The 2026 season reflects not only the extraordinary talent within WAYJO, but also our deep commitment to collaboration, regional connection and creating meaningful musical experiences for audiences of all ages.
Following our Season Launch on 7th March, the year gathers pace quickly. On 21st March, the Dynamic Jazz Orchestra (DJO) returns to Hyde Park for RTRFM’s Neon Picnic – a family-friendly live radio event with musical acts and kids entertainment. That same evening, the Resonance Jazz Orchestra (RJO) brings the glamour of the big band era to Government House Ballroom for the Swinging Sweethearts Big Band Ball. In collaboration with the Perth Swing Dance Society, RJO will perform the music of the International Sweethearts of Rhythm – a historically significant program in a stunning setting.
From 30th April to 3rd May, DJO tours Albany and Margaret River with Women in Big Band featuring Sue Bluck, presented in partnership with CircuitWest. Regional touring remains central to our mission, and we’re proud to share this powerful celebration of women in jazz across Western Australia. The tour culminates in a special Perth performance at The Ellington Jazz Club on 3rd May.
This year also sees the launch of new performance initiatives designed to broaden our reach. On 28th May, we introduce Swinging Into the Morning, a daytime concert series Downstairs at The Maj created especially for our senior community. The Catalyst Jazz Orchestra (CJO) opens the series with a tribute to Ella and Basie. Timeless music in an accessible and welcoming format. CJO continues its season on 11th June at The Ellington with acclaimed vocalist Holli Scott.
Our emerging artists take centre stage on 28th June, when WAYJO NC presents its first show of the year at Lyrics Underground. Then on 9th July, we unveil another new initiative: Jazz for Juniors, a family-friendly Disney-themed performance Downstairs at The Maj, performed by DJO. Introducing young audiences to the joy of live jazz is an exciting and important step for our organisation.
CJO heads back on the road from 5th-9th August with a regional tour to Williams and Busselton, further strengthening our ties with communities beyond Perth. Once again this will be our show Women in Big Band featuring Sue Bluck, presented in partnership with CircuitWest. Soon after, on 23rd August, we welcome Dutch saxophonist and composer Bernard van Rossum to collaborate with RJO at The Rechabite. This performance, featuring flamenco dance students from Youth Ballet WA, promises to be a bold and dynamic cross-artform experience.
September is one of our most vibrant months. DJO’s much-loved Latin show returns to The Rechabite on 4th September with special guests Arvis Mena and Imogen Thomson. On 13th September, we celebrate the 12th year of Progressions with its final performance at Lyrics Underground, followed by the Pathways Jam on 20th September at Lyric Lane Courtyard, bringing together Progressions students and WAYJO NC in a spirited showcase of development and community.
We are also thrilled to continue our exchange with Showa University in Tokyo at the end of September. This partnership remains a highlight of our international engagement, offering invaluable artistic and cultural exchange for our musicians.
In October, CJO welcomes Queensland pianist Jeff Usher to The Ellington (15th October). November brings RJO’s Queer Anthems with Queency at The Rechabite on 8th November for a celebration of identity, expression and artistry, followed by WAYJO NC’s final performance of the year at The Ellington on 15th November, presented across two sets.
Our beloved Quarry Amphitheatre concert returns on 28th November, a signature moment in our calendar and a fitting culmination of the season, before we close the year with two weekends of auditions, welcoming the next generation of musicians into the WAYJO family.
Across 2026, you’ll see the Catalyst, Dynamic and Resonance Jazz Orchestras each chart bold artistic territory, alongside our emerging artists. You’ll see new audiences welcomed, long-standing partnerships strengthened, and collaborations that stretch and inspire us.
I’m incredibly proud of what this season represents, and I can’t wait to share it with you.
Gemma Farrell
WAYJO Artistic Director