Chloe Rowlands (USA) with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Chloe Rowlands (USA) with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Brass meets brilliance as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) is joined by extraordinary trumpeter Chloe Rowlands, all the way from Brooklyn.
While Chloe is accustomed to playing in big venues and in front of even bigger audiences, such as the Hollywood Bowl, the Monterey Jazz Festival, and on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, Perth jazz admirers will have the chance to get up close in the intimate setting of The Ellington Jazz Club.
A musician, composer, arranger, and music educator, Chloe has performed and collaborated with big names such as Fleet Foxes, and the GRAMMY award-winning groups Manhattan Transfer and The 8-Bit Big Band. WAYJO’s premier 18-piece jazz orchestra, the Wednesday Night Orchestra, are very proud to be sharing the spotlight with her as they play music from The 8-Bit Big Band that was composed by Charlie Rosen and arranged to feature Chloe.
Chloe Rowlands (USA) with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm (doors at 6pm)
Date: Saturday 14 September 2024
Venue: The Ellington Jazz Club
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The 8-Bit Big Band perform ‘Tifa’s Theme’ (Jazz Waltz Big Band Version) ft. Chloe Rowlands
WAYJO Northern Corridor Band Showcase
WAYJO Northern Corridor Band Showcase
Catch a glimpse of the future of jazz in Perth as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Northern Corridor Band (WAYJO NC) performs your favourite classics at The Ellington Jazz Club.
Led by saxophonist and WAYJO alum Jessica Herbert, the training orchestra program was established in 2022 to cultivate emerging musicians with a passion for big band jazz. WAYJO NC isn’t just another big band, it serves as a gateway into the jazz world and the dynamic Perth arts scene for high school-aged musicians. The program provides a platform for young artists to deepen their music understanding, foster leadership skills, and build lasting connections in the industry.
This formidable ensemble is already tackling some of the biggest names in jazz and will entertain audiences with a classic repertoire from the big band library. Join us as these emerging jazz musicians showcase their skills at Perth’s premier jazz club – get a front row seat before they hit the big time.
WAYJO Northern Corridor Band Showcase
Time: 5 – 7pm (doors at 4pm)
Date: Sunday 16 June 2024
Venue: The Ellington Jazz Club
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WAYJO Celebrate 100 Years of Sammy Nestico
WAYJO Celebrate 100 Years of Sammy Nestico
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra celebrates the life and music of one of the most influential figures in jazz history: Sammy Nestico.
A giant in the world of jazz, this year marks 100 years of nine-time Grammy Award-nominee Sammy Nestico. Nestico’s prolific career in the music industry spanned more than eight-decades, as he continued to work well into his 90’s, completing his final album at the age of 94. WAYJO’s St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra takes on his vast repertoire, which includes jazz classics such as ‘Hay Burner,’ ‘The Queen Bee, Basie – Straight Ahead,’ ‘Magic Flee,’ ‘Switch In Time’ and ‘It’s Oh So Nice.’
As the chief arranger for the Count Basie Orchestra in the 1970s, Nestico’s arrangements played a pivotal role in revitalising the Basie band’s sound. He’s widely acclaimed for influencing the course of jazz, composing, arranging, and conducting albums for musicians and singers including Quincy Jones, Phil Collins, Barbara Streisand, Michael Bublé, Natalie Cole, Sarah Vaughn, Frank Sinatra, and Bing Crosby.
Nestico leaves behind a legacy that remains an integral part of the repertoire for countless big bands, continuing to inspire and influence musicians and audiences alike. Join WAYJO at Perth’s premier jazz club as they commemorate the music of Sammy Nestico.
WAYJO Celebrate 100 Years of Sammy Nestico
Time: 7 – 9pm (doors at 6pm)
Date: Thursday 13 June 2024
Venue: The Ellington Jazz Club
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Sammy Nestico’s ‘Hay Burner’ by the Count Basie Orchestra
Sarah McKenzie with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Sarah McKenzie with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Internationally acclaimed Australian jazz pianist and vocalist Sarah McKenzie reunites with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) for an evening of Brazilian-inspired big band jazz in the iconic Liberty Theatre.
