Local musical group ‘Jacaranda Jam’ has finished the year with a flourish, performing for dignitaries, volunteers, and others at a Christmas party event last month.
Jacaranda Jam is a ukulele band, featuring guitar, vocals, and a number of percussion instruments, and performs around nine concerts annually at nursing homes and retirement villages across Springfield, Ipswich, and western Brisbane.
Their last gig of the year was at the Community Christmas Party at Brighton Homes Arena on Monday, December 11 – an event hosted jointly by Oxley MP Milton Dick and Jordan MP Charis Mullen each year.
→ Watch the band in action here: https://www.facebook.com/reel/3531173470481325
Director of Jacaranda Jam Community Music Steph Sherrington said the Christmas party was a fantastic way to wrap up the year.
“This was by far our largest, and youngest, audience who got involved – and were generous with their applause,” Steph said.
“In addition, we made some unexpected musical connections to be followed up in the new year.”
On the list for 2024 is a Musical World Tour concert, currently in the planning phase – as well as the group’s popular St Patrick’s Day and Christmas concerts.
Ms Mullen, who donated a set of flashy new shirts in time for the event, called the performers “amazing”.
“These wonderful ladies (and a few great blokes!) perform at aged care homes and at concerts throughout our region bringing absolute joy to our seniors through beautiful music.”
Jacaranda roots
Steph has been a member of the band since 2012 and inherited the role of director in 2021.
In between concerts, the band gets together and plays a variety of music “for our own enjoyment,” she said.
The group was founded in Camira in the 90s – although it has transitioned through various incarnations since.
Two members have been with Jacaranda Jam for over 25 years, Steph noted.
They meet at AVEO Springfield on Wednesday mornings – “cuppa and chat included”.
“We have a regular group of about 15, and others who come along when they can.”
The majority of members live in the Springfield area, as well as Camira, Bellbird Park, and Redbank Plains.
In terms of age, they range from their mid-50s to 80s – with one even reaching his late 90s recently.
“Our dear friend Eric retired from the choir due to ill health at 98.”
It’s a testament to the power of music in creating enduring connections between friends, Steph explained.
“We welcome anyone who enjoys music to come along and join this very happy group of friends.
“No need to play an instrument, but if you would like to learn, we can do that too.”
They derive “so much happiness” from watching audience members get involved with the music, Steph said.
“We have found that people with limited mobility after a stroke still tap along with the beat with their good hand.
“Music really is magical.”
Jacaranda Jam’s weekly rehearsals will resume on Wednesday, January 17.
Jacaranda Jam meets at Aveo Springfield on Wednesdays, 9:45am to 12 noon.
For more information, visit facebook.com/JacarandaJamCommunityMusic or contact Steph Sherrington on 0400 196 095 or email binzep2016@gmail.com.
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