About Russ Spiegel:
Groovy, swinging, and sophisticated at the same time, versatile guitarist and composer Russ Spiegel hits all the right notes. Covering a wide variety of styles from rock and blues, to funk and Latin, as well as hard-swinging modern and most-modern jazz, Russ has been garnering rave reviews for his performances all around the world. Russ Spiegel is a commissioned composer and arranger, as well as a highlight respected international guitarist, bandleader, writer, musicologist, and award-winning sound engineer. He received his undergraduate degree in philosophy from the University of Michigan at Ann Arbor, and continued his studies at the Berklee College of Music in Boston.
Afterwards, Russ spent more than a decade living and performing in Europe before returning to the US, where he settled in New York City. Once there, Russ quickly became an established member of the jazz scene. He earned his masters degree in Jazz Performance during this time, studying at the City College of New York under the aegis of John Patitucci before going on to receive his doctorate in Jazz Composition at the University of Miami Frost School of Music as a Henry Mancini Institute Fellow.
Russ has released several albums, scored music for film, and currently performs and leads masterclasses, workshops, and seminars around the world. Russ is presently teaching at Florida International University and Miami Dade College.
About Headlands:
Headlands is an electrifying jazz duo that seamlessly merges youthful exuberance with musical sophistication. This dynamic pair is poised to make a lasting impression on the Australian jazz scene, mesmerising audiences with a sound that combines the raw energy of their formative years and the refined artistry of seasoned musicians.
Sam Baxendale, a vocalist and songwriter, refined her musical passion at Southern Lights Vocal Academy under Isabelle Spinelli, exploring R&B, soul, funk and gospel before diving into jazz with Evan Kerr’s guidance. Under the mentorship of Eric Dunan at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Sam quickly integrated into the Con Jazz program, rapidly evolving and contributing to original compositions.
Currently pursuing jazz studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sam blends traditional jazz with contemporary influences. Thriving in Sydney’s music scene, she has worked as a session musician and as a backing vocalist on Joe Mungovan’s album ‘Sugar, Candy, Lips’.
Cass Pyc, a guitarist and composer, crossed paths with jazz mentor, Eric Dunan during his early years in primary school. Joining Dunan’s band, he expanded his guitar prowess through numerous performances and eventually earned a spot in Wollongong’s top ensemble. Throughout this time, Eric organised regular gigs and workshops with international artists, nurturing Cass’s passion for jazz.
In mid-2023, during a business skills for musicians masterclass, Cass was introduced to Sam. Impressed by her talent, he invited her to join him for an impromptu performance that evening. The duo quickly adapted, incorporating Sam’s vocals and soon began opening for international jazz acts.
Highland FM’s 100% Home-Grown Artist of the Month, Headlands, is not just a music duo; they are a thrilling presence, set to redefine jazz for a new generation.
When: Sunday 15 June 2:30-5:30
Where: Builders Club, Wollongong, 61 Church St, Wollongong NSW 2500
Cost: FREE
Ilu Ilu Indian Tapas Bar presents jazz every Thursday night from 6:30-9pm https://www.ilubar.com.au/jazz.html
The Servo in Port Kembla regularly presents a wide variety of music including jazz https://www.servoportkembla.com/page/2/
The Coledale RSL presents Jazz on the First Sunday of each month featuring the young cats from the area https://coledalersl.com.au/
The Music Lounge Town Hall presents periodic jazz concerts in an excellent venue https://merrigong.com.au/whats-on/the-music-lounge/
The Illawarra Jazz Club presents regular Saturday afternoon swinging jazz every week https://www.illawarrajazzclub.com/
The Master Builders Club presents a swinging big band on the first Sunday of each month as well as a variety of music and other jazz gigs https://www.thebuilders.com.au/concerts
Ben Lerner Quartet at Clifton School of the Arts
28 May 7pm
Ben Lerner is an outstanding young artist who has quickly established himself as one of the emerging voices in Jazz and on the Alto Saxophone in Australia. Since moving to Sydney from Auckland in 2020, Ben has received the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Scholarship the Henderson Global Mobility Scholarship, the Ernest Heine Family Foundation Scholarship, and has played with the likes of Mike Nock, Matt McMahon, Laurence Pike, Steve Barry, Andy Gander, Jonathan Crayford, and many other greats. He was a finalist for the prestigious National Jazz Award in 2024.
