The Clarence Jazzmen are an institution of good-time jazz on the north coast. Originally called The Old Graftonians, they’ve had decades of playing great music, with gigs up and down the coast and tablelands.

Their repertoire draws from the songbooks that Australian jazz bands were expected to cover back in the day, popular show songs and jazz classics that have a timeless appeal.

This may indeed be the final appearance for this band. The Clarence Jazzmen will pay tribute to drummer and singer Warren Byrnes, who, sadly, passed away in March, and to the music that has enchanted generations of jazz lovers.

Warren was the last surviving member of the original band, and the current band members are based around Lismore, warranting a name change at least.

There are now four long-time members of the CJM line-up playing and singing good-time jazz like Warren always did: bandleader Pietro Fine, who joined the band in the 1990s, playing piano, clarinet and soprano sax, with bassist and singer Bob Dooley, who joined the band soon after, then Dave Stephenson playing trumpet, trombone and accordion and singing, together with internationally recognised guitarist Lucas Zorzo.

Drummer Nicholas Churkin has graciously stepped into the drum throne to fill in for the band’s greatly missed jazzman. Together, they’re a jolly crew.

“All in all, a night to please everyone, whatever their jazz preferences” – Scrubby Hurcombe, Tweed Valley Jazz and Blues Club.

Sunday 8th December, 2-5 pm at Lismore City Bowling Club