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
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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.
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Havana Nights!
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Havana Nights!
Get ready to be swept off your feet by the intricate rhythms and upbeat melodies of Latin Jazz, Salsa, and Mambo!
Featuring WAYJO’s St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra with special guest artists Adolfo Chavez on vocals and percussionists Marcus Perrozzi, Iain Robbie and Steve Richter, expect a night of songs to harmonise to, and beats perfect for dancing.
Enjoy the improvisational elements of jazz combined with Latin classics – especially those styles rooted in Afro-Cuban traditions.
Repertoire:
Classics from legendary artists like Tito Puente, Perez Prado, Afro Cuban All-Stars, Buena Vista Social Club, and Cubanismo.
Show Format:
Two exhilarating 50-minute sets with a 20-minute break in between.
Don’t miss this show. Secure your tickets and experience a night in Havana!
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra Presents: Havana Nights!
Time: 7:30 – 9:30pm (doors at 7pm)
Date: Thursday 17 October 2024
Venue: Milkbar – Civic Hotel band room, 981 Beaufort St, Inglewood
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From Be-Bop to Hip-Hop, Mandurah
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 Tuesday Night Orchestra
Time: 7:30pm
Date: Thursday 12 September 2024
Venue: Mandurah Performing Arts Centre, 9 Ormsby Terrace, Mandurah
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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, Narrogin
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 Tuesday Night Orchestra
Time: 7:30pm (Doors open at 6:30pm)
Date: Friday 30 August 2024
Venue: Narrogin Town Hall, 7 Fortune Street (side entrance), Narrogin
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
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
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.
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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Mambolicious: Jodrell Screams Puente
The WA Youth Orchestra (WAYJO) presents Mambolicious – a celebration of the 100th anniversary of the birth of Tito Puente, one of the most influential Latin big band leaders of all time. Featuring one of Australia’s greatest trumpet players, Mat Jodrell, with the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, these shows will have your feet tapping and hips shaking to the sounds of Latin jazz and mambo.
Mat Jodrell recently returned to Australia after eight years living and performing in New York City and teaching at Juilliard School of Music. He’s performed with the likes of Benny Golson, Ron Carter, Herbie Hancock, and the Mingus Big Band to name a few, and has toured throughout Europe, Russia, Asia, South America, and the Middle East, performing at festivals and world-famous jazz clubs.
Paying homage to Tito Puente’s seminal big band recordings, Jodrell’s screaming trumpet licks accompanied by the infectious swing of the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra (directed by Marty Pervan) is a night you’re not going to want to miss.
Mambolicious: Jodrell Screams Puente
7:30pm – 9:30pm, Saturday 1 July
The Milk Bar, Inglewood
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