Ben has honed his craft under the tutelage of artists such as George Garzone, Immanuel Wilkins, Dr Roger Manins, Will Vinson, Dr Simon Barker, Dr Jo Lawry and many more. After forming the Ben Lerner Quartet in early 2021 as an outlet to workshop and perform his original compositions, Ben has quickly found his feet as a band leader. This has culminated in performing as a part of SIMA’s Jazz:NOW summer festival, the Inner West Jazz Fest, a tour of New Zealand, a tour of the East Coast of NSW/QLD, a tour of the South Coast of NSW/VIC, and various appearances in venues around Sydney. Ben performs frequently as a freelancing musician around Sydney, and is an in demand sideman. He is a graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music and is set to begin a Masters Degree on a scholarship at the esteemed Manhattan School of Music in September 2025. His South Coast Tour of 2025 anticipates the recording and release of his debut album as a bandleader with ABC Jazz.
The Ben Lerner Quartet features Steve Barry (Piano), Max Alduca (Double Bass) and Alex Young (Drums), and performs a selection of Ben’s compositions
BOOK YOUR TICKETS HERE https://events.humanitix.com/ben-lerner
7pm – Doors and bar open
7:30pm – Performance
9:30pm – End
Having just returned from a successful European tour, the band will be in fine form for their Australian tour and will be joined by the amazing Jess Green on guitar.
Critics have hailed their music as “phenomenal” (Downbeat), “a masterpiece” (The Australian), “seductive” (Jazzwise), and “a relaxed sound journey” (Jazzthetik, DE).
The Vampires’ music is a visceral experience, deeply rooted in the expansive landscapes of Australia. Their sound is a blend of influences, shaped by their admiration for The Necks and enriched by collaborations with artists including Chris Abrahams, Lionel Loueke, Shannon Barnett and Dave Rodriguez (Godtet). This deep connection to their musical roots is evident in every note, showcasing their ability to merge composed and improvised parts seamlessly, creating a hypnotic flow that captivates listeners.
Supported by a rich history of performances and accolades, The Vampires have established themselves as a formidable force around the world. They have played at renowned venues and festivals including A Love Supreme Jazz Festival (UK), Enjoy Jazz Festival (DE) and all the major jazz festivals in Australia. Their music continues to evolve, pushing boundaries and captivating audiences with its unique blend of beautifully constructed melodies and hypnotic grooves.
click HERE for tickets
Headlands is an electrifying jazz duo that seamlessly merges youthful exuberance with musical sophistication. This dynamic pair is poised to make a lasting impression on the Australian jazz scene, mesmerising audiences with a sound that combines the raw energy of their formative years and the refined artistry of seasoned musicians.
Sam Baxendale, a vocalist and songwriter, refined her musical passion at Southern Lights Vocal Academy under Isabelle Spinelli, exploring R&B, soul, funk and gospel before diving into jazz with Evan Kerr’s guidance. Under the mentorship of Eric Dunan at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music, Sam quickly integrated into the Con Jazz program, rapidly evolving and contributing to original compositions.
Currently pursuing jazz studies at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Sam blends traditional jazz with contemporary influences. Thriving in Sydney’s music scene, she has worked as a session musician and as a backing vocalist on Joe Mungovan’s album ‘Sugar, Candy, Lips’.
Cass Pyc, a guitarist and composer, crossed paths with jazz mentor, Eric Dunan during his early years in primary school. Joining Dunan’s band, he expanded his guitar prowess through numerous performances and eventually earned a spot in Wollongong’s top ensemble. Throughout this time, Eric organised regular gigs and workshops with international artists, nurturing Cass’s passion for jazz.
