Tyrrells Winery, Hunter Valley NSW
Saturday October 29, 2016 :
The last ever Jazz In The Vines attracted over 10,000 people to Tyrrells Winery on Saturday in the Hunter Valley. Although rain threatened, the only thing to rain on site was men. Lisa Hunt’s set was a particular standout. The morning was dedicated to jazz with Monica Trapaga, Emma Pask and Jame Morrison. Seeing Morrison for the first time was a real thrill, Australia’s best on brass.
The crowd was colourful and set out from the onset to have the time of their lives. The afternoon erupted initially with Hunt, closely followed by crowd favourite Leo Sayer taking the packed house back to the ’70s complete with his ‘Long Tall Glasses’.
There were a number of personalities on show with Where’s Wally, Elvis and even a few cowboys. Hawaiian shirts were the must have fashion accessory both on and off the stage. Mental As Anything closed the event for the last time. Wine and spirits flowed freely and from a musical point of view it was first class.
Now what about the operations? Jazz in the vines could easily be rebadged as Jazz in the lines. Essentailly from the time you drove in until you encountered the two hour delay driving out, it was a mess. There were queues for food, 1+ hours, and what about the drinks line up for two hours. In the heat, patience and down right common sense went out the window. People were simply frustrated, it’s bad enough to be subjected to over the top alcohol prices but lines up to 100 meters long is ridiculous. The drive out simply left the participant furious. If someone could explain to me why punters were left in a line for 2 hours without moving, I am all ears.
Overall, the end of an era, music first class, food, who knows, the day was over before I got served, and drinks, well a stop over at an outside pub on the way home hit the spot. If this event is ever rebadged in another name, can somebody please consider the patrons.
Reviewer and Photographer : David Jackson
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