WAYJO's 40th Anniversary Season Launch Block Party
WAYJO is celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, and we’re throwing a free Season Launch Block Party to get the festivities started!
Join us at Lyric Lane in Maylands for performances from all three big bands; MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and Wednesday Night Orchestra.
As well as their swinging sounds, you’ll hear all about our 2023 program, learn about our guest artist touring program, and be the first to know about our upcoming 40th year two-day festival.
We can’t wait to welcome you to the launch of our fourth decade as Australia’s leading youth jazz orchestra!
WAYJO’s 40th Anniversary Season Launch Block Party 2023
3 – 5pm, Sun 5 March 2023
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 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.
WAYJO celebrates 40 years as Australia’s leading youth jazz orchestra
WAYJO is celebrating our 40th anniversary this year, having been at the forefront of forging professional jazz artists aged 14 to 25 since 1983.
To celebrate, we’re throwing a Season Launch Block Party to get the festivities started!
All are welcome to attend this free community event, from 3pm – 5pm on Sunday 5 March at Lyric Lane Laneway in Maylands. The Block Party features sets from the MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra, the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra, and the Wednesday Night Orchestra.
WAYJO's 40-Year Anniversary
WAYJO Artistic Director & Musical Director (and Band Leader of the Wednesday Night Orchestra), Mace Francis, reflected on the 40-year anniversary:
We are honoured to present an annual program that both celebrates WAYJO’s 40 years and gives our musicians the very best big band experiences.
In 2023 we will work with alumni, previous guest artists and future stars of the Australian jazz scene. Perth’s jazz lovers are invited to join us at WAYJO's first performance of the year showcasing all three bands and launching the 2023 40th birthday program.
Over its 40-year history thousands of young musicians have performed with us at over thousands of events. That is an incredible number of young people who have reaped the benefits of everything being in a big band has to offer; teamwork, communication, connection, purpose, inspiration, personal and professional development, passion, and pride. Benefits that are now, more than ever, so important to young people in our ever-disconnected world.
WAYJO holds a very special place in many WA musician’s hearts and memories. It is a place where they not only made great music in a great band but met their musician colleagues, future partners, and lifelong friends. WAYJO changed my life for the better after first joining it as a guitarist in 2001.
The opportunity to rehearse and play amazing jazz repertoire with like-minded musicians on a regular basis is an absolute blessing and WAYJO is so proud to have been able to do this for 40 years.
Each year the young musical talent in this state keeps getting better and better as WAYJO musicians go on to teach, their knowledge and skill development distilled and amplified.
We look forward to connecting young performers and composers with each other for another 40 years to create experiences, friendships and memories that live longer than anyone's time as a member of WAYJO.
-Mace Francis
Head along to our Season Launch on Sunday to be the first to hear the full 2023 program. Alternatively, sign up to our e-news to get it directly to your inbox!
The Best of WAYJO 2022 - SELLING FAST
In a grand finale to the season, WAYJO presents three big bands in one glorious night under the stars in The Best of 2022 at Quarry Amphitheatre, Friday 25 November.
With three big bands presenting all their favourites from the year, tickets represent exceptional value for a fantastic show of diverse jazz to suit everyone’s taste.
These bands have never sounded better after a year of working and touring together. A sell out several years in a row, be sure to book soon!
The Quarry Amphitheatre is one of Perth’s premier outdoor performance venues. Nestled in the tranquil bush setting of Bold Park Reserve, it offers a stunning skyline view. Bring a picnic, choose from the Limestone Cafe menu on the night, or pre-order a picnic hamper, and enjoy a jazz picnic under the stars with friends and family.
Tickets this year are General Admission, so please arrive early for your favourite spot!
Gates 6.30pm
Show 7.30pm
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.
Photograph Josh Wells (2021 WAYJO Quarry Amphitheatre show)
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
WAYJO presents Final 2022 Show at Quarry Amphitheatre, 25 November
In a grand finale to their 2022 season, WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) presents three big bands in one glorious night under the stars in The Best of 2022 at Quarry Amphitheatre, Friday 25 November.
“The band members have put in their votes for their favourite music that they have played throughout 2022” says WAYJO’s Artistic Director Dr Mace Francis. “They have selected some music from each concert and project including two new pieces commissioned as part of the Composer in Residence program.”