In mid-2023, during a business skills for musicians masterclass, Cass was introduced to Sam. Impressed by her talent, he invited her to join him for an impromptu performance that evening. The duo quickly adapted, incorporating Sam’s vocals and soon began opening for international jazz acts.
Michael Dominis on piano
Abel Cross on bass
Jodie Michael on drums
Tickets: Entry to this gig by donation or tickets. Suggested donation is $30 general, $20 concession, $15 student/child...BUT we gladly will accept any extra money that you might be inclined to contribute in order to pay for the venue and the performers. Cash will be accepted and there will be a PayPal code as well as an internet banking number if you don't have cash.
About the music: The Eric Dunan Quintet pays homage to the Bop Quintets of the 50's and 60's. Piano, bass and drums are the engine of this ensemble. The foreground features the classic team of trumpet and tenor saxophone. Heavily influenced by the music of Horace Silver, Thelonius Monk, and The Jazz Messengers, expect bluesy soulful grooves mixed in with hard swinging solos by all members of the band with a line-up of some of Australia’s leading jazz artist featuring Eric Dunan on trumpet, Jayden Clark on tenor sax, Michael Dominis on piano, Abel Cross on bass, and Jodie Michael on drums.
Jayden Clark - Saxophone is praised by San Francisco’s “Classical Voice” for his well-crafted soloing, and possessing a thick, burnished tone on the tenor saxophone. Jayden strives to be spontaneous in his improvisational and compositional styles. He sources from the early swing and bebop era as well as modern Australian and American composers and musicians. Jayden aims to be both interesting and accessible to the common ear and unites the most advanced listener with the most unfamiliar.
Jayden’s performances include those with renowned Australian musicians such as Barney Mcall as well as invitations to play with Vincent Gardner and Reggie Thomas after taking part in the 'Essentially Ellington Competition'. In June 2016, Jayden took part in the 'Dave Brubeck Institute’s Summer Jazz Colony' in California. Here he had the opportunity to learn from and perform alongside members of the current San Francisco Jazz Collective as well as numerous other world-renowned jazz musicians/educators and students.
Michael Dominis - PIano is in his final -year student completing a Bachelor of Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He has also been a student of the Wollongong Conservatorium and has toured in America under Eric Dunan's big band. He frequently performs around the Illawarra. He is known for his incredible improvisational skills giving his playing a fluid yet spontaneous feel.
Abel Cross - Bass has worked as a professional musician, composer, and teacher since graduating the Sydney Conservatorium of Music in 2007. He is a dedicated ‘genre-hopper’, writing and performing with his own original contemporary music projects, and as sideman with a diverse range of musical luminaries from Australia and abroad. In recent years, Abel has grown to take a keen interest in new media project development and performance, which he continues to pursue.
Abel has worked with Dave Ades, Warwick Alder, Eddie Bronson, Cannibal Spiders, Paul Cutlan, Andy Fiddes, Matt Keegan, Bernie McGann, Nadine Pita, Jeremy Rose, Royal Headache, Phil Slater, Holly Throsby, Scott Tinkler, Han Bennink, Peter Brotzmann, Shoji Hano, Tony Malaby.
Jodie Michael - Drums started her music career in high school, she attended the Wollongong Conservatorium Of Music (WCOM) until 2007, where she was able to gain valuable experience playing in different ensembles including a big band.
She has had the privilege of playing with the following world-class Australian musicians: James Muller, James Morrison, Dale Barlow, Bobby Gebert, Katie Noonan, Carl Dewhurst, Craig Scott, Sandy Evans, Matt McMahon, Mimi Jones (USA), Camille Thurman (USA), Ingrid Jensen, Will Vinson (USA) and more.
Jodie has obtained a Bachelor of Music (Jazz Perf.) from the Sydney Conservatorium Of Music. In 2011, she traveled to New York, to study with world-class international drummers, including Michael Carvin.
Jodie was the recipient of the 2013 Jann Rutherford Memorial Award. The Award is named in honour of the late jazz pianist Jann Rutherford.
