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)
WAYJO Swings and WAAPA Sings at The Quarry, 27 November
Join all three WAYJO bands, plus two Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) vocal ensembles, in one glorious night under the stars to close out WAYJO’s 2021 season in style.
Experience the timeless magic of the big band, coupled with power of the WAAPA Jazz Choir & WAAPA Gospel Choir, all on the majestic stage of the Quarry Amphitheatre, Saturday 27 November.
The WAAPA Gospel Choir was formed at the beginning of 2015 and is directed by Matt Allen. An audition-only ensemble consisting of Bachelor of Music students from the Contemporary Music course at WAAPA, they have recorded with hip hop giant Drapht, featuring on his album ‘Seven Mirrors’ that was nominated for an Aria Award.
“The marriage of gospel music with a jazz big band will be an entirely unique and uplifting experience” states Matt. “The moments of complete collaboration with the jazz vocal ensemble, the gospel choir and WAYJO will be the highlight of the show for sure. Having that many amazing musicians all on stage at once will be a once-in-a-lifetime experience…. You can expect some big singing and big arrangements, that will hopefully leave you feeling invigorated and inspired.”
The WAAPA Jazz Vocal Ensemble features the amazing talents of 17 exceptional young vocalists, currently studying in the WAAPA jazz course. Directed by Victoria Newton, the ensemble perform an eclectic mix of Jazz, World Music, contemporary and original repertoire.
“Audiences can expect some swinging Count Basie and Duke Ellington classics in the style of Lambert, Hendricks and Ross, and New York Voices” says Victoria. “We’ll also be performing a funky rendition of Teach Me Tonight and a magnificent original work by Grant Windsor, entitled Nascimento…. We are beyond excited for this wonderful opportunity to perform with the outstanding WAYJO orchestras and the WAAPA Gospel Choir in this magnificent setting.”
The MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra led by Ricki Malet, will be playing music made famous by jazz greats such as Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald and more, sharing the stage with WAAPA Jazz Choir for some vocal classics.
“The Tuesday night Orchestra will present a set of great jazz… performing some well-known swinging tunes originally made famous by the likes of Ella Fitzgerald and Frank Sinatra, as well as getting funky with some lesser-known works – there will even be a couple of songs featuring the WAAPA Gospel Choir!” Marty Pervan – TNO Director.
Both choirs also take to the stage with the Wednesday Night Orchestra, as led by acting Director Gemma Farrell, for a momentous grand finale that is one of WAYJO’s largest on-stage undertakings.
These two powerhouse vocal ensembles meet the WAYJO MinterEllison Monday Night, Tuesday and Wednesday Night Orchestras, in a one-off performance set to raise spirits in a unique celebration of Perth’s incredible musical talent.
For more information, please visit wayjo.com
WAYJO Swings – WAAPA Sings!
WAYJO MinterEllison MNO, TNO & WNO, with special guests WAAPA Jazz & WAAPA Gospel Choirs
Sat 27 Nov, 7.30pm
The Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach | Tickets wayjo.com
Media Link: https://wayjo.com/2021-wayjo-waapa
Hashtags: #WAYJO2021 #WAYJOswingsWAAPAsings
WAYJO thanks continuing Government Partner, the Department of Local Government, Sport, and Cultural Industries, Lotterywest, Principal Partner North West Shelf Gas, Major Programs Partner Minderoo Foundation, MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, St John of God Healthcare Tuesday Night Orchestra Naming Rights Partner, and Healthway Act-Belong-Commit.
Celebrating the Greats, Merredin | WAYJO Act Belong Commit Regional Tour 2021
WAYJO are touring the Goldfields and heading to the Cummins Theatre in Merredin one night only for a free community concert!
Join WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra, led by the talented Marty Pervan, to experience music by some of the greatest in the Big Band genre. The swinging sounds of Count Basie and Duke Ellington come together with fantastic tunes made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jnr, featuring WAYJO’s very own Jordan Boase on vocals.
We’ll be getting funky with the music of Thad Jones, while also showcasing some of our own Australian talents, with music by Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire) and Andrew Murray (ATM15). Join us for a concert program designed specifically to make you feel good!
This is a FREE community concert – please note tickets will still need to allocated to each individual due to COVID-19 regulations. Ticket must be presented to gain entry.
WAYJO Goldfields Regional Tour is supported by Healthway, promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
Celebrating the Greats, Kalgoorlie | WAYJO Act Belong Commit Regional Tour 2021
WAYJO are touring the Goldfields and heading to the Goldfields Arts Centre for one night only for a free community concert!
Join WAYJO’s Tuesday Night Orchestra, led by the talented Marty Pervan, to experience music by some of the greatest in the Big Band genre. The swinging sounds of Count Basie and Duke Ellington come together with fantastic tunes made famous by the likes of Frank Sinatra and Harry Connick Jnr, featuring WAYJO’s very own Jordan Boase on vocals.
We’ll be getting funky with the music of Thad Jones, while also showcasing some of our own Australian talents, with music by Ross Irwin (The Cat Empire) and Andrew Murray (ATM15). Join us for a concert program designed specifically to make you feel good!
This is a FREE community concert – please note tickets will still need to allocated to each individual due to COVID-19 regulations. Ticket must be presented to gain entry.
WAYJO Goldfields Regional Tour is supported by Healthway, promoting the Act Belong Commit message.
Concert sponsored by City of Kalgoorlie Boulder.
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)
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
Oh, Lady Be Good
Take a Quickstep back into a bygone era of style and glamour! Join Victoria Newton (WAYJO member 1987-89), the WAYJO Tuesday Night Orchestra plus all three of their band vocalists, for this songful showcase of beloved big band music.
Victoria has serenaded audiences across the world with her style, technique and humour. Now head of jazz voice at the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts, she’s worked the London jazz scene, collaborated with Acid-Jazz legend the late Ronny Jordan, and supported Terence Blanchard at the Jazz Café with her quartet.
Victoria appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2021 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.