Jazz, blues and rock ‘n’ roll sounds will filter across Nelson Bay this weekend for the Tastes at the Bay festival.
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While the focus will be on the food and wine, no festival is complete without music which is where the Blue Suede Boppers have stepped in.
The rock ‘n’ roll band is made up with Ken Foote from Lemon Tree Passage (bass and vocals), long time Medowie resident Steve Milner (drums), Stockton’s Richard William (lead guitar) and Lorne’s John Worth (keyboard).
As part of the festival, the Boppers will perform on a stage in Magnus Street, Nelson Bay from 4pm to 7.45pm on Saturday, November 4.
There will be live jazz, blues, folk on rock bands performing for free on stages in the Nelson Bay CBD and at d’Albora Marinas across both days of the weekend (November 4 and 5).
Port residents, music or rock ‘n’ roll lovers may recognise the Boppers from their sell out show at the Nelson Bay Rock ‘n’ Roll Festival earlier this month. They also performed at this year’s Blue Water Country Music Festival.
The Boppers have played music together in various bands for the past 10 years. Their music spans from retro rock ‘n’ roll favourites to 50’s and 60’s classics.
Other acts set to perform across the weekend include the FruiTTrees, New Orleans Quartet and Dr Don’s Double Dose.
The FruiTTrees are an original songwriting trio, branching from the Hunter Valley. Each member of the FruiTTrees – Peter Schillert, Renee Govoronsky-Smith and Brad Wieczorek – provide the harmonies. Schillert also plays the guitar and harmonica, Govoronsky-Smith the violin and Wieczorek a guitar and mandolin.
Dr Don’s Double Dose features Don Hopkins on piano and vocals, with Lawrie Thompson on drums and percussion.
The Sydney-based duo draw from the blues and jazz of the 1920s and 1930s through to R&B, soul and gospel sounds of the 1950s and 1960s with an emphasis on the New Orleans piano styles and songs.
Eric Gibbons and his New Orleans Jazz Band from Newcastle will provide the entertainment on a jazz luncheon cruise aboard the Moonshadow 1V on Saturday.
As well as live music there will be market stalls, wine tasting, craft beer, food and children’s activities will be available at the marina on Saturday and Sunday. There will be a free cooking demonstration marquee set up in Apex Park, and other stalls and activities in the centre of Nelson Bay.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