Eric Dunan - Trumpet Eric Dunan is the former Director of the Jazz Studies Program and Conductor in the Schools Band Program at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music. He established both of these programs in 2001 and continued his work and helped build them until April 2024. After finishing a performance degree at California State University, Eric worked as a freelance trumpet player in San Francisco from 1989-2001, performing with numerous jazz, blues, and funk bands.
During the 1990’s he toured with Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, a soul-rock-jazz band. They regularly played legendary San Francisco clubs such The Fillmore as well as major festivals throughout America, where they shared billing with such bands as Tower of Power and Credence Clearwater Revival. In Australia, Eric leads his own Quintet, and has played with John Morrison, Jacki Cooper, and Fabien Hevia.
Past Gigs presented by
Wollongongjazz:
Friday 20th October
The Vampires - Nightjar feat. Chris Abrahams
8pm - The Music Lounge
Jeremy Rose – tenor saxophone; Nick Garbett – trumpet; Noel Mason – bass; Alex Masso – drums… and featuring Chris Abrahams – keyboards
The Vampires have gained critical attention worldwide for their distinctive sound yet have a style that is undoubtedly their own. In October they will play to local audiences, with a concert in the Music Lounge as part of WollCon’s Jazz Series program for 2023.
They’ve garnered praise from Downbeat, “phenomenal”, the Guardian UK, “seductive genre hopping creativity”, and All About Jazz, “gold all over”, and appeared at premier festivals throughout the UK, Europe and their homeland Australia. The Vampires are the first instrumental act to be short-listed for the Australian Music Prize and is comprised of some of the most in-demand and awarded musicians of their generation. Their latest release, ‘Nightjar’ is their 7th album. It brings a fresh perspective on their music in a collaboration with pianist and keyboard player Chris Abrahams, and … it has just been nominated for an ARIA Award for Best Jazz Album 2023
Chris Abrahams is one third of the legendary improvised minimalism trio, The Necks, and is a great match for the band, bringing an expansive and scintillating approach to their music.
$35 Premium/$30 Standard/$20 Standing
Sunday October 29th
Shannon Barnett Quartet
2pm - Thirroul Library
Shannon Barnett - Trombone; Stefan Karl Schmid - Tenor Saxophone; David Helm - Bass; Fabian Arends - Drums
WollCon teams up with Wollongong City Libraries to present a show all the way from Germany. The WollCon Jazz Quintet will also play a set during this FREE concert at Thirroul Library.
The Shannon Barnett Quartet are performing a limited number of shows in Australia. Together they have released three albums (Hype, Bad Lover and Alive at Loft) and have toured throughout Europe and Australia. Predominantly playing Barnett’s compositions, audiences can expect German precision mixed with Australian humour and a great deal of exciting musical interaction in between.
Shannon was born and raised in Victoria where she established herself in the Australian music scene through her work with artists including The Vampires, The Bamboos and the Black Arm Band. After a stint in New York, she moved to Cologne, Germany to take up a position with the WDR Big Band and quickly became a valued part of the German jazz scene. During her tenure with the band she had the opportunity to work with musicians and composers including Ron Carter, Maria Schneider, Vince Mendoza, Maceo Parker, Jimmy Heath and Jacob Collier. In 2020 she received the WDR Jazz Prize for Improvisation and in 2022 the German Jazz Prize in the brass instrument category. Upon moving to Cologne in 2014, Shannon also began performing in the scene outside of the big band, soon crossing paths with David Helm, Fabian Arends and Stefan Karl Schmid and subsequently forming this quartet.
Thursday November 9th
Max Mantis (CHE)
8pm - The Music Lounge
Lukas Gernet - piano; Rafael Jerjen - bass; Samuel Buttiker - drums
Is it a bird? Is it a plane? No! It’s the MaxMantis Clan! Three Superheroes united under the banner of the praying mantis, continuously defending their wild-west style world against villains such as the Redback Bandits: Black spiders on horseback, or The Moth Hunters: a group of crazed Moths with no loyalties. When things become dicey the allies are at hand, allies such as The Power Hen: a mutated giant hen that can be called to aid using a jingle- which brings us to the right topic.
