Aaron Hopper
“George Harrison’s phrase ‘while my guitar gently weeps’ makes perfect sense….for Hopper is a master guitarist both in interpretation and composition.” Andrew MacLean : music-culture.org.au. One of Australia’s most talented Guitarists and Composers of his generation, Aaron Hopper has performed throughout Japan, Germany, Austria, and Australia, and has received international and National acclaim for his writing and playing, with the great Australian duo, “stringmansassy”.
Angie & OJ
The mysterious calm of the ocean at dusk, kissing someone for the first time, New York, the mist that creeps in on a mountain side, the bush after rain: This duo casts an enchantment that's hard to define. Influenced by musical greats like Astrud Gilberto, Ella Fitzgerald, Nancy Wilson, Chet Baker, Erykah Badu, and Antonio Carlos Jobim, their music is elegant, sophisticated, and as innocent and welcoming as Spring. Swingin Jazz, Brazilian Melodies & rhythms, soulful R&B, and a handful of well crafted originals. They do it all well. Featuring pedigree musicians Angela Iimura (Guitar and Vocals), and Oj Newcomb (Double Bass & Guitar), this duo is a match made in heaven. Anyone who loves music and loves a heavenly experience will be kicking themselves if they miss Angie & OJ.
Brisbane Jazz Orchestra
Brisbane Jazz Orchestra (BJO) is a professional 19 piece Brisbane-based big band featuring award-winning vocalist, Ingrid James and Chilean percussionist, Pablo Matus. This big band was founded a decade ago by David Humphreys (who is now based in Sydney). He was succeeded as musical director by Rob Anders (trombonist). BJO has a diverse repertoire which pays hommage to the Great American Songbook, Modern Jazz Songbooks as well as South American music (Brasilian, Cuban, etc.,) The arrangements and some original materials are sourced from within the group, as well as, other notable international and national arrangers.
Caxton Street Jazz Band
The Caxton Street Jazz Band is recognised both locally and internationally as one of Australia's leading jazz bands. The band presents hot, swinging jazz in a manner that elicits enthusiastic responses from listening and/or dancing audiences. The CSJB is a 6-piece band that not only appeals to jazz aficionados, but also to the general public at large. The inspiration for the band is the classic hot jazz of the early 20th century, but many other influences are represented in its output. These include big band swing, mainstream jazz, folk, country, rhythm and blues, and popular tunes of the 30s, 40s and 50s. This variety of repertoire has in part been responsible for the band's unprecedented popularity in recent years, with demand for its performances coming from jazz festivals, jazz clubs, and community and private functions throughout Queensland and northern and central New South Wales.
Eddie Gazani's Gypsy Adventures
Edson Fernandes Gazani, better known as Eddie Gazani, is a Brazilian composer, singer, guitarist and writer. Eddie has a true love for performing traditional music like jazz, gypsy jazz and Latin styles like Bossa nova, Forro & samba with a modern twist. The Gypsy Adventures project pays homage to Gypsy Jazz, or Jazz Manouche, a style of music originally forged in Paris by Django Reinhardt and Stefan Grappelli in the 1930`s.
Ingrid James
INGRID JAMES – Australian jazz singer has a voice that’s been described as “chocolate: rich, dark and smooth”. Performing throughout Australia and overseas Ingrid James is one of Queensland’s award-winning and leading Jazz vocalists. Appearances range from soloist with the Queensland Orchestra in Spirit of Christmas broadcast nationally on ABC TV and with Maestro Tommy Tycho in tributes to Cole Porter and Gershwin to crowning as Queen of the Noosa Jazz Festival and special guest at many other Jazz Festivals throughout Australia, including the Brisbane Festival, River Festival, Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival, Bellingen Jazz Festival, Kiama Jazz Festival, Dingo Creek Jazz Festival, Gold Coast Jazz Festival... In between Ingrid has performed overseas in France and the UK. Described as a “fearless and gifted Jazz singer" by the Sydney Morning Herald, a candidate for the Best 10 list by Cadence Magazine reviewer in New York and a singer who has “a special affinity for Brazilian music (who) brings out the full beauty of the lyrics” by critic Joao da Penha of Brazil, reviewers acknowledge the heartfelt warmth and intimate style that characterizes her performances.
Kitty Kats (The)
“THE KITTY KATS” …. Bringing booty back!!
Three of the Sunshine Coast's most loved performers have united to form the all-female powerhouse trio, "The Kitty Kats". With inspiring and electrifying songs, and an incredible five-piece band, they are proud to be "bringing booty back". Featuring renowned performers Michelle Brown, Renae Suttie and Susanne Campbell, "The Kitty Kats" will have you dancing, crying, singing, and laughing out loud.
Melissa Western
Brisbane’s sauciest jazz-cabaret star Melissa Western draws out the minx in all of us. Successfully straddling the worlds of jazz, cabaret and theatre she is widely considered a ‘pocket dynamite' who delights in unleashing her unique style onto an eager audience. By turns sassy, soulful, smart and sweet, Melissa’s ability to work a crowd and entertain any audience, from a corporate function to a private party, large-scale festival or intimate jazz gig, is surpassed only by her impassioned delivery and thrilling voice. “Western’s gorgeous voice serves her well” – The Australian
No Way José
No Way José is a salsa and jazz-inspired Latin ensemble, founded by Colombian pianist Juancho Manrique, Australian singer Amila Sargeant and Colombian percussionist Jośé Luis Mendez Rodríguez.