Hailed as a once-in-a-generation talent, Sarah returns to her roots in Perth, where she first honed her skills with WAYJO. With an impressive international touring history, including performances alongside Michael Bublé, Enrico Rava, and John Patitucci, Sarah’s lyrical sense of swing has been compared to that of Blossom Dearie and Diana Krall.
Her sixth and latest album, ‘Without You,’ is a reinvention of the timeless music of Brazilian jazz, infused with fresh ideas and subtle surprises. Featuring treasured classics such as ‘Corcovado’ (Quiet Nights) and ‘The Girl From Ipanema,’ alongside Sarah’s original compositions influenced by the likes of Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, and Astrud Gilberto.
Performing in the Liberty Theatre in the heart of the Perth CBD, the venue exudes nostalgia and mystery. The Liberty Theatre first opened as an art house cinema in 1954 but has been closed for decades. This is a unique opportunity to see live music in a venue that is rarely open to the public.
Sarah McKenzie graces the stage with WAYJO’s 18-piece Monday Night Orchestra, with big band adaptations breathing new energy into her remarkable repertoire spanning her career. From gentle sway of Brazilian jazz to soulful ballads, audiences will be immersed in the combination of paying homage to tradition, and innovation.
This event is presented by WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) and the Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF).
Sarah McKenzie with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra
Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm
Date: Saturday 11 May 2024
Venue: The Liberty Theatre
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Sarah McKenzie plays ‘Corcovado’ (Antonio Carlos Jobim) with Romero Lubambo on guitar and Jaques Morelenbaum on cello
Sarah McKenzie Quartet
Sarah McKenzie Quartet
Internationally acclaimed Australian jazz pianist and vocalist Sarah McKenzie performs an evening of Brazilian-inspired big band jazz in the iconic Liberty Theatre.
Sarah McKenzie is an Australian jazz pianist, composer, vocalist, and bandleader whose breezy technical style, songwriting acumen, and pronounced lyrical sense of swing have drawn comparisons to Blossom Dearie and Diana Krall.
In this very special quartet performance, Sarah will be sharing songs from her latest release – Without You. This recording is a reinvention of the timeless music of Brazilian Jazz with fresh ideas and subtle surprises, adding to its legacy.
“I’ve always loved the music of Brazil, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, and of course Astrud Gilberto,” says Sarah McKenzie. “What I especially love about Jobim is the simplicity and clarity of his melodies, songs that one can remember and sing.”
Sarah will be joined by Kristian Borring (guitar), Nick Abbey (bass), and Pete Evans (drums).
Tickets are strictly limited – don’t miss this rare opportunity to hear Sarah in Perth!
This event is presented by WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) and the Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF).
Sarah McKenzie Quartet
Time: 7:30pm – 9:30pm
Date: Friday 10 May 2024
Venue: The Liberty Theatre
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Sarah McKenzie plays ‘Corcovado’ (Antonio Carlos Jobim) with Romero Lubambo on guitar and Jaques Morelenbaum on cello
Sarah McKenzie reunites with WAYJO
WAYJO is excited to collaborate with the Perth International Jazz Festival to bring the acclaimed jazz pianist, composer, and singer Sarah McKenzie (USA) back to Perth as part of her Australian tour.
Sarah has recently released her sixth album of Brazilian-inspired jazz titled ‘Without You,’ blending “inventive reworkings of classic songs from (Antonio Carlos) Jobim and others with four of McKenzie’s original compositions” – Jazzwise ★★★★
James Morrison has described her as a “once-in-a-generation talent and music marvel.” Her pronounced lyrical sense of swing has drawn comparisons to Blossom Dearie and Diana Krall.
“I’ve always loved the music of Brazil, Tom Jobim, Elis Regina, and of course Astrud Gilberto,” says Sarah McKenzie. “What I especially love about Jobim is the simplicity and clarity of his melodies, songs that one can remember and sing.”
Sarah will perform over two nights at the Liberty Theatre in the heart of Perth. Tucked away on Barrack Street, the Liberty Theatre opened as Perth’s first art house cinema in 1954. Rarely open to the public, these performances offer a unique opportunity to experience live jazz music in a vintage architectural gem.