Behind the three heroes Jeff Mantis, Rex Mantis, and Bob Mantis are the three Swiss jazz musicians. Three unique high-calibre musicians, that, through their performance of musical themes, jingles and free improvisation tell the ongoing stories surrounding the MaxMantis Clan; in other words Marvel meets DC meets Jazz.
Every hero, every ally and every villain, has their own melody which acts as a catalyst to create music in the moment. Energy, joy and group interaction are certainly key words that describe how the trio morphs the disciplines of free and structured jazz into their own breed of music that is flexible and free yet still unified and purely unique.
Saturday 26th August
Underwards
8pm - The Music Lounge
Ellen Kirkwood – trumpet; Hilary Geddes – guitar; Nick Henderson – bass/synths; Alex Inman-Hislop – drums
The full moon through trees and mist. Towering majestic cliffs above a quiet rural valley. A calm river winding through a rocky landscape. A swim in a tidal ocean pool. A muddy swamp, teeming with life. The effects that being in nature has upon our senses and our minds, and the stories and memories that places hold. This is what Underwards makes music about.
Led by award-winning trumpeter and composer Ellen Kirkwood, Underwards features some of Sydney’s most exciting, versatile and creative musicians. Their music, like nature, combines beauty, mystery, colour and rhythm, but also leans in to the ways humans experience nature; sometimes with joy or calm, other times melancholy or bewilderment, even awe.
This performance will be part of Underwards’ launch tour for Delve; their characterful and eclectic debut album. Delve boasts ten original, contrasting and evocative tracks, in which Kirkwood and her talented band mates show off their abundance of musical versatility, wit and expressivity.
Sunday 25th June 2-5pm
Hammerhead Album Launch
Powerhouse sextet Hammerhead burst onto the Sydney scene in 2010, playing from a catalogue of music largely inspired by the late 50s and early 60s ‘Hard Bop’ movement. Formed by internationally acclaimed tenor saxophonist Jason Bruer, Andrew Robertson (alto sax and flute), Simon Ferenci (trumpet), Greg Coffin (piano), Alex Hirlian (drums) and David Quinn (bass) make up the sextet.
Their debut album ‘Mozaic’ (2014) was a genuflection to the movers and shakers of the hard bop movement and received widespread acclaim in Australia & Japan. Since that first release, Hammerhead’s music has morphed into a set of all original compositions from the pen of band leader Bruer, showcasing his eclectic influences including hard edged Urban Jazz, Hard Bop, Funk and Chamber Jazz illustrating a considerable contemporary shift in approach & style.
This performance will celebrate the release of their new album ‘More Questions Than Answers’ as part of a National tour. It contains 10 new original compositions from bandleader Jason Bruer. The music was written during the pandemic and resultant lockdowns and is Bruer’s artistic response to his first-hand experiences as a sufferer of long Covid and a subsequent heart attack brought on by the virus.
The band will be special guests at the end of term jazz showcase...so come for the afternoon and catch some of the up and coming talented jazz musicians of the future!
Thursday 18th May 6-9pm
Lyre Byrdland
UOW UniBar
William Endicott -trumpet; David Reglar - tenor sax; Kali Gillen - bari sax/flute; Cailey Mei-Soon - trombone; Cameron Henderson - guitar; Freyja Garbett - keys; Tim Sampson - bass; Alex Masso - drums; Sean Valenzuela - percussion
The Sydney based, 10-piece instrumental groove machine know as Lyre Byrdland has established itself as a powerhouse of party music since its inception in 2014. Born from a late night of banter and booze in a hip Melbourne bar, within a few years the group has become a heavyweight on the Sydney music scene with an ever-growing fan base of fellow groovers who love to get down. With a four-piece horn line-up featuring some of Sydney’s grooviest masters of brass and a powerful rhythm section, Lyre Byrdland has honed their distinctly modern sound with the aim of getting people onto the dancefloor. Drawing inspiration from the greats of the genre such as Fela Kuti and The Daktaris as well contemporary powerhouses Daft Punk and Snarky Puppy, Lyre Byrdland’s sound is both reassuringly familiar but strikingly fresh.The band recorded their debut full length album Hotfoot in 2016 and last year released their new single Low Life.
