BELLINGEN GETS ALL JAZZY

Jazz and Blues enthusiasts are being entertained by some of Australia’s best musicians at Bellingen this weekend.

And it was jazz for breakfast at this morning’s festival launch.

BELLO BOOKED OUT FOR JAZZ FEST

Despite losing all of its government funding one of Bellingen’s most loved events, the Jazz Festival, will return for another year.

Organisers say the three-day event will still be a success thanks to community support.

BIG BELLO STREET PARTY

Bellingen was in party mode last night when the town’s centre became one giant jazz and blues concert.

After fears the festival wouldn’t go ahead because of a lack of funding organisers are now confident of its future.

BELLO JAZZ SAVED BY MUSICAL COMMUNITY

Community spirit and a love of music have saved the Bellingen Jazz and Blues Festival.

In its 20th year the festival almost didn’t happen, but the turn out at this morning’s launch has organisers predicting it will be the biggest and best yet.

JOE ROBINSON WIN

Macleay Valley guitarist, Joe Robinson, has taken out the prestigious World Championships for Performing Arts in Los Angeles.

The 18-year-old, from rural Temagog, near Kempsey, was awarded the Grand Champion and Senior Instrumentalist prize.

The international competition attracted 5,000 entrants from 40 countries across a range of disciplines.

The young guitarist, who has performed at the Bellingen Jazz Festival, has also won national awards for his work.

BELLINGEN JAZZ FESTIVAL

Organisers of next month’s Bellingen Jazz and Blues festival say the success of last year’s event has attracted a line up of some of Australia’s top musicians.

The three-day festival is the town’s major annual event.