Best of 2024
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Best of 2024 Concert
Enjoy a jazzy night under the stars with the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) at their Best of 2024 concert at the Quarry Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 November.
Featuring quality big band performances by the WAYJO Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, this event celebrates the culmination of a year’s hard work and touring.
Experience these bands at their peak as they showcase their favourite pieces in their final performance of the year.
Having sold out several years in a row, this event has become a local jazz tradition, delivering a diverse range of styles to delight every audience member.
The Quarry Amphitheatre, one of Perth’s premier outdoor venues, is nestled in the serene Bold Park Reserve, offering a stunning skyline view. Bring a picnic, choose from the Limestone Cafe menu on the night, or pre-order a picnic hamper.
Tickets are general admission, so arrive early to secure your favourite spot!
Best of 2024
Gates open 6:30pm | Concert from 7:30pm – 10pm
Saturday 23 November 2024
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 extends its gratitude to our Government Partner the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Guest Artist Partner Minderoo Foundation, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights, Wright Burt Foundation, Bendat Family Foundation, Stan Perron Charitable Foundation, Simone Lee Foundation, and all of our private donors, Seat Sponsors, and 240 Club Members for their continued support.
A jazzy night under the stars to wrap up 2024
It’s that time of year again! Celebrate the culmination of an incredible year with our Best of 2024 concert at the stunning Quarry Amphitheatre on Saturday, 23 November from 6:30pm.
Featuring all three of our core orchestras – this unmissable event highlights the energy, passion, and skill of our young musicians as they showcase their favourite pieces of the year.
The Monday Night Orchestra will captivate with music from standout collaborations, including Mariel Bildsten, Sarah McKenzie, and Zero Emcee. Expect swinging big band tunes, jazz ballads, and a jazz-hip-hop fusion with the tune, Na Na Na (Zero Emcee), as well as classics like Evil Man (Thad Jones), and Paris in the Rain (Sarah McKenzie).
Our St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra promises a dynamic and eclectic mix, from fiery “burner” Magic Flea to the lush Just Friends and Brazilian-inspired Yatra-Ta featuring Sofie Kerr. The set also includes Nutville (Buddy Rich) and I Love Paris (Stan Kenton).
And the Wednesday Night Orchestra will showcase stunning original works by our composers-in-residence (Infinity by Aaron Caldwell and Weird Cat by Jackson Mack) alongside gems like Woman’s Got Soul (Thad Jones), Kind Folk (Kenny Wheeler), and Photographs (Ed Partyka).
Bring a picnic, pre-order a hamper, or enjoy the Limestone Cafe menu while soaking in the vibrant sounds of big band jazz under the stars.
Date: Saturday, 23 November
Gates open: 6:30pm | Concert: 7:30pm – 10pm
Venue: Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach
Get ready for a special night of extraordinary music that has become a much-loved local tradition. Book your tickets now!
Mariel Bildsten (USA) with WAYJO's Monday Night Orchestra
Mariel Bildsten with WAYJO’s Monday Night Orchestra
Our Monday Night Orchestra with perform with special guest trombonist Mariel Bildsten (USA) at Perth International Jazz Festival’s Jazz Picnic in the Park, a popular free event in Hyde Park.
Bask in the warmth of the afternoon sun and the sounds of bands big and small, traditional and eclectic at this family-friendly, alcohol-free event.
If you’re a player yourself, pack your (portable) instruments and meet at the stage at 12pm. From here you can join in the Jazz Parade, where New Orleans-style brass band tunes will ring out as we march around the lush expanse of Hyde Park. All ages and all abilities are welcome to join in this mobile celebration of music – and if you don’t play, join in and follow the pied pipers (and blues blowers) and add your energy to the joyous atmosphere. No-one can rain on this parade!
After the parade, it’s time to settle back on your picnic blankets and soak up the big band sounds of tomorrow’s stars in the WAAPA Jazz Choir and the WAAPA Big Band. New York trombonist Mariel Bildsten will make a special appearance with WAYJO, embracing the sounds of jazz greats including Count Basie and Duke Ellington. The James Chapman Six will round out the afternoon with their compelling arrangements of jazz standards, well-known contemporary pieces and a smattering of original compositions. This is the perfect way to spend a musically inspired Sunday – and free for all!
What’s Going On:
12:00pm – Welcome To Country
12:15pm – Jazz Parade
1:00pm – WAAPA Jazz Choir
2:15pm – WAAPA Big Band
3:30pm – WAYJO with Mariel Bildsten
4:45pm – James Chapman Six
This event is presented by the Perth International Jazz Festival.
Mariel Bildsten (USA) with WAYJO’s Monday Night Orchestra
Time: 3:30 – 4:30pm
Date: Saturday 2 November 2024
Venue: Jazz in The Park, Hyde Park
FREE EVENT
WAYJO at Perth International Jazz Festival 2024
The Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF) is back for another year, bringing a diverse lineup of local and international talent to the city from Saturday, 5 October to Sunday, 3 November. WAYJO is proud to be a part of this celebrated event, showcasing two exciting performances that highlight the talents of our musicians alongside renowned international artists.