$30G/$25C/$15S
Ticket HERE
Saturday 6th May 5:30-8:30pm
Lift-Off Sextet feat. Russ Spiegel (USA)
Five Barrel Brewery
“Lift-Off” is a hard-swinging, bop-laden landscape on which this band of monster musicians can flex their chops. With a line-up that includes Bernice Tesara (trumpet), David Reglar (saxophone), Nich Polovineo (trombone), Lauren White (bass), and Ryu Kodama (drums), the ensemble's music is characterised by complex harmonies, intricate arrangements, and inventive improvisations that showcase each musician's unique talents. Audiences will enjoy original takes on classic jazz standards and re-worked arrangements of iconic jazz compositions from the likes of Miles Davis, Tadd Dameron and Marty Paich. For this performance, special guest guitarist Russ Spiegel (USA) will join the band.
Russ Spiegel is a multi-talented musician, composer, arranger, and producer. He has a Bachelor's Degree in Philosophy from the University of Michigan, studied Composition, Arranging and Guitar Performance at the Berklee College of Music, and has a Masters Degree in Jazz Performance from the City College of New York. He is currently planning to start his Doctorate in Jazz Performance. Originally from Santa Monica, he spent close to twenty years in Germany before returning to the US in 2001 and settling in New York City. Russ has released several CDs, written music for film, TV and musicals, toured Europe and Asia, taught college-level courses, run workshops and seminars, worked as a music copyist for Broadway shows and major-label recordings.
FREE Event
Sunday 21st May 4-6pm
Sangeet Mishra
Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
Born into the legendary Mishra family who are of the renowned Banaras Gharana (school of music), North India. Sangeet Mishra is an 8th generation sarangi player. Living the culture of North Indian classical music from birth it is not surprising he is doing what he does best, playing the Sarangi full time. Sangeet plays with a great depth of cultural understanding and knowledge that rises above gymnastics, he plays with soul straight from the heart. Rooted firmly in the ancient traditions and techniques of shastriya sangeet (classical music) Sangeet has created a distinctive individuality to his playing. Through his innovations as a musician he has succeeded in blending contemporary musical thought in playing the sarangi without compromising on its traditional purity and essence. A versatile performer, he is known for his solo recital, accompaniment playing and successfully collaborating with musicians from different genres across countries together, creating a unique musical language.
Presently based in Mumbai, Sangeet maintains a busy schedule, traveling interstate in India and globally. He is a sought after musician for solo recitals, accompaniment for traditional vocal and dance, contemporary Indian music, as well as within the global world of fusion music. Don’t miss this intimate concert featuring a truly world-class musician, accompanied by WollCon staff member and accomplished percussionist, Chris Fields$30G/$25C/$15S
Tickets HERE
Tuesday 9th May 7-9pm
Lisa Oduor-Noah (KEN) & Aron Ottignon
Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
Kenyan singer-songwriter and producer Lisa Oduor-Noah was introduced to music through her family's love for different musical genres, which fed into her a deep love for music and passion for performance. The soulful, silky-voiced singer boasts a resume filled with partnerships with famous local acts such as Blinky Bill, Kato Change, June Gachui, and Sauti Sol, as well as performances on stages such as Coke Studio Africa, The Global Citizen, and the Shanghai Jazz festival, to name a few.
A Berklee College of Music graduate, Oduor-Noah hopes that through her performances, she can be an agent of hope, healing, and restoration while creating wholehearted moments of connection. In addition to this, she desires to bring higher quality music education to Africa as an educator in forums like Afreative and perFORM Music Incubator, and be an aide to better emotional and mental health awareness in the entertainment industry through platforms like Engage Talks.