“The Wednesday Night Orchestra’s set will take you through music from the great swingin’ big band era of the 1940 to music composed in July this year!”
With three big bands on stage for one night only, tickets represent exceptional value for a fantastic show of diverse jazz to suit everyone’s taste.
WAYJO’s MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra toured Margaret River and Bunbury in August. “The MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra will be selecting repertoire from their shows, featuring the music of Gemma Farrell, Duke Ellington, Count Basie and Mingus. Get ready for an explosive set of big band music from the ever youthful MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra!” – MNO Musical Director Ricki Malet.
The St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra also toured the great Southern September, and present “… everything from Count Basie to Tito Puente and a whole gamut of swinging big-band jazz and funk in between. We always look forward to entertaining you with this performance as the culmination of a year’s worth of work and rehearsals. You might pay for the whole seat, but you will only need the edge!” – TNO Musical Director Marty Pervan.
The Quarry Amphitheatre is one of Perth’s premier outdoor performance venues. Nestled in the tranquil bush setting of Bold Park Reserve, it offers a stunning skyline view. Bring a picnic, choose from the Limestone Cafe menu on the night, or pre-order picnic hampers, and enjoy a jazz picnic under the stars with friends and family.
These bands have never sounded better after a year of working and touring together. A sell out several years in a row, be sure to book early for The Best of WAYJO 2022.
Stay tuned to wayjo.com as WAYJO prepares to celebrate their 40th anniversary in 2023.
The Best of WAYJO 2022
MinterEllison Monday, St John of God Health Care Tuesday, & WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestras
Fri 25 November, 7.30pm
Quarry Amphitheatre, City Beach
Tickets wayjo.com
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.
Photographs of 2021 WAYJO Quarry show by Josh Wells.
Taint What You Do
‘Taint What You Do brings back the charm and splendour of live dance band evenings.
This relaxed Sunday evening show is perfect for dancers of all ages and families to enjoy classic jazz with the WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, and MinterEllison Monday Night Orchestra.
Dress up and step out in style on this amazing wooden floor, along with the local swing dancing community!
Photograph Josh Wells
Jessica Carlton plays the Music of Kenny Wheeler
Kenny Wheeler was an important and unique voice in jazz as a trumpeter and big band composer. His lyrical and unorthodox style of playing has influenced generations of trumpet players and his albums for big band, including Music For Small and Large Ensembles are considered classics.
This concert showcases two significant Wheeler works, A Long Time Ago Suite and The Sweet Time Suite – featuring trumpeter Jessica Carlton.
Jessica has recently moved to Perth after living and studying in Melbourne and New York. A distinct voice in the Australian jazz scene, Carlton’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style is influenced by Wheeler.
Jessica appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
Beats and Pieces: From Latino to Electro
A night of Latino and Electro grooves!
This event will combine the popular WAYJO Latin Explosion show from 2019 and 2021 with a new collaboration with Djinda Boodja, working with their hip-hop and electronic musicians to create something new and powerful.
Adolfo Chavez, Marcus Perrozzi & Steve Richter join the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra in a celebration of Latin to get you up dancing.
Djinda Boodja musicians Zero Emcee & Daniel Chandler drop beats and rap with the Wednesday Night Orchestra to keep you moving in a second upbeat set.
The WAYJO horn section with electronic beats will be a mighty sound. If you love the power of beats and rhythm – this show is for you!
WAYJO’s guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
The collaboration with Djinda Boodja is made possible by funding from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications: Office for the Arts – Indigenous Contemporary Music program.
Photograph Josh Wells (2021 WAYJO Latin Explosion)
Check out the menu at Double Rainbow too for a pre or post show meal – gluten free, vegan & vegetarian options available therechabite.com.au/double-rainbow/menus
WAYJO presents Jessica Carlton and the Music of Kenny Wheeler
The WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) presents Jessica Carlton plays the Music of Kenny Wheeler – a concert featuring impressive trumpet focussed jazz on Friday 8 July at Lyric’s Underground in Maylands.
WAYJO are thrilled to feature a night of amazing jazz lead by one of Australia’s most talented and promising female trumpet players Jessica Carlton.
