The Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival is a festival which encourages and supports women as jazz musicians, and composers. Held every December in Melbourne, Australia.
Many people ask those of us on the committee if it is a festival which is anti male.
This is not the case. The festival is to highlight women as composers and musicians. Often the women who are booked have men in their ensembles. It is all about the music and the exploration of musical ideas. This is supported by a fabulous team of hardworking administrators. This festival is a chance to showcase women from around the globe and always encourages those of us in the mwijf office (many of which who are curently active jazz performers) to continue questioning the definition of Jazz. Over the years we have maintained our commitment to straight ahead swing, big band and masterful contemporary jazz playing and composing performed at Bennetts Lane jazz venue. However, the recent years have seen an expansion to The Carlton Courthouse with an eclectic program of experimental and unsigned composers and performers.
Please visit the website at www.mwijf.org to see this years program.
Enjoy!
