WAYJO Announces 2022 Season and Block Party Launch
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) literally swings back in 2022 with an exciting series of concerts.
Opening the season is the 2022 Season Launch Block Party, Sunday 20 March from 4.00pm. Held on the recently installed Sea Container stage at The Rise in Maylands, this outdoor miniature amphitheatre presents all three big bands in a free community open-air concert. Refreshments will be available around the park, so bring a rug and your mask to enjoy an afternoon jazz picnic. Join the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra and the Wednesday Night Orchestra, and be first to grab a copy of the season brochure, plus welcome WAYJO’s newest members.
This year’s program boasts big band instruments of the ‘horn’ section, with highly regarded local trumpet, trombone and saxophone performers making up the majority of the guest artist roster.
WAYJO also presents exciting artistic collaboration Beats & Pieces: From Latino To Electro to get you up and dancing, including ‘electro-fying’ work with students from Djinda Boodja. “This event combines the popular WAYJO Latin Explosion shows from 2019 and 2021 with a new Djinda Boodja collaboration, working with their hip-hop and electronic music students to create something new and powerful.” – Mace Francis, WAYJO Artistic Director.
Jessica Carlton Plays The Music of Kenny Wheeler kicks off the season on April 23rd at Lyric’s Underground. Jess recently moved to Perth after living and studying in Melbourne and New York. Highly influenced by Wheeler’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style on trumpet and flugelhorn, Jess is a distinct voice in the Australian jazz scene.
Gemma Farrell Meets WAYJO presents this outstanding saxophonist, composer and educator at Lyric’s Underground July 30th. “WAYJO is very proud to have Gemma showcased as a performer, and to show audiences the variety and versatility of what the saxophone family can do… because she plays them all” states Mace.
‘Taint What You Do 21st of August at The Rechabite Hall brings back the charm and splendour of live dance band evenings. This relaxed early Sunday evening show is perfect for dancers of all ages and families to enjoy classic jazz. Dress up and get down on this amazing wooden floor, along with the local swing dancing community.
The Trombone: Big Band Backbone visits the Subiaco Arts Centre 17th of September with three of WA’s finest trombonists. Jeremy Grieg, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick all served in WAYJO in different eras, coming together to showcase the instrument that Beethoven once described as “the voice of God.”
Celebrating The Greats: Mingus’ & Basie Band Member 100th Birthday, October 14th & 15th Downstairs at The Maj, pays tribute to the greats by celebrating the 100th birthday of Charles Mingus, plus many members of the Count Basie Orchestra. Fans of Eddie ‘lockjaw’ Davis, Joe Newman, Frank Wess and Ernie Wilkins (all Count Basie Orchestra members born in 1922) will enjoy this classic jazz celebration.
The Best Of 2022 show 25th November wraps up the year with all three big bands at the Quarry Amphitheatre. A sell out show several years in a row, be sure to book early to hear each band present their favourite works from the annual program. After a full year of working together, these bands have never sounded better to farewell some of our players and the year that was.
The 2022 WAYJO season runs from March to November, with the full season of events to be published at wayjo.com from Monday 21 March. With an exciting range of styles across local venues on offer, there’s something for everyone – so buy local, and go see a show with WAYJO!
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, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act Belong Commit for their continued support.
Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #WAYJOblockparty
Photograph: WAYJO MNO at 2021 Block Party in Lyric Lane – by Josh Wells
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO Swings - WAAPA Sings!
Join all three WAYJO bands plus two WAAPA vocal ensembles in a glorious night under the stars.
Experience the timeless magic of the big band, coupled with power of the WAAPA Jazz Choir and WAAPA Gospel Choir.
This is one spectacular night of jazz, gospel and soul to close out WAYJO’s 2021 season, simply not to be missed!
What you can bring into The Quarry;
Low concert/beach chairs (no wider than 52cm including arm rests)
Blankets
Cushions
Small esky
Picnic including wine and beer (no spirits or spike style wine glass holders)
Insect repellent
Rain poncho (no umbrellas)
The Modern Masters
Did you know that big band music has continued to evolve and push boundaries from the Golden Age of Swing?
