THE fourth Music in the Gardens session will be held this Sunday, March 3, between 2-4pm with local band, TRAX Big Band, gracing the stage at the Hamilton Botanic Gardens to entertain the community.

TRAX Big Band spokesperson Chris Cole said the band first formed in 2000 with three of the original members, Michael Woodward, Frank Marcollo, and himself, still in the band.

“We have a full-size big band,” he said.

“Four rhythm section players, seven-piece reed section, four-piece trumpet section and four-piece trombone section, two singers - 21 players.

“We are the Big Band of south-west Victoria with players coming from Hamilton, Warrnambool, Camperdown, Terang, Port Fairy, Horsham and smaller towns in between.”

Mr Cole said the band allowed more advanced musicians to play in a semi-professional band that extended their musicianship.

“The band plays music from the Swing era and more contemporary music from the 90’s and 2000’s,” he said.

“It’s music to suit all ages.”

Friends of the Botanic Gardens committee member, Jane Heazlewood said the sessions were going well.

She said the ‘Friends’ really appreciate all these musicians giving up their time to entertain the community.

“It’s fantastic - it’s great for the Gardens too, to host these events,” she said.

“We have people that come along with a blanket and sit and drink some wine, some people even get up to have a dance.

“So come along and have an enjoyable Sunday afternoon,” she said.

Mrs Heazlewood said there was one more Sunday afternoon session booked for March 24 with band MisTaBeaT who missed their earlier performance in December 2023.