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Where to see some of the world's best jazz in Perth
03 Oct '19
Veronica Swift
Where to see some of the world's best jazz in Perth
The Perth International Jazz Festival has announced an incredible mix of over 60 local, national and international jazz artists. With so many great artists spanning big bands, solo performers, vocalists and instrumentalists, we’ve put together our top picks to suit every budget.
Veronica Swift (USA)
Courtyard, State Theatre Centre | Sunday 10 November | 7pm | Tickets $40-45 | Buy now
At just 24 years of age, Veronica Swift is recognised as one of the USA’s top young jazz singers; her sound, charisma and ability to channel the spirits of Anita O’Day, Sarah Vaughan and Ella Fitzgerald is sure to delight Perth audiences. Growing up on tour with her parents – renowned jazz pianist Hod O’Brien and celebrated jazz singer Stephanie Nakasian – she recorded two songs as a child – one at age 9 and the other at 13, and she’s been performing around the world every since.
Fumio Itabashi Orchestra (Japan)
Courtyard, State Theatre Centre | Saturday 9 November | 7pm | Tickets $30-35 | Buy now
Fumio Itabashi is a highly-regarded jazz pianist from Tokyo. The Quartet features long-time collaborator and legendary alto player Eiichi Hayashi, bassist Takashi Seo and Singapore-based Australian drummer Darren Moore. For this concert they’ll perform as a 10-piece including some of Australia’s most adventurous improvisers.
fumio itabashi orchestra Kristin Berardi & Sam Anning (AUS)
Heath Ledger Stage, State Theatre Centre | Sunday 10 November | 4pm | Tickets $22-25 | Buy now
Brisbane vocalist Kristin Berardi and Melbourne-based (ex-Perth) bassist Sam Anning are both highly regarded composers, performers and improvisers. Kristin Berardi has won multiple awards for her recordings and live performances including the prestigious national Freedman Fellowship for Jazz. Acclaimed bassist Sam Anning travels extensively inspiring audiences around the globe. Together this duo will deliver an uplifting concert full of tantalising improvisations and exquisite original creations.
KristinBerardi & Sam anning Jazz Club Choir with Libby Hammer
Sessions: The Rechabite Hello Rooftop | Friday 8, Saturday 9, Sunday 10 November | 1.30pm | FREE | More information
You’ve heard of Pub Choir, so now get ready for Club Choir, the jazz equivalent! For three days during the Festival, you’re invited to join in a jazz version of the community singing craze that’s sweeping the nation. In each session, singer Libby Hammer will teach a jazz song in three or four-part harmony. There’ll be a different song at each session, so you can come to all sessions, or just the one.
Jazz at the Movies - Hollywood
Downstairs at The Maj, His Majesty’s Theatre | Friday 8 November, 7:30pm and Saturday 9 November, 3pm & 7:30pm | Tickets $30-45 | Buy now
The lights are up and the camera is rolling as WAYJO presents the jazz classics of the silver screen. From classic films including The Pink Panther and The Man With the Golden Arm to modern movies like Ocean’s Eleven, WAYJO will put the shine on some unexpected jazz compositions. Even kid’s films like The Incredibles and Monsters Inc. get a run in this fabulous concert for young and old.
jazz at the movies Free Concerts
Wetlands Stage, Perth Cultural Centre | Saturday 9 November and Sunday 10 November | 10am – 5pm | FREE | More information
The free-to-attend program is bigger than ever this year with jazzy sounds set to spill out from the Wetlands Stage in the Perth Cultural Centre. There’ll be concerts from local five-piece MELVE and the Como SHS Jazz Band; ensembles comprised of jazz students from WAAPA including the Phat Funk Band and the Big Band performing Afro Peruvian, featuring Daniel Susnjar’s original music with horns, a rhythm section, percussionists and Daniel on drums. Melbourne’s Sam Anning will also join students to create a special program of music especially for the Festival.
Make the most of the Festival and purchase three or more shows at the State Theatre Centre venues and receive a 10% discount. Jazz lovers are rewarded with a 15% discount on tickets when you purchase tickets to 6 or more shows. Festival performances outside of the State Theatre Centre are all sold separately. Perth International Jazz Festival runs from 8-10 November in venues across Perth and Northbridge. Find out more at the Perth International Jazz Festival website.
- 03 Oct '19