By Carol Goddard

The recent October Long Weekend brought the sunshine,the visitors, and the latest Classical Kiama Concert to our beautiful town, but this concert was different. It was the first concert by Classical Kiama totally devoted to Jazz.

Christ Church Kiama was the venue, and it's great acoustics, in addition to the beauty of the space with its leadlight windows and gorgeous timber work, make it so welcoming for performers and audience alike.

The concert was due to start at 5pm, but eager music lovers were jockeying for position way earlier - such was the popularity of the musicians and their program.

Simon Tedeschi, no stranger to performing in Kiama, was joined by George Washingmachine, to present some of the fabulous tunes made famous by the likes of George Gershwin, Cole Porter, Irving Berlin and “Fats” Waller.

Simon played his piano, and George played his violin and also sang, with the panache, the style and the groove of the exceptional musicians they are.

And the patter! And the jokes! Wonderful. George in fact told us the story of how he got his surname. I sat riveted; I’ve always wondered. He told us. The audience broke down with laughter. It shall remain secret to all of us who attended.

Being a lifetime jazz fan, and an admirer of both these consummate performers, I was not disappointed. Simon Tedeschi, George Washingmachine and Kiama Classical -thank you for a glorious 90 minutes of wonderful, wonderful entertainment.