Composers such as Bill Holman, Bob Brookmeyer, Jim McNeely and Maria Schneider have used big band instrumentation to create some of the most creative and exciting jazz in recent decades.
The Wednesday Night Orchestra will be joined by Perth’s very own modern master on tenor saxophone, Dr Jamie Oehlers (WAYJO member 1987-93).
Join WAYJO for this special night, also premiering 2021 WAYJO Composer in Residence works by Brendan Keller-Tuberg (ACT) and Reece Clark (WA).
Jamie appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO @ York Festival 2021
This energetic big band performance for York Festival 2021 by the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra features the music of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Thad Jones, Bill Holman, Quincy Jones, Stan Kenton and much more.
Come and be invigorated by some of WA’s most exciting young talent, and enjoy a jazz long weekend in historic York!
Young Women in Jazz 2021 - SOLD OUT
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra’s pioneering Young Women in Jazz workshops, presented in partnership with the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA), are aimed at developing skills and building confidence of young women interested in exploring the world of jazz and improvised music.
Supported by their mentors, some of Perth’s most inspiring and accomplished Jazz artists, this concert is the culmination of 8-weeks intensive workshopping. We invite you to support these talented young women as they demonstrate their newly acquired skills in a fun and inspirational evening of jazz.
Run in Perth since 2014, and developed in 2002 by Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and Dr. Sandy Evans OAM, the Young Women in Jazz workshops are specifically designed to inspire young women (aged 14 to 25) to play jazz and pursue a future in music and improvisation.
Young Women in Jazz is presented in association with the Sydney Improvised Music Association and supported by the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts. WAYJO acknowledges ongoing program partner St John of God Health Care for their continued support.
WAYJO presents Young Women in Jazz 2021
Sun 12 Sep, 6.00pm
The Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
Tickets only from Ellington Jazz Club
The WAYJO Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
A Latin Explosion
After our very popular Latin show in 2019, WAYJO return with A Latin Explosion.
Enjoy spicy Latin jazz grooves, pulsing percussion and raucous horns, performed with two of Perth’s most seasoned percussionists Iain Robbie and Marcus Perrozzi, joined by the effervescent vocals of Adolfo Chavez.
This is a night for dancing. If you love Latin music, but dancing isn’t your thing, you can enjoy all the sights and the sounds from the upper levels!
Iain, Marcus and Adolfo appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
Spice Up Your Winter with WAYJO’s Latin Explosion, 28 August
After two sell out shows Downstairs at The Maj earlier in the month, the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) return for a second world-flavoured big band jazz show at The Rechabite, Saturday 28 August.
A Latin Explosion presents spicy Latin jazz grooves, pulsing percussion and raucous horns, performed with two of Perth’s most seasoned percussionists Iain Robbie and Marcus Perrozzi, also joined by the effervescent vocals of Adolfo Chavez.
“I have always loved the attitude and the intensity presented by the music from Latin American countries – especially Cuba, Columbia, Brazil and Mexico” states Marty Pervan, WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra Musical Director.
“It also amazes me that the essence of the history and culture from these countries is so alive in the music and dance traditions. The connection between jazz and Latin American music has a colourful and beautiful history, especially with so many cross-over artists who have made their name in jazz centres around the world like New York, Paris and London.”
“Being able to bring together two of my biggest musical passions (big band, and Latin American music) is always a special experience – and this, coupled with the joy of sharing this kind of musical tradition with the next generation of young jazz musicians is just fantastic. The way that the WAYJO band members’ faces light up when they hear a real live professional percussion section and a native speaking Latin American singer join them is priceless.”
This is a night for dancing. If you love Latin music, but dancing isn’t your thing, you can enjoy all the sights and the sounds from the upper levels!
Relive all the excitement of WAYJO’s 2019 very popular Afro-Cuban Explosion show. Grab your dancing shoes and tickets before they’re all gone.