This rare, intimate duo concert will also feature prolific New Zealand pianist Aron Ottignon
$30G/$25C/$15S
Tickets HERE
WollCon Jazz Showcase
Sarah Purdon Sydney Jazz Collective
Five Barrel Brewery
Sunday 2 April 2-5pm
Thursday, March 9th
Jo Lawry Album Launch feat. Linda May Oh and Ben Vanderwal (USA/AUS)
7pm - WollCon Auditorium
The WollCon Jazz Series launches with an exclusive premier featuring international trio – including 2023 Grammy Award Winner Linda May Han Oh.
The Wollongong Conservatorium of Music will host an exclusive NSW performance of vocalist Jo Lawry’s new album “Acrobats” to open this year’s annual Jazz Series. Lawry recently returned to Australia after several years abroad where she performed and recorded with Sting as well as working with the likes of Peter Gabriel and Paul Simon. Her recordings have received rave reviews including a 4.5 out of 5-star review in Downbeat Magazine for her debut album “I Want to Be Happy.” “Acrobats”, which will be officially released the day after her performance in Wollongong, is a playful album that embodies both the freedom and exquisite complexity of jazz. Lawry explores how to use her voice to function as a horn player with only a bass and drums without the benefit chords.
Award-winning bassist Linda May Han Oh, who is a collaborator on the album will join Lawry for this exclusive performance in Wollongong. Malaysian born Oh was raised in Western Australia before moving to New York where she’s now a successful band leader. Linda was announced as the winner of the 2023 Grammy Award for Best Jazz Instrumental album with Terri Lyne Carrington, Kris Davis, Nicholas Payton, and Matthew Stevens. She is also the bassist, playing the character “Miho” for the Pixar animated Soul, where her movements playing her instrument were captured and translated to the animated character.
Drummer Ben Vanderwal, is one of the most in-demand jazz drummers in Australia, and has previously toured with the Tim Minchin vs Orchestra production.
Friday, March 17th
The Three Seas
7pm - WollCon Auditorium
WollCon Jazz series presents this international, cross-cultural ensemble fusing West Bengal and Himalayan folk song with contemporary sounds from Sydney and Kolkata.
Soaring Baul vocals and majestic sounds from North Indian traditions are combined with Bengali beats, and the deep groove of the baritone saxophone in an energetic, uplifting … “Bermuda Triangle of electro-dub, funk and Hindustani music” – Songlines magazine, 2022.
Drawn together by their distinct and diverse backgrounds, and their passion for creating music that resonates universally, be transported into the supernatural world of The Three Seas.
A 'musicians singer', Trish has tackled everything from music theatre, opera and cabaret to jazz ensembles, big bands and a cappella - but jazz is her home. There, in her own arrangements and compositions, her unique and uplifting presence and voice find their highest expression.
Trish's decades of performance experience and commitment to ongoing study and authentic connection transfer into her teaching, making Trish a highly respected and sought after Voice Coach and Estill Certified Master Trainer.
Jiem and Thibaud Kessell
Rogues and Jetrio
Melissa Aldana – saxophone; Pablo Menares – bass; Kush Abadey – drums; Lage Lund - guitar
Born in Santiago, Chile, and growing up in a musical family, Award-winning saxophonist Melissa Aldana has garnered international recognition for her visionary work as a bandleader, as well as her deeply meditative interpretation of language and vocabulary. She performed in Santiago jazz clubs in her early teens and was invited by pianist Danilo Pérez to play at the 2005 Panama Jazz Festival. At 24, she became the first female instrumentalist and the first South American musician to win the prestigious Thelonious Monk International Jazz Saxophone Competition. In 2019, Aldana release her celebrated album Visions (Motéma), which earned her a GRAMMY nomination and led to NPR Music naming the release among the best albums of the year.
