By VICTORIA STONE-MEADOWS
MARYSVILLE will become the home of jazz and blues for the first time in mid-October.
The inaugural Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend will host acts from around the state to boost tourism and economic activity in the town while bringing lovers of jazz and blues together.
Peter and Merran Guest are organising the event with the help of the local Lions Club.
“The Lions Club has really come on board as a major supporting partner, and they’ve not only become sponsors but they have also donated their time to set up,” Mrs Guest said.
The weekend-long festival includes musical events all over Marysville as well as Buxton and Narbethong, a New Orleans style street parade, free and ticketed events and after parties.
The weekend kicks off with a performance from Wilbur Wilde on the Friday night and runs through to Sunday evening.
The main musical events will be held at the community centre and The Crossways Inn.
“The smaller cafes that can’t really support paying for a band; we’re going to get buskers and place them around those areas so there will be entertainment everywhere,” Mrs Guest said.
Mrs Guest has been overwhelmed with the amount of musical acts that want to be a part of the musical festivities.
“They’re keen to be involved because it’s Marysville and because it has such a sad recent past and to help the town,” she said.
The Marysville Jazz and Blues Weekend will run from Friday 16 to Sunday 18 October.
