Best of 2025 Concert
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Best of 2025 Concert
Final concert of the year!
Join us for an unmissable night of jazz under the stars at The Quarry Amphitheatre as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra brings the season to a spectacular close. Featuring all three of our big bands – Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Night Orchestras – this annual concert is a must-see event on the jazz calendar.
Set against the stunning backdrop of Bold Park Reserve, WAYJO showcases the standout moments from the year’s performances, from swinging big band classics to contemporary jazz arrangements. After a year of hard work, these bands are at their peak, delivering a night of energy, passion, and world-class musicianship.
Bring a picnic, grab a spot in the amphitheatre, and soak up the sounds of WA’s next generation of jazz talent. The Limestone Café will be open on the night, and pre-ordered picnic hampers are available.
Tickets are general admission – arrive early to secure your spot!
Best of 2025 Concert
Gates open 6:30pm | Concert from 7:30pm – 10pm
Saturday 22 November 2025
Quarry Amphitheatre, 1 Waldron Dr, City Beach
BOOK TICKETS
Items you can bring to The Quarry
• Low concert/beach chairs (no wider than 52cm including armrests)
• Blankets/cushions
• Small esky
• Picnic, including wine and beer (no spirits or spike-style wine glass holders)
• Insect repellent (no mosquito coils/sticks)
• Rain poncho (no umbrellas)
WAYJO thanks its valued partners: Government Partner Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries; Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, Wright Burt Foundation, Bendat Family Foundation, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and Simon Lee Foundation.
Monday Night Orchestra with special guest guitarist Ray Walker
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: MNO with special guest guitarist Ray Walker
Join WAYJO’s Monday Night Orchestra, led by renowned trumpeter Ricki Malet, for a special night at The Ellington Jazz Club, featuring legendary WA guitarist Ray Walker.
Under Ricki’s direction, this talented ensemble has been progressing in leaps and bounds throughout the year—impressive in both skill and energy. Now, they take to the stage at Perth’s premier jazz venue alongside one of WA’s most revered musicians.
With a career spanning more than six decades, Ray Walker is a true jazz icon. He has performed with international greats like Peter Bernstein, John Pisano, and Emily Remler, accompanied stars such as Cilla Black, Matt Monro, and John Farnham, and was named a State Cultural Treasure in 2024.
Settle in for an evening of world-class jazz, as the Monday Night Orchestra and Ray Walker bring the energy of big band swing and the finesse of a jazz guitar master to The Ellington’s intimate stage. Enjoy fine dining, cocktails, and an unforgettable collaboration between generations of jazz musicians.
Limited seating available—book now!
Monday Night Orchestra with special guest Ray Walker
Doors: 6PM | Show: 7:30-9:30PM
Thursday 16 October 2025
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
TICKETS
Pathways Jam
Pathways Jam
Join us at Lyric Lane’s Courtyard for a jam session as members of the WAYJO Northern Corridor Training Band and Progressions Program take to the stage, with some special guest appearances from WA’s top female jazz professionals.
This free event is part of WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program, designed to nurture the next generation of jazz musicians. Throughout the year, these young artists have been honing their skills in big band jazz and improvisation—now it’s time to hear their progress!
Expect two energetic sets featuring classic big band sounds and spontaneous improvisation. Grab a seat, enjoy the courtyard atmosphere, and support these dedicated musicians as they showcase their passion for jazz.
No bookings required — friends and family can just turn up!
Pathways Jam
Sunday 21 September 2025, 3-5PM
Lyric Lane Courtyard, Maylands
FREE EVENT
Progressions Showcase
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: Progressions Showcase
Experience the Next Generation of Jazz at The Ellington Jazz Club
Join us for the Progressions Showcase, the culmination of an 8-week intensive workshop program designed to foster the next generation of jazz talent.
Progressions supports female, non-binary, and transgender instrumentalists, offering the chance to develop their skills, build confidence, and perform live at a professional jazz venue. This program—part of WAYJO’s Pathways initiative—has been twice nominated for the national Art Music Awards for Excellence in Music Education and has helped countless young musicians refine their craft since its launch in 2014.
