Jazz it up for the Australian International Music Festival

From the 6^th to 13^th July, an event not to miss is the 25^thanniversary of the Australian International Music Festival. As one of the most popular events in the Sydney calendar, you’ll be dancing alongside up to 1,300 other groovers who watch performances by artists from New Zealand, Japan, Singapore, the USA and obviously Australia.

The genres are vast, fast and furious including Orchestra, Choirs, Jazz and Wind Bands. Naturally, the Sydney Opera House is a major host venue but you can also check out other concerts at the City Recital Hall (Angel Palace) and Darling Harbour’s flurry of wine and music bars.

Over these seven days, several museums and cultural hotspots also share the music scene with sound so you can enjoy live performances at the Enmore Theatre and The Basement.  Dance along to Sydney Symphony Orchestra, Simply Red and Diana Krall who perform regularly and maybe groupie star-spot famous artists along the way.

Hosted by World Projects, the festival also awards each ensemble Gold, Silver or Bronze plaques based on their performance. If you’re a budding artist and have generated huge kudos in your field, there’s the Showcase Award category for groups that aren’t competing. It’s enough to dust off your recorder, triangle or glockenspiel, right? For more details, you can email the organizers and maybe you’ll be ready this year or be inspired to compete next year.

Tickets can be purchased at the Opera House with standard prices at $30 AUD which is a pretty good deal since you’ll be watching a huge range of musicians – some famous and some up and comers. At nearly 3 hours per performance, it’s a truly great experience that won’t melt your credit card. Additionally, nearly every music group that enters the festival has the amazing opportunity to play for 20 minutes at the Oprah House or Victorian Town Hall.

On the subject of cash flow, If you’re a backpacker or visiting on business and feeling a slight money crunch, instead of staying at overpriced downtown accommodations, there’s an affordable Sydney hotel just a few minutes ferry ride from the Opera House. At Cremorne Point Manor, boasting four years of TripAdvisors ‘Certificate of Excellence’ Award, you can march to the beat of your own budget drum.  If you also take a look at the Manor’s home page, you’ll see the new tour video and yes, the incredible views of the Opera House from the hotel. Now this is really jive talking!