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
TICKETS FROM MEGATIX
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.”
Upcoming Events
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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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Don’t Get Around Much Any More: David Theak Meets WAYJO
Join us as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra brings the swing and celebrates some of the greats: the Count, the Duke, and the Voice.
Performing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and more, WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra will be joined on stage by the extraordinary David Theak – a highly accomplished saxophonist and leading Australian jazz educator from Sydney.
Head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium, co-artistic director of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and artistic director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, David Theak is a passionate advocate for big bands and has toured the world with his quartet, Theak-tet.
As he pays tribute to the great tenor saxophonists of the swing era, and maybe even sings a song or two – don’t miss this special evening of vintage rhythms, sophisticated sounds, and timeless classics.
Don’t Get Around Much Any More: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm – 9:30pm, Saturday 16 September
Downstairs at The Maj
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Swingin' at St Stephen's
WAYJO presents Swingin’ at St Stephen’s, proudly supported by St Stephen’s School.
From high school jazz musician to WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) member and beyond, join us for a night of swingin’ classics as we celebrate WAYJO’s Pathways Program and its ongoing relationship with St Stephen’s School in the development of young jazz musicians in WA.
Featuring WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra with special guest artist David Theak (NSW) and support from WAYJO’s Northern Corridor Band and St Stephen’s Swing Band, these three big bands will be performing the music of the greats including Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra, and more at St Stephen’s School’s state-of-the-art performance venue in Duncraig.
In national recognition of WAYJO’s Act Belong Commit Pathways Program made up of ‘Progressions’ for female-identifying and non-binary instrumentalists as well as the ‘Northern Corridor Band’, a high-school based big band that attracts students from Perth’s northern corridor and as far as Mandurah, Rockingham and Byford to rehearse at St Stephen’s School in Duncraig; the Pathways program was recently nominated as a finalist in the prestigious Art Music Awards for Excellence in Music Education for 2022.
Providing inspiration and opportunity for students to perform and develop, on the night they’ll be joined by a special guest – accomplished saxophonist David Theak, who is head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium, co-artistic director of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and artistic director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival.
Don’t miss the special evening of vintage rhythms and timeless classics as WAYJO presents Swingin’ at St Stephen’s, proudly supported by St Stephen’s School.
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 Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, City of Joondalup and Healthway Act-Belong-Commit for their continued support.
Swingin’ at St Stephen’s
7:30pm – 9:30pm, Friday 15 September
St Stephen’s School Theatre, Duncraig
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Don’t Get Around Much Any More: David Theak Meets WAYJO
Join us as the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra brings the swing and celebrates some of the greats: the Count, the Duke, and the Voice.
Performing the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Frank Sinatra and more, WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra will be joined on stage by the extraordinary David Theak – a highly accomplished saxophonist and leading Australian jazz educator from Sydney.
Head of Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium, co-artistic director of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra, and artistic director of the Sydney Conservatorium Jazz Festival, David Theak is a passionate advocate for big bands and has toured the world with his quartet, Theak-tet.
As he pays tribute to the great tenor saxophonists of the swing era, and maybe even sings a song or two – don’t miss this special evening of vintage rhythms, sophisticated sounds, and timeless classics.
Don’t Get Around Much Any More: David Theak Meets WAYJO
7:30pm – 9:30pm, Thursday 14 September
Fishtrap Theatre, Mandurah Performing Arts Centre
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