Under the guidance of WAYJO’s Artistic Director and Progressions leader, Gemma Farrell, participants have spent weeks working with some of WA’s leading female jazz professionals, broadening their knowledge of jazz and improvisation, understanding career pathways, and building essential performance skills. Now, they take to the stage The Ellington Jazz Club – Perth’s premier jazz club – to showcase their work.
Come along and support these talented young artists as they put their hard work into action in a fun and inspiring performance.
Progressions Showcase
Doors: 5PM | Show: 6-8PM
Sunday 14 September 2025
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
TICKETS
Havana Nights! Featuring TNO and special guests
Havana Nights! Featuring TNO with special guest artists Steve Richter, Marcus Perrozzi and Adolfo Chavez
Get ready to be swept off your feet by the intricate rhythms and upbeat melodies of Latin Jazz, Salsa, and Mambo!
Featuring WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra with special guest artists Steve Richter (Timbales), Marcus Perrozzi (congas/bongos/hand percussion) and Adolfo Chavez (vocals), expect a night of songs to harmonise to, and beats perfect for dancing.
Enjoy the improvisational elements of jazz combined with Latin classics – especially those styles rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions.
Repertoire: Classics from legendary artists like Tito Puente, Perez Prado, Afro Cuban All-Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, and Cubanismo.
Show Format: Two exhilarating 50-minute sets with a 20-minute break in between led by horn maestro Marty Pervan.
Don’t miss this show. Secure your tickets and experience a night in Havana!
Havana Nights! Featuring Tuesday Night Orchestra with special guest artists
Doors: 7PM | Show: 7:30-9:30PM
Friday 29 August 2025
The Rechabite Hall, Perth
TICKETS
MNO Vocal Showcase with special guest Victoria Newton
Monday Night Orchestra Vocal Showcase featuring special guest Victoria Newton with Sofie Kerr, Rio Berryman and Holly Forster
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Monday Night Orchestra, led by renowned trumpeter Ricki Malet, takes to the stage at The Rechabite Hall for a spectacular Vocal Showcase, shining a spotlight on four outstanding vocalists—Victoria Newton, Sofie Kerr, Rio Berryman, and Holly Forster.
A powerhouse of versatility, special guest Victoria Newton has captivated audiences worldwide, from London’s renowned Ronnie Scott’s Jazz Club to international festivals across Europe, Asia, and South America. With a career spanning jazz, pop, and electronic music—including a UK Top 40 hit with Strike—Victoria brings a wealth of experience and artistry to the stage.
Joining her are three exceptional emerging vocalists, all members of WAYJO’s 2025 orchestras. Sofie Kerr, known for her sophisticated phrasing and deeply expressive storytelling, has graced stages at Perth International Jazz Festival and beyond. Rio Berryman, a dynamic vocalist and WAM Song of the Year nominee, brings fresh interpretations to jazz standards. Holly Forster, the new vocalist for Monday Night Orchestra, is also a multi-instrumentalist who has honed her craft through studies in the USA and mentorships with top jazz educators.
The night promises a dazzling mix of big band arrangements and timeless jazz classics, celebrating the breadth of vocal talent in Perth’s jazz scene.
Monday Night Orchestra with special guest Victoria Newton
Doors: 7PM | Show: 7:30-9:30PM
Thursday 17 July 2025
The Rechabite Hall, Perth
TICKETS
WNO with special guest Emily Gelineau
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: Wednesday Night Orchestra with special guest violinist Emily Gelineau
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Wednesday Night Orchestra takes centre stage at the Como Theatre, joined by acclaimed violinist, composer, and arranger Emily Gelineau for a special performance in an intimate theatre setting.
With its rich acoustics and atmospheric charm, Como Theatre provides the perfect backdrop for this unique collaboration, blending jazz with the expressive power of the violin—an instrument we don’t see that often in a big band setting.
