CONTACT ME
Many approaches are made to me in the first instance, usually by email, and I answer plus forward the info to all clubs. I was voluntary Tasmanian Jazz Co-ordinator for 4 or 5 years, but we abandoned the title because our hopes for funding might have been better.  After you have read this article, your approach will cover all the details you and I need to know and we will both save some words and work. In the area of each club they will do the organising.

Tasmania has a population of around 490,000, less than some city suburbs. Because of the often smaller audiences most of our clubs struggle for money, and they struggle for enough good workers to apply for government grants etc, where there are grants available. Because we have only 3% of Australia’s population, it is difficult to even get our fair share of national grants. Having said all that Tasmanians love to hear good visiting jazz musicians. 

In the schools there are many good Big Bands, which teach students to read their music, while producing a beaut swing sound and beat. Often the students go on to study music at Tasmanian University in Launceston and Hobart, and many go on to interstate universities. Although it doesn’t happen often enough there is a real need for visiting musicians to visit and play in our High schools, while playing for our clubs in the evening. 

MODERN and TRAD
At university there are lots of groups who prefer more modern types of jazz where they can explore their instruments and take jazz to new levels very successfully. In our clubs I think there is a big majority in our audiences who prefer trad, swing, mainstream jazz, and they say so with their feet. In our smaller venues the audiences dislike over-amplified music and they are choosy about what they attend. If you and/or your band have a nice jazz sound Tasmanians want to hear you. 

The ideal for your visit is if you have some other means of funding your travel, such as a grant, or the means to help with your own costs. The clubs will host you and you will have a lovely time. The clubs should be able to pay a reasonable performance charge, (about $100 per musician per performance is a yardstick with most clubs for most bands) and well qualified musicians are often booked in to schools or university to conduct much needed workshops, with some payment. I know it sounds a poor return for an educated musician, but greater riches are available through playing to keen audiences of adults and/or students. The riches are in the beautiful scenery and friendly people. 

For us to fully fund a tour by applying for a grant is difficult, and we need to ask for $5000 - $10,000 which is hard to get. There is no secret to the maths. 

For example let’s look at round figures for a four piece band:
 

Travel from Melbourne or Sydney                $1350 Small bus hire and fuel                                   $600	There are now some cheaper airfares about.  Now you can bring your car cheaply on our ferries Spirit of Tasmania I  II  & III from Melb or Sydney
Accommodation at hotels or motels               $1000	(I think there is potential to reduce this with billeting or subsidised hotel accom in some areas)
Various admin, advert, amp. charges etc.       $1000	You may be able to shave this down
There should be around $400 earned for a four piece at each performance.	Some only perform at Hobart and Launceston, but clubs at Burnie, St Helens and Deloraine are also possibilities.

Our main festivals (who might pay extra)
Clarence Jazz Festival near Hobart in Southern Tas. Jan/Feb 
Suncoast Jazz Festival at St Helens last weekend in June. Based on individuals rather than bands.
Jazz in the Aboretum run by Devonport City Council in February p.a.
Devonport Jazz July each year.
Burnie Paper Festival in October.
Central HighlandsJazz Festival at Bronte around October.

Some other Venues/Organisations you might like to contact
Republic Bar, Elizabeth Street, North Hobart - music of all types most days of the week
The TROUT BAR, Eliz St North Hobart.
ABC radio (Hobart) - often interview, live jazz, 11.35am weekday mornings.
Royal Oak Hotel, Cnr Tamar & Brisbane Sts, Launceston. Host is Bruce Potter. Various music nights.
Chancellor Hotel, Burnie - most jazz is arranged by Viktor Zappner Pres of NW Jazz Action Soc who get my newsletters
Some Local Government Councils who are excellent sponsors of jazz and might consider jazz in their Malls or parks:
Devonport City Council - Contact Elsa Kat
Burnie City Council
Clarence City Council (Hobart) - Contact Wendy Moles
Hobart City Council
Launceston City Council
I will try to add to this list soon. (Can anyone help me please?)

I want you to make the approach to come here in full possession of the facts. I don’t mean to turn you off, and I have put most of the difficulties up front. Please email me or give me a ring Ph/Fax 03 63 622 830.  0408137793
Tasmania and Tasmanians are beaut – come and see.