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.

~~~~~

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
BOOK TICKETS


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
BOOK TICKETS


WAYJO's 40th Anniversary Concert & Festival

You’re invited to the jazz party of the year as WAYJO turns 40!

With thousands of events under its belt and a special place in many a WA musician’s hearts and memories, WAYJO is marking the occasion in style – bringing together Perth’s biggest jazz names alongside future stars of the Australian jazz scene for one special weekend at the State Theatre Centre’s Studio Underground and Foyer.

Join us as we celebrate WAYJO’s 40-year history and look towards the future of jazz!


40th Anniversary Concert

The celebrations begin with a Gala performance on Friday evening featuring WAYJO big bands alongside special guest alumni including Perth’s premier jazz vocalist, Libby Hammer, the versatile trombonist Catherine Noblet, the accomplished saxophonist Gemma Farrell, and the elegant vocalist Lucy Iffla.

On the big night, all three bands – MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and Wednesday Night Orchestra – will take to the stage to perform commissioned works, band and fan favourites, and classic big band jazz repertoire.

WAYJO’s 40th Anniversary Concert
7:30pm, Friday 26 May
Studio Underground

BOOK TICKETS

40th Anniversary Festival

Then on Saturday, take a trip down memory lane and immerse yourself in our mini festival hub of in-conversations, small group jazz ensembles, historic photo displays, alumni appearances, and big band performances.

Be transported through time as all three big bands celebrate the greats playing classic big band jazz, music from the depths of the WAYJO library, and a line-up that traces jazz through to contemporary, translating be-bop to hip-hop.

With guest artists Jamie Oehlers, Libby Hammer, and Zero Emcee, this is an event not to be missed.

WAYJO’s 40th Anniversary Festival
4pm – 10pm, Saturday 27 May
Studio Underground

BOOK TICKETS


Forrest Place Stage, Perth CBD

Perth International Jazz Festival 2022

Perth International Jazz Festival invites you into the urban jungle of Forrest Place for a weekend of exciting live music from WAAPA and WAYJO ensembles, plus a special performance from festival director Mace Francis and his Orchestra.

Located within the Perth CBD, Forrest Place is a pedestrian-friendly, open square connecting Perth Railway Station on Wellington Street with the Murray Street Mall. It sits just outside Forrest Chase (with 33 food, fashion, beauty, entertainment retailers!), and is a stone’s throw away from some of Perth’s major shopping destinations.

From 12pm to 5pm on Saturday November 5th, Forrest Place will be alive with music, plus engaging panel discussions from some of our PIJF artists.

If you’re looking for a family-friendly, totally FREE event, come on down!

Schedule

12:00pm: WAYJO plays the music of Emiliano Sampaio (BRAZIL)
Guest Artist Emiliano Sampaio from Brazil appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation

1:15pm: Mace Francis Orchestra

2:30pm: Will Vinson with the WAAPA Big Band

3:45pm: WAAPA Mingus Ensemble

5:00pm: WAAPA Graduating Collective

 


Trombone Backbone

The Trombone: Big Band Backbone

Trombones are the backbone of the big band, providing the harmonic foundation, the brassy punch and the guts of the band.

This concert features three of WA’s finest trombonists and WAYJO alumni. Jeremy Greig, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick all served in different eras of WAYJO, coming together to showcase the instrument Beethoven once described as “The voice of God” – you be the judge.

Guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.

 

Photograph Josh Wells (2021 WAYJO show)

Buy Tickets

Please note – WAYJO also present a 1-hour schools concert-workshop;

The Trombone: Big Band Backbone – Act Belong Commit Concert
WAYJO NC Pathways Program Training Band and WAYJO St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra
Fri 16 September, 6.30pm
Prendiville Catholic College, Ocean Reef


Trombone Backbone

The Trombone: Big Band Backbone - Act Belong Commit Concert

The WAYJO NC Pathways Program Training Band and WAYJO St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra Featuring Jeremy Greig, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick

Trombones are the backbone of the big band, providing the harmonic foundation, the brassy punch and the guts of the band.

This concert features three of WA’s finest trombonists and WAYJO alumni. Jeremy Greig, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick all served in different eras of WAYJO, coming together to showcase the instrument Beethoven once described as “The voice of God” – you be the judge.

This 1-hour Act Belong Commit Concert offers students and teachers behind the scenes insights into jazz composition and performance, with ample opportunity to ask questions of our professional Music Directors, orchestra members and guest artists.

Guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.

WAYJO’s Pathways Education Program is supported by Healthway promoting the Act Belong Commit message, and our Major Partner Minderoo Foundation


Photograph Josh Wells (2021)

Buy Tickets

Trombone Backbone

WAYJO Slides into Subiaco with a Trombone Showcase

The WAYJO St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra present a special show featuring one of the big band’s oldest instruments, Saturday 17 September, Subiaco Arts Centre.

The trombone, invented mid 15th century, derives its name comes from the Italian tromba (trumpet) plus the suffix -one (big) – meaning big trumpet. The WAYJO TNO will be joined by three of WA’s finest trombonists, who are also WAYJO alumni. Jeremy Greig, Catherine Noblet and Will Pethick all served in different eras of WAYJO, coming together for one night only to showcase the instrument.

Jeremy Greig on Trombone

Jeremy Greig is a trombonist, diploma of music co-ordinator and lecturer in Jazz at WAAPA. He has a Bachelor of music from Edith Cowan University and a master of Music from University of Miami. He has lived and performed in the USA and performed with the likes of Ray Charles, Natalie Cole, Barry Gibb (Bee Gees), Steve Lawrence and Edie Gorme, Don Rickles, Wayne Newton, and Wynton Marsalis.

