(Jazz musician) John Morrison said ‘We’re family, we’ll be back’,” said Marg.

“It’s very disappointing to miss out on the fun and our opportunity to support SIDS and Kids Queensland, but there’s always next year,” she said.

The 2009 Dingo Creek Wine, Jazz and Blues Festival had received funding from the Queensland Events Regional Development Program (QERDP).

Marg Gillespie

P: 07 5485 1731 M: 0438 851 731