Sara McDonald – NYChillharmonic (USA)
One of the standout performances this year will see members from WAYJO’s Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO) join forces with bandleader and vocalist Sara McDonald (USA) for her dynamic ensemble, NYChillharmonic on Saturday 2 November at The Rechabite – Main Hall. Known for their genre-defying sound, NYChillharmonic seamlessly blends rock, pop, classical, and jazz, creating a unique sonic experience that embraces unconventional textures, arrangements, and harmonies. The result is an ensemble unlike anything you’ve ever heard before.
Sara McDonald will lead the ensemble, joined by core NYChillharmonic members including guitarist Shubh Saran, pianist Liya Grigoryan, bassist Almog Sharvit, and drummer Angelo Spampinato. Perth-based musicians from WNO will round out the rest of this extraordinary ensemble, making this collaboration one of the must-see performances of the festival.
Mariel Bildsten (USA) with WAYJO’s Monday Night Orchestra
Our Monday Night Orchestra (MNO) will also be part of the much-loved, Jazz Picnic in Hyde Park, a free annual event that’s perfect for families and jazz lovers alike. This year, MNO will be joined by special guest artist Mariel Bildsten (USA), an acclaimed jazz trombonist. This event is happening on Saturday 2 November from 12pm, with Mariel Bildsten and MNO hitting the stage at 3:30pm, embracing the sounds of jazz greats including Count Basie and Duke Ellington.
For more information about the festival and ticket bookings, visit the official Perth International Jazz Festival website HERE.
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop, Hopetoun
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop
Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee joins with WAYJO’s 18-piece big band for a night of phat beats and bold brass. Don’t miss this fusion of hip-hop and jazz for all ages.
Experience the dynamic fusion of jazz and hip-hop as Noongar rapper Zero Emcee and the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) come together for concerts across WA this August and September.
From Perth to national stages, Zero Emcee’s socially resonant rap reflects his Noongar and Jingili heritage with pride. Get set to move and groove as his compelling rhymes are amplified by the powerhouse sounds of WAYJO’s 18-piece orchestra.
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop
Featuring Zero Emcee and the Monday Night Orchestra
Time: 6:30pm – 8:30pm
Date: Friday 23 August 2024
Venue: Hopetoun Community Centre, 46 Veal St, Hopetoun
BOOK TICKETS
Recommended age and warnings: Some songs contain mature themes. Parental guidance recommended.
This project is supported by Playing WA through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Program as part of the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.
Memories – Zero Emcee & WAYJO
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop, Esperance
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop
Noongar/Jingili rapper Zero Emcee joins with WAYJO’s 18-piece big band for a night of phat beats and bold brass. Don’t miss this fusion of hip-hop and jazz for all ages.
Experience the dynamic fusion of jazz and hip-hop as Noongar rapper Zero Emcee and the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) come together for concerts across WA this August and September.
From Perth to national stages, Zero Emcee’s socially resonant rap reflects his Noongar and Jingili heritage with pride. Get set to move and groove as his compelling rhymes are amplified by the powerhouse sounds of WAYJO’s 18-piece orchestra.
From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop
Featuring Zero Emcee and the Monday Night Orchestra
Time: 7pm
Date: Thursday 22 August 2024
Venue: Esperance Civic Centre, Council Place, Esperance
BOOK TICKETS
Recommended age and warnings: Some songs contain mature themes. Parental guidance recommended.
This project is supported by Playing WA through the State Government’s Royalties for Regions Program as part of the Regional Arts and Cultural Investment Program.
Memories – Zero Emcee & WAYJO
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
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.”
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.
Welcome to our 2024 orchestra members
WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program was developed to engage with young and emerging jazz artists.
An integral part of the annual program, WAYJO is proud to facilitate the Northern Corridor Training Band for high school-aged students (which is currently accepting enrolments), and the Progressions Program for individuals on the outskirts of jazz.
The programs are designed to enhance and develop the skills of aspiring musicians through artistic mentorship, guided workshops and rehearsals, and quality performance experiences in a big band setting. In addition, participants connect with peers as well as professionals in the music industry, bringing concepts from the classroom to life.
WAYJO is thrilled to announce, therefore, that six of the newest band members in the three main orchestras have come through the Pathways Programs.
They are:
Aavi Barker | MNO | Trumpet
Dexter Bell | MNO | Alto Saxophone
Jaeden Carlyon | TNO | Baritone Saxophone
Isabelle Cranley Dixon | MNO | Tenor Saxophone
Ella Dias | TNO | Bass
Ryley Ford | MNO | Trombone
WAYJO’s 2024 Orchestra Members
WAYJO is delighted to have so many returning members in the three big bands: WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO), led by Ricki Malet; St John of God Healthcare Tuesday Night Orchestra (TNO) with Musical Director Marty Pervan; and, directed by Mace Francis, the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra (WNO).
A huge welcome, as well, to the thirteen newest band members, for whom this will be their first year with WAYJO.
See the full list of orchestra members and their instruments.