Jazz in the city

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The Con Jazz 2001 concert in front of the Mackay City Council building had a family flavour in a tropical garden setting.

The 'kids' took centre stage in what was a celebration of the joy of music. Lecturer Derrin Kerr introduced The Junior Jazz Giants as possibly the youngest jazz band in the world and Don Burrows was impressed by their youthful exuberance.

"Aren't these guys great! Their average age is about 11, but when I play with them the average age is about 63," Don Burrows told an enthusiastic crowd of over 1000.

The slightly older students of Altered Licks then took the stage and were just as warmly received by the large crowd. All of the students, from primary school through to Conservatorium level, enjoyed this unique opportunity to perform with a musical living legend.

As the sun set the audience were treated to Don and Kevin jamming with the senior Con Jazz combo in what was probably their most inspired performance of the tour.

"Wasn't it just a sensational idea," said CQCM Director, Greg Whateley.

Ross Green