Sandy Evans to play at Bellingen’s first Improvised Music Festival Coffs Coast Coffs Coast News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - June 20, 2021 Sandy Evans, world-renowned jazz saxophonist will play at Bellingen. IMPROVISED music is performed, explored and discussed at the inaugural Bellingen Improvised Music Festival (BIMF) coming to the town’s Showground Main Pavilion from Friday 9 to Sunday 11 July 2021. A highlight of the diverse event is Sunday’s performance by the Sandy Evans quartet, featuring its namesake, a world-renowned jazz saxophonist and composer. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au On Saturday morning young local and regional musicians are being invited to participate in free workshops. Kicking off the festival, the Friday Night Soirée delivers performances by talented local musicians including Pablo Blitzer (piano), joined by Pete Skelton (drums) and Danny Stitt (double bass), playing Pablo’s original compositions. Ultra-creative Free Jazz will be played by the Offspring Gypsys, led by Zac Mukgrrngal (electric guitar), joined by Ash Hall (trumpet), Chris Frater (tenor saxophone), Memo Beltzer (electric bass) and Stephen Harris (drums). And then to the Sunday afternoon Sandy Evans Quartet session, featuring Sandy Evans OAM joined by local musicians Greg Sheehan (drums and percussion) and Bobby Singh (tablas) with Brett Hirst (double bass) from Sydney. They will be supported by the Oscar Eager Octet of final year students and alumni from the jazz program at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, playing Oscar’s original compositions. Sandy Eager from event organisers, Bellingen Improvised Music Collective Inc. told News Of The Area, “All youth musicians and close family and friends are invited to the free Saturday Night Jam Circle, arranged in the round, to create an informal atmosphere so that the less experienced musicians feel more confident to participate.” On Sunday morning Sandy Evans will be mentoring young bands, giving them feedback to improve their performance skills. “I’m really excited to be performing and running a workshop at the Bellingen Improvised Music Festival,” said Greg Sheehan, adding, “I’m thrilled to be playing with the awesome saxophonist and composer Sandy Evans as percussionist in her band. “I love to teach rhythm as well and have some decades of improvising skills and tricks to impart. “So, come along for the ride.” By Andrea FERRARI Brett Hirst on the Double Bass at Bellingen Improvised Music Festival. Tablas played by Bobby Singh in The Sandy Evans quartet. Local musician Greg Sheehan imparts improvising skills at BIMF.