Emily Gelineau is an internationally recognised violinist and Berklee College of Music graduate. A Grammy Award-winning musician, Emily’s unique approach to jazz violin blends influences from across genres and cultures, making for an unforgettable evening of live music. From classic big band repertoire to original compositions and daring improvisation, this will be a performance that redefines what a jazz orchestra can do.
As one of WAYJO’s flagship ensembles, WNO brings together some of the state’s most exciting young jazz musicians, many of whom are already making their mark on Perth’s music scene. Having performed alongside international jazz greats like Chloe Rowlands (USA) and Linda May Han Oh (USA/AUS), this orchestra is known as one of the country’s top youth jazz orchestra’s led by WAYJO’s Artistic Director, Gemma Farrell.
Wednesday Night Orchestra with special guest Emily Gelineau
Doors: 7PM | Show: 7:30-9:30PM
Friday 27 June 2025
Como Theatre
TICKETS
Northern Corridor Training Band Showcase
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: Northern Corridor Training Band Showcase
Experience the Next Generation of Jazz at The Ellington Jazz Club
Catch a glimpse of the future of Perth jazz as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s Northern Corridor Band (WAYJO NC) takes the stage at The Ellington Jazz Club.
Under the direction of saxophonist and WAYJO alum Jessica Herbert, WAYJO NC provides high school-aged musicians with a gateway into the jazz world, honing their skills in big band performance, leadership, and improvisation. Established in 2022, the program has become a dynamic training ground for emerging artists, connecting them with the wider Perth arts scene.
Witness these young musicians bring big band classics to life, showcasing a repertoire that pays tribute to some of the greatest names in jazz. Don’t miss the chance to see their mid-year progress, many of them performing for the first time in a reputable music venue—get a front-row seat before they hit the big time!
Northern Corridor Training Band Showcase
Doors: 5PM | Show: 6-8PM
Sunday 15 June 2025
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
TICKETS
2025 Season Celebration
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra: 2025 Season Celebration – a free event in Hyde Park
Bring your friends and family and celebrate the start of another incredible year with Australia’s premier youth jazz orchestra.
Join us for a laid-back Sunday afternoon of live jazz in Hyde Park. Our new Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday Night Orchestras come together to launch the 2025 season, filling the park with the sounds of big band classics and contemporary jazz favourites.
We’ll introduce our new Artistic Director and some of the fantastic local guest artists joining us in 2025, and share a sneak peek at the performances and programs ahead.
This family-friendly, free event is the perfect excuse to bring a picnic, enjoy an ice cream or coffee from local vendors, and soak up some of WA’s finest young jazz talent. Whether you’re a longtime WAYJO supporter or just love live music, you’re in for the perfect Sunday Session!
2025 Season Celebration
3-5pm
Sunday 23 March 2025
Hyde Park, Perth
FREE EVENT
We thank our valued partners: Government Partner Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries; Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, Wright Burt Foundation, Bendat Family Foundation, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation and Simon Lee Foundation.
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop at Coogee Live
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop feat. Zero Emcee & WAYJO’s Wednesday Night Orchestra
A free performance on the Community Hub Stage at Coogee Live.
Experience the dynamic fusion of jazz and hip-hop as Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee joins WAYJO’s 18-piece Wednesday Night Orchestra for a free performance at Coogee Live. Fresh from an extensive regional tour across WA, this collaboration delivers phat beats, bold brass and infectious grooves.
Since 2022 these performances have been captivating audiences of all ages, fostering a sense of inclusion, connection and community. Zero Emcee’s meticulously crafted lyrics are reimagined through the innovative arrangements of Mace Francis.
Rooted in Noongar and Jingili cultures, Zero’s powerful raps carry a deep connection to his heritage, resonating with pride and authenticity. Get ready to move as his compelling stories are amplified by the powerhouse sounds of WAYJO’s 18-piece big band.
This event is presented by the City of Cockburn.
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop feat. Zero Emcee & WAYJO’s Wednesday Night Orchestra
Time: 8-9pm
Date: Saturday 8 March 2025
Venue: Coogee Beach Reserve, Coogee Beach & Omeo Park, Coogee
FREE ENTRY