For this intimate performance at the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music Auditorium, Aldana’s all star quartet will play music from the saxophonists new album, 12 Stars, which grapples with concepts of childrearing, familial forgiveness, acceptance, and self-love. Inspired by the arcs and nuances of tarot, 12 Stars features a series of tributes to moments of challenge and triumph in Aldana’s New York life.
$35 General One Show/$65 Two Shows
$30 Student/Concession Per Show
Click HERE for tickets
Mara Kiek - voice and percusssion; Silvia Entcheva - voice (soprano); Jarnie Birmingham - voice (alto); Llew Kiek - bouzouki, bağlama, acoustic and electric guitars; Sandy Evans - saxophones; Paul Cutlan - clarinets and saxophones; Andrew Robson - saxophones; Sam Golding - trumpet, sousaphone; James Greening - pocket trumpet, trombone; Gary Daley - piano accordion; Lloyd Swanton - double bass; Tunji Beier - drums and percussion
A kaleidoscope of musical colours between gypsy brass and jazz big band.
The Mara! Big Band is a 12-piece ensemble that straddles the Eastern European gypsy brass band and jazz big band traditions. It is a kaleidoscope of musical colours including brass, piano accordion, percussion and voice. The new work is called Zashto? meaning “Why?” in Bulgarian. Exploring the experience of migration to Australia through music and featuring poetry by migrants and refugees. Sharing stories of displacement, hope, longing, despair and resignation in their journey towards a new life in Australia. The Mara! Big Band features some of the greatest names in Australian jazz and world music. The Mara! Big Band Project is supported by Create NSW, The Australia Council For the Arts, The Australian Govt. Regional Arts Trust & Flying Arts Alliance.
$40 Premium/$35 Standard/$20 Student
Click HERE to Purchase Tickets
Peter Farrar – saxophone; Mike Nock – piano; Cameron Undy – bass; Pheeroan akLaff - drums
American jazz/avant-garde drummer and percussionist, Pheeroan akLaff has appeared with some of the more adventurous musicians in jazz of the past 20 years. He has performed and recorded the world over with some of the most prominent musicians on the free jazz scene including trumpeter Wadada Leo Smith's New Dalta Ahkri, a longtime association with altoist Oliver Lake (including work with the reggae group Jump Up), Henry Threadgill's Sextet, Mal Waldron and Cecil Taylor to name a few. In 2006 he co-founded Seed Artists in Brooklyn and in 2009, he reestablished his creative partnership with Leo Smith after thirty years, resulting in a nomination for the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 2013.
For this rare performance, akLaff will be joined by a stellar band featuring the living legends Mike Nock on piano and Cameron Undy on bass plus firebrand saxophonist Peter Farrar.
$30 General/$25 Concession/$20 Student
Tickets available now:
https://wollcon.com.au/event/pheeroan-aklaff/
Eric Harland (USA) - drums; Will Vinson (UK) - saxophone; Gilad Hekselman (ISR) - guitar.
Trio Grande is the debut statement from a brand new project that unites three of the most inventive, exciting and accomplished musicians working at the interface of New York’s contemporary musical culture, where the city’s rich tradition of jazz meets crosscurrents blowing in from across the world.
Vanessa Perica is a Melbourne based composer, arranger, conductor who is rapidly gaining an international reputation as a jazz composer of the highest order. The ANJO Youth Big Band brings together Australia’s brightest and youngest jazz stars, aged 18 - 25, from across the nation. Expect an exhilarating concert of powerful writing and memorable melodies and grooves as one of Australia’s most dynamic composers meets the best of Australia’s young jazz musicians.
$35 General/$30 Concession/$25 Student
Sandy Evans - tenor sax; James Greening - trombone; Gary Daley - piano/accordion; Jon Pease - guitar; Llyod Swanton - bass; Fabian Hevia - percussion; Hamish Stuart - drums
Formed in 1991, the Catholics are one of Australia’s most distinct contemporary ensembles. Over three decades, they have formed a unique body of beautifully crafted music that takes in various African, Caribbean, Latin, and Eastern influences.
$35 Premium/$30 Standard/$15 Student