Catherine Noblet on Trombone

Catherine Noblet is an Australian jazz trombonist from Perth. A WAAPA graduate, she has studied and worked as a freelance musician in Perth and the US. She completed her Master of Music at the University of Illinois, studying with legendary trombonist, Jim Pugh. She now resides in Perth as a freelance musician and a regular member of the Mace Francis Orchestra, Straight Ahead Big Band, Amnesiacs, and The Western Australian Jazz Project.

Will Pethick, Trombone

Will Pethick was a member of WAYJO in 2021 who previously studied at the James Morrison Academy in South Australia. Selected to be a part of the Australian National Youth Jazz Orchestra last year, Will performed with Will Vinson in the 2021 Sydney Con Jazz Festival. Now back in Perth, he performs locally with The Western Australian Jazz Project, Perth Symphony Orchestra and more.

Trombones are the backbone of the big band, providing the harmonic foundation, the brassy punch and the guts of the band. Come along and enjoy this ‘sackbut’ showcase – an instrument Beethoven once described as “The voice of God” – you be the judge!

Guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.

WAYJO presents The Trombone: Big Band Backbone
St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, plus trombonists Jeremy Greig, Catherine Noblet & Will Pethick
Sat 17 September, 7.30pm
Subiaco Arts Centre, Subiaco
Tickets artsculturetrust.wa.gov.au/wayjo

WAYJO also present a 1-hour Act Belong Commit concert-workshop for schools, Fri 16 September, 6.30pm, at Prendiville Catholic College in Ocean Reef – head to wayjo.com/education/concert-for-schools for details.

Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #SubiJazz #Trombone

Photography: B&W WAYJO Trombones (2021) & Jeremy Greig by Josh Wells – Catherine Noblet by Deprimo – Will Pethick by WAAPA

Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950

Trombone Backbone Poster

WAYJO presents 'Taint What You Do

WAYJO presents ‘Taint What You Do

A Swinging Night of Dance Music at The Rechabite

Two of the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) bands are heading to The Rechabite Hall Sunday 21 August for a night of big band swing.

The WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra are in fine form, appearing fresh from a sell-out show in July, plus very well received Act Belong Commit Regional Tour appearances in Margaret River and Bunbury early August.

The WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra also return to The Rechabite to perform a swinging set, hailing the charm and splendour that were live dance band evenings of yesteryear.

This relaxed Sunday evening show is perfect for dancers of all ages and abilities, plus families wishing to enjoy classic jazz inspired by the big bands of the 1930s to the 1960s.

Dress up and step out in style on this amazing wooden dance floor, along with the local swing dancing community. Be sure to get your tickets before they swing out the door.

WAYJO presents ‘Taint What You Do
MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra & WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra
Sun 21 August, 7.30pm
The Rechabite, Northbridge
Tickets wayjo.com

WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.

Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #RechabiteJazz

Photograph: Josh Wells (Speakeasy 2021)

Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950

WAYJO22 Taint What You Do Poster

Gemma Farrell - Saxophone

Gemma Farrell Meets WAYJO - SOLD OUT

WAYJO presents outstanding saxophonist, composer and educator Gemma Farrell at Lyric’s Underground, Saturday July 30th.

Gemma presents her skills as a performer, while sharing the variety and versatility of the saxophone family with audiences.

From the pee-wee soprano to electronic EWI – right through to the sizeable and deep baritone – come enjoy this exciting saxophone showcase in a night of big band jazz.

Gemma appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.

Buy Tickets

Gemma Farrell - Saxophone

WAYJO presents a Saxophone Showcase with Gemma Farrell

The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) presents outstanding saxophonist, composer and educator Gemma Farrell at Lyric’s Underground, Saturday July 30th.

Join the WAM award winner and 2022 Australian Women in Music Award nominee, plus WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra (MNO), in a big band exploration of the saxophone family.

This showcase features almost the entire family of instruments, as well as electronic saxophone, making it a great concert for saxophone fans, plus those wanting to learn more about the iconic jazz reed instrument.

“As well as playing two of my original big band compositions, recorded by the Artemis Orchestra, I will be performing some of the great Ellington and Basie saxophone features with the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra” says Gemma. “I’ll be performing on the four main members of the saxophone family, soprano, alto, tenor and baritone, as well as performing a standard on the Electric Wind Instrument or (EWI) with the MNO rhythm section.”

“MNO is sounding great and I’m really looking forward to performing with them.”

Gemma’s projects as a leader include the Gemma Farrell Quintet, the Artemis Orchestra, the Namora Nonet and MFG. She can also be seen performing with the Perth Cabaret Collective, the 950 Express, Mace Francis +11, and Perth Saxophone Rockers.

Gemma’s skills as talented composer and performer with WAYJO can be enjoyed for one night only – book tickets soon at wayjo.com

Gemma appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.

WAYJO presents Gemma Farrell Meets WAYJO
MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, with special guest Gemma Farrell
Sat 30 July, 8.00pm
Lyric’s Underground, Maylands
Tickets wayjo.com

WAYJO has chosen to use Humanitix for our 2022 ticketed season.
Humanitix are a registered charity offering 100% of profits from booking fees toward education programs for Young Girls and scholarships for Indigenous Australians.

Hashtags: #WAYJO2022 #JazzUnderground #GemmaFarrellSaxophone
Photograph: Gemma Farrell – artist supplied

Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950

WAYJO presents Gemma Farrell poster