Broadbeach Blends of Jazz Festival

Jazz up your life in Broadbeach this August where Broadbeach Alliance will be hosting the best that food, wine and entertainment has to offer at the second annual Broadbeach Blends of Jazz Festival.Broadbeach Alliance is proud to present the popular event as a part of the Tastes of Gold Coast Festival which will showcase world class musicians throughout the precinct from the 21st to the 23rd of August 2009, with a special festival teaser on the Thursday night when James Morrison is set to perform a free show. The festival program has an amazing mixture of local and national talent with one of the highlights being a free concert in Surf Parade on Saturday the 22nd of August. The Saturday night will include the incredible ‘Rat Pack’ who will be performing all of the favourites from Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Sammy David Jr and the ‘Oz Hornz’ will literally get people dancing in the street. The free community event is set to one day be as big as the very popular annual Blues on Broadbeach Music Festival.Organisers suggest booking your table now at a Broadbeach Restaurant to enjoy the best that Broadbeach cuisine and entertainment has to offer.

*Please note that standard no drinking in public laws apply for this event. Surf Parade will remain an unlicensed area with licensed venues trading as normal.

The Rat Pack's Back

The Rat Pack’s Back has quickly established itself as one of world’s most successful special event and concert acts. With their tight, polished, tongue-in-cheek cabaret act evoking the style of the infamous American Rat Pack. Starring three of Australia’s leading men, David Malek, Michael Falzon and Dale Burridge. This talented trio dance and sing up a storm with some of the most iconic songs made famous by Frank, Dean and Sammy!
“Let’s start the action cause the Rat Pack’s Back”

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Oz Hornz

Oz Hornz are a versatile range of styles which include the sophisticated big band swing era through to rock & roll, soul, disco, latin, rock and pop. It's "Classy" and it's "Brassy". The bands modern arrangements transform hits from all the eras.

Oz Hornz are made up of three firing horns, a driving four piece rhythm section and a male and female singer/dancer to complete the talented lineup.

James Morrison

James Morrison is, by anybody’s standard, a virtuoso in the true sense of the word.

Besides the trumpet, this multi-instrumentalist also plays trombone, euphonium, flugel horn, tuba, saxophones, and piano.

At the age of seven, he was given his first instrument, at nine he formed his first band and at thirteen he was playing professionally in nightclubs. His international career developed equally as fast. Just turned 16 James Morrison debuted in the USA with a breathtaking concert at the Monterey Jazz Festival.

Following this were performances at the big festivals in Europe – including Montreaux, Pori, North Sea, Nice and Bern - playing with many of the legends of jazz. Dizzy Gillespie, Cab Calloway, Woody Shaw, Red Rodney, George Benson, Ray Charles, B.B. King, Ray Brown and Wynton Marsalis to name a few. There were also gigs in the world’s most famous jazz clubs – the Blue Note and Village Vanguard in New York, the New Morning in Paris and Ronnie Scott’s in London.

With interests so broad and a career so filled with highlights it seems that he has done just about everything anyone could want – not so. When asked, “What is there left to do?” His reply is typically exciting “This is just the warm up!”

Joe Robinson

At just 17 years of age, Joe Robinson has secured a reputation as one of the world’s finest young guitarists.

His unique acoustic guitar style has caught the attention of Les Paul, Steve Vai, Brad Paisley, Tommy Emmanuel and many others. From winning the hit television series ‘Australia’s Got Talent’ to recording in Nashville with CMA ‘Producer of the year’, Frank Rogers - few doubt that this humble young man is destined for greatness.
Joe’s last few years have seen his talent recognized globally, and has resulted in meetings with executives from Sony/BMG in both the US and Australia, and invitations to perform in Thailand, Finland, Germany, England, as well as throughout the US.

His unique playing style has been described ‘mind – boggling’, combining Bass, Rhythm, and Lead guitar parts simultaneously. Joe’s eclectic influences shine through in his genre crossing instrumentals, and his energetic and engaging live shows continue to stun audiences globally.

Ladies of Jazz

Celebrating the Music of Iconic Jazz & Blues Artists Starring; Christine Anu, Grace Knight, Paulini & Monica Trapaga