“Since moving to Perth, I have been very excited by the work that WAYJO do as an organisation that is focused on inspiring and educating young musicians. I am of course passionate about music, but also about providing positive and safe environments for young musicians to develop in” states Jessica. “As a tutor, I have been involved with Young Women in Jazz and WAYJO Club, and very much looking forward to working with WAYJO as a performer, plus working with the musicians of Wednesday Night Orchestra.”
“I am also a big fan of Kenny Wheeler, and his music has influenced me as a trumpet player and composer significantly, so I’m looking forward to taking on the challenge of performing his music.”
Kenny Wheeler was an important and unique voice in jazz as a trumpeter and big band composer. His lyrical and unorthodox style of playing has influenced generations of trumpet players and his albums for big band, including ‘Music For Small and Large Ensembles’ are considered classics.
This concert will feature two significant Wheeler works, ‘A Long Time Ago Suite’ and ‘The Sweet Time Suite’ – featuring Jessica Carlton on trumpet.
“Jessica has recently moved to Perth after living and studying in Melbourne and New York. Carlton’s lyrical and melodic improvisational style is influenced by Wheeler. She is a distinct voice in the Australian jazz scene” states WAYJO Artistic Director Mace Francis.
Jessica appears thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
WAYJO presents Jessica Carlton plays the Music of Kenny Wheeler
WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra, with special guest Jessica Carlton
Fri 8 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 #JessCarltonTrumpet
Photograph: Jessica Carlton – by Tom Greble
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
WAYJO presents Beats and Pieces at The Rechabite - June 10
Ground-breaking Fusion and Collaboration with Djinda Boodja Indigenous Musicians
WA Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO) proudly announces their upcoming show Beats and Pieces: from Latino to Electro, presenting audiences a night of exciting world fusion, plus new collaborations with Indigenous hip-hop musicians from Djinda Boodja (Star Country).
This one-of-a-kind show features two big band sets like no other – the St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra get you up dancing in a high energy celebration of bold Latino music, with special guest vocalist Adolfo Chavez, plus percussionists Marcus Perrozzi & Steve Richter.
Djinda Boodja musicians Zero Emcee (a.k.a. Jaydan Ahmat) & Daniel Chandler then drop beats and rap with the Wednesday Night Orchestra with big beat-driven sounds that will keep you dancing in an RnB inspired second set.
“We are excited and passionate about the upcoming performance with the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra (WAYJO). It is an important opportunity to see Indigenous musicians collaborate with a jazz orchestra, and we cannot wait for the concert,” states Vicki Warn, Djinda Boodja General Manager. Djinda Boodja CEO Patricia Alessi also notes; “It is exciting that the Office of the Arts has supported this project, showcasing Indigenous music with the magic of big band.”
Zero Emcee is a young energetic Noongar/Jingili rapper out of Beechboro Boorloo. Zero has been a hip-hop head since he was a kid, and ever since getting into music he’s never looked back. A huge part of both the community and music scene, Zero never fails to represent his culture with pride, skill and enthusiasm. Zero’s amazing stage presence, coupled with lyrics that are vivid and tell a story of a young black man trying to make sense of the world he lives in, will captivate.
Zero also mentors at Perth Creative College, as well as performs as an artist with Djinda Boodja. Djinda Boodja offers professional concerts and music workshops, art sessions and exhibitions, Noongar language classes, and a two-year federally funded Indigenous Contemporary Musician Mentorship Program in partnership with WAYJO. Read more at djindaboodja.org
WAYJO’s hitting horns, accompanied by special guest artists, plus electronic beats, will be a mighty combination. If you love the power of beats and rhythm – this night of Latino and Electro grooves is for you!
WAYJO’s guest artists appear thanks to WAYJO’s 2022 Major Programs Partner, Minderoo Foundation.
The collaboration with Djinda Boodja is made possible by funding from the Federal Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Communications: Office for the Arts – Indigenous Contemporary Music program.
WAYJO presents Beats and Pieces: From Latino to Electro
St John of God Health Care Tuesday Night Orchestra with Adolfo Chavez, Marcus Perrozzi & Steve Richter – Plus WAYJO Wednesday Night Orchestra with Zero Emcee & Daniel Chandler
Friday 10 June, 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 #BigBand #Latin #HipHop #Indigenous #Collaboration
Photograph: Zero Emcee (management supplied)
Media Contact:
Justine Thornley, WAYJO Marketing
marketing@wayjo.com
+61 8 9471 1950