On Friday, May 10, Sarah will be joined by renowned Perth-based jazz musicians Kristian Borring (guitar), Nick Abbey (bass), and Pete Evans (drums) for an intimate performance. Then on Saturday, May 11, WAYJO’s 18-piece Monday Night Orchestra bring the big band energy, with bold brass and bass sections to accompany her smooth Brazilian jazz songs and soulful ballads.
This is also a special reunion between Sarah and WAYJO, while she was born in Melbourne, she studied at the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) and WAYJO is proud to call her an alum. In fact, the last time she performed with WAYJO was in 2012 with Mike Stewart, before she relocated to America when she was awarded a full scholarship to Berklee School of Music in Boston.
Jazz afficionados and admirers of classic Brazilian tracks such as Jobim’s ‘Corcovado’ (Quiet Nights), ‘Once I Loved,’ and ‘The Girl From Ipanema,’ shouldn’t miss these performances of what Peter Quinn at Jazzwise calls “the most bittersweet gems in the Jobim canon.”
WAYJO’s Season Celebration: Hyde Park
Join the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra on the lawns of Hyde Park for a Sunday afternoon of jazz and the first concert of 2024!
This free, family-friendly event features music from all three big bands: Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and Wednesday Night Orchestra.
You’ll also be the first to hear about WAYJO’s upcoming events, tours, the special international guest artists joining the orchestras this year, and what’s in store for the programs supporting emerging musicians.
Pack a picnic and come listen to the swingin’ sounds of jazz from your favourite youth jazz orchestra in the lush green surrounds of Hyde Park, this year introducing some of the youngest performers yet!
WAYJO’s Season Celebration: Hyde Park
3-5pm, Sun 24 March 2024
Free event – all invited!
WAYJO thanks Government Partner the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, MinterEllison, and St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner for their continued support.
Homecoming: A Celebration of WA Jazz History [SOLD-OUT]
Please note this event is sold out. Door sales will not be available on the night but we encourage you to join the waitlist to be notified if tickets become available. We apologise for any inconvenience.
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Celebrate 50 years of the Perth Jazz Society (PJS) and 40 years of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) with this one-off concert and heritage event celebrating the history of West Australian jazz.
Join legends of WA jazz as they pay homage to the local scene. Discover how these organisations have driven the scenes development in an event that intermingles live music, videos and historical asides.
This event includes an eclectic live set of important WA jazz compositions that chart the jazz scene’s evolution. It will also highlight its history through the launch of newly-recorded video interviews with some of the people behind the PJS and WAYJO.
Physical materials and ephemera relating to the history of each organisation will also be on display.
This event runs outside the Library’s opening hours. Access will be provided from the entrance to the building from the Perth Cultural Centre at 6:30pm. Please note that the Francis St. entrance to the building will be closed.
Homecoming: A Celebration of WA Jazz History
6:30pm – 8:30pm, Saturday 9 December 2023
State Library of Western Australia
Admission: $10-$15
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WAYJO’s Best of 2023
WAYJO’s Best of 2023 is the final performance of WAYJO’s 40th year and an opportunity to showcase all three orchestras and their favourite repertoire of the year set at the beautiful the Quarry Amphitheatre on Saturday 18 November.
WAYJO’s Best of 2023
7:30pm – 10pm, Saturday 18 November
Quarry Amphitheatre
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WAYJO NC plays The Ellington
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Northern Corridor Band assists in the development of young musicians who have an interest in playing big band jazz. This ensemble focuses on the growth of its members through developing deeper musical understanding, leadership, and camaraderie.
The band is currently comprised of students from 12 different schools across Perth and the Peel region, with students travelling from Mandurah to Duncraig for the weekly rehearsals.
These young musicians are driven by a love of jazz that is palpable in their on-stage presence and commitment to their craft. They’ll be showcasing a myriad of big band tunes from iconic bands like Count Basie and Duke Ellington, right through to modern compositions by Perth’s own, Gemma Farrell.
Come and experience the next generation of Australian jazz legends before they become famous!
Music Director: Jess Herbert
WAYJO NC PLAYS THE ELLINGTON
Sunday 29 October 2023
Doors: 3pm
Show: 3:30pm to 4:30pm
The Ellington Jazz Club
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