Iain, Marcus and Adolfo appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents A Latin Explosion
TNO with specials guests Iain Robbie, Marcus Perrozzi & Adolfo Chavez
Sat 28 Aug, 7.30pm
The Rechabite, Northbridge | Tickets wayjo.com
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #RechabiteJazz #LatinExplosion
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO @ Jazz Freo
The WAYJO Tuesday Night Orchestra is heading to Jazz Freo!
Enjoy a repertoire of jazz, blues and Latin classics from Basie through to Bossa Nova, and Billie Holiday to Bob Mintzer, the Big Band plays the greats from the 1950s through to today, with skill and infectious energy.
Sat 7 Aug, 3.30pm
Navy Club premises - level 2, 64 High Street, Fremantle
Free Community Event (licenced venue - please be early)
The Golden Age of Swing - SOLD OUT
The 1930s were the Golden Age of Swing and the height of jazz as popular music. The clarinet was the instrument that shot Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman into stardom and cemented them into jazz history.
Adrian Galante, Perth’s very own clarinet superstar, performs swing classics like ‘Begin the Beguine’, ‘Flying Home’, and ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ with the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra.
Adrian appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
Tickets to our popular 1-hour Act Belong Commit Jazz at The Maj for Schools concert-workshops are just $15 (+bf) per student or teacher/parent (receive 1 complimentary ticket per 9 purchased).
To book school shows, please phone Perth Theatre Trust group bookings on 6212 9291, or email groups@ptt.wa.gov.au
Friday 11 June, 3.00pm: Basie and Beyond, A Journey into Jazz
Friday 6 August, 3.00pm: The Golden Age of Swing
The WAYJO Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
Clarinet Virtuoso Adrian Galante Swings with WAYJO, August 6-7
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) are proud to present a show of swinging big band jazz with special guest clarinet virtuoso Adrian Galante, Downstairs at His Majesty’s Theatre, 6-7 August.
The 1930s were the Golden Age of Swing and the height of jazz as popular music. The clarinet was the instrument that shot Benny Goodman, Artie Shaw and Woody Herman into stardom and cemented them into jazz history.
Adrian Galante, Perth’s very own clarinet superstar, performs swing classics like ‘Begin the Beguine’, ‘Flying Home’, and ‘Sing, Sing, Sing’ with the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra.
“The swinging sounds of the big band era is what began my love of jazz when I was a child…” states Adrian. “At that time I had just started playing the clarinet and was utterly enamoured by the sounds of Benny Goodman, Count Basie, Duke Ellington and all the wonderful bands of the period.
It is not often that I get to play this repertoire, so I am very excited to be revisiting some of the wonderful arrangements that first sparked my love of jazz all those years ago, and to be working with the wonderful young talents of the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra.”
Don’t miss this concert set to impress discerning swing jazz enthusiasts, and fans of slick liquorice stick licks!
Adrian appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
What people are saying about Adrian’s playing;
“This young man is one of those musicians you can’t ignore; he commands the attention of both audience and fellow performers alike with his prodigious technique and flair for presentation. Mostly one must choose between hearing a serious musician or experiencing someone who can connect with the audience, Adrian is that rare person who understands the ‘performing’ part of performing arts without any compromise in musicianship or passion for the music.” – Jazz Trumpeter, James Morrison.
WAYJO presents The Golden Age of Swing
MinterEllison MNO with special guest Adrian Galante
Fri 6 & Sat 7 Aug, 7.30pm
Downstairs at The Maj, Perth | Tickets ptt.wa.gov.au/wayjo
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #JazzAtTheMaj #GoldenAgeOfSwing
Act Belong Commit Jazz at The Maj for Schools
Students and teachers may also enjoy a special 1-hour school concert-workshop with Adrian, Friday 6 August, 3.00pm.
School workshops are great value at just $15 (+bf) per student or teacher/parent – plus you receive 1 complimentary ticket per 9 purchased. School bookings can only be made by calling Perth Theatre Trust group bookings on 6212 9291, or email groups@ptt.wa.gov.au
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #ActBelongCommit #JazzSchool #GoldenAgeOfSwing
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley
WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
