IT’S that time of year again when you can get out in the fresh air and enjoy some live outdoor music in the majestic Hamilton Botanic Gardens for the ‘Music in the Gardens’ sessions beginning this Sunday, December 15, from 2-4pm.

The program for the four months ahead will bring some great family and community entertainment, with local jazz band, The Evergreens, first cab off the rank.

Friends of the Botanic Gardens committee member, Jane Heazlewood, was delighted the program had returned and said there would be a different band performing on December 15, 2024, and in 2025, on January 5, February 2 and March 2.

In January Peter Cook will entertain as well as Em and Friends, in February there will be a performance by Charlotte Dahl and in March, TRAX will return to the stage.

The Evergreens’ trombonist, David Coldbeck said they were ‘keen as mustard’ and were looking forward to playing in the beautiful and historic Botanic Gardens, bringing them alive with good, honest, traditional jazz to entertaining the community.

“The band is looking forward to playing good Dixieland jazz,” he said.

“We will be the first of many local entertainers that will bring the Gardens alive on Sundays over the next few months, with a comprehensive repertoire of traditional jazz tunes that will get toes tapping and hands clapping.

“Share the afternoon with friends and family, bring your chair or sit on the grass and have a great afternoon in our wonderful Botanical Gardens.

“See you there.”