The times may be uncertain but the Merimbula Jazz Festival committee is taking an optimistic view and planning for the 2021 festival.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
One of the timelines driving the committee's enthusiasm is the completion of the new Twyford theatre expected in May 2021.
President of the Merimbula Jazz Festival committee Kevin Walsh said that currently the committee was planning as though the festival would go ahead "within what we know at the moment".
"We're optimistic but we know it's likely to be a very different festival to what we're used to," he said.
We will be able to stream other festivals and also stream live our own festival to other interested parties.
- Kevin Walsh, president of the Merimbula Jazz Festival committee
He is, however, excited about the technical possibilities that the new theatre offers. Project manager Charles Cooper said they hoped to have a fibre optic cable into the building; this coupled with a large screen will provide live streaming capabilities.
"The new theatre gives us many more options in how we present jazz using advanced technology," Mr Walsh said.
"We will be able to stream other festivals and also stream live our own festival to other interested parties," Mr Walsh said.
"It will also give us a more acoustic venue, a big advantage for vocalists, breathing new life into the jazz festival."
Jazz festival programmer Paul Dion said it would be a great opportunity to present high calibre performers in a concert-style situation.
"I think this will attract an even greater selection of jazz performers now that we will have this top class venue available."
With completion expected in May 2021, the jazz festival could be one of the first events to use the venue but of course much depends on how the pandemic tracks and what COVID-19 restrictions may be in place at the time.
Mr Walsh said the committee would be talking to the other venues and regular supporters of the festival very soon. He said there was a positive aspect to the current situation with COVID restrictions.
"We will have to do things differently and this is enabling us to think outside the square for a festival that will be different but might appeal to a wider audience," Mr Walsh said.
Inside the Twyford Theatre, the steeply raked seating will make for an intimate atmosphere for music and theatre performances.
Mr Cooper said that now the roof is on, services such electrical distribution, air conditioning and sprinklers would be installed.
"We will then move on to the stage structure and seating," Mr Cooper said.
"It's very exciting, to have a venue such as this in Merimbula especially for our second go at the festival's 40th anniversary," Mr Dion said.
