SWEET melodies will once again fill the Hamilton Botanic Gardens today when the next Music in the Gardens, formerly Pleasant Sunday Afternoons, returns.

Held from 2-4pm, attendees of the free event will get to enjoy the talents of this month’s feature performers, TRAX Big Band.

The show is part of the ‘Friends of The Gardens’ summer monthly music program, which is returning in full swing after being interrupted by the pandemic.

TRAX Big Band, founded in Hamilton 22 years ago, provides the opportunity for the more advanced musicians to get together and perform a whole variety of music from the 1930s until the present day, including some more contemporary pieces.

The players come from all parts of south-west Victoria including Hamilton, Warrnambool, Port Fairy, Ballarat, Timboon, and Camperdown, and practise once per month alternating between Hamilton and Warrnambool.

The 20-piece band consists of two great singers - Jess Heffernan and Frank Verschuren - as well as two musical directors, Michael Woodwood and Sophia Macrae.

Over the years, TRAX Big Band has had members of the calibre of Peter Salt (trumpet) and Ken James (saxophone), with both these players performing worldwide on their respective instruments and being well known for their expertise and fine playing.

TRAX Big Band secretary, Chris Cole, said the group always presents great music to suit all ages and he was looking forward to seeing members of the community tomorrow.

“We hope you will come along with your chairs and a hot cuppa and enjoy a very pleasant musical Sunday afternoon in our beautiful gardens,” he said.