JUMPERS and Jazz in July is not just all about Warwick, with many towns and venues around the Southern Downs planning events.
Those events include Jazz on the Mountain at Bestbrook Mountain resort, aimed at being enjoyed by a bunch of friends or being a family day out.
The event will feature an afternoon with live acoustic jazz group The O’Brien Trio, and an authentic country experience with the opportunity to make hot damper and fresh butter washed down with genuine billy tea.
Wine tasting is also an option. Kids will enjoy saying hello to the horses and other farm animals – and perhaps join in the wagon ride.
Meanwhile, Killarney will turn on two great weekends.
The famous Killarney Bonfire night promises perhaps the biggest bonfire they can muster and the chance to chat with friends around the amazing metal “firey giants” (fire drum) creations.
Meanwhile, the Killarney Hotel proprietors invite everyone to kick back and relax with Pandora Karavan and her unique gypsy flavoured jazz, along with hot food and cold beer.
For a quieter “spoil yourself” afternoon, Goomburra High Tea offers a glass of bubbly with delectable food and plenty of dancing fun with Natalie de Jager’s jazz band.
Travelling south, head to the wine country on the Granit Belt through the day, and then dance the night away at the Ballandean Tavern “Jazz Dinner Dance” with local favourites Jazz Aperitif.
For those who are keenly awaiting the great array of all things creative which Jumpers and Jazz offers every year, Leah Kelly, organiser of “Meet the Makers” at Allora, the “prettiest little town on the Downs”, promises a diverse array of crafts with artisans on hand for “show and tell” and items for sale.
Leah creates colourful “Cabochon” glass beads for various decorating purposes and will be revealing her creative secrets to visitors, hosting workshops through the week.
Leah is proud of the diversity of crafts people can experience at the event.
“All our artisans on the day are from the Downs. Other fascinating items include stunning silk-dyed scarves, natural soaps, popular paper beads, and wool enthusiasts should enjoy watching creations being worked on an original ’70s knitting machine,” she said.
The Old Allora Shire Hall will hold a museum open day.
For history buffs, this will be a memorable visit as Allora district holds some of Queensland’s oldest recorded memories.
Add live jazz by favourites Lorraine Stanley and the ever popular “Saxy Lady” and some home cooking.
The Mt Colliery surrounds will host the CWA timber-themed craft and photography display, featuring the outstanding work from the Allora Photography Club alongside the exquisite items by local woodworkers.
CWA secretary Melinda Borelli is excited to have such a display for Jumpers and Jazz.
“The woodworkers have quite an enticing array of items on show and for sale, from rocking horses to functional “keepsake” bowls, and other unique pieces which would stand proud in any home,” she said.
“The photography club have excelled in producing an amazing presentation. It’s a delightful drive to Mt Colliery. Top it off with scrumptious snacks and it will be a trip well worth your while.”
For details about the events, head to the festival website www.jumpersandjazz.com to view the full program or purchase the program booklet for a gold coin donation at Warwick Art Gallery, Warwick Visitor Information Centre, Bryson’s Place, Style Shoes or Just Because Flowers and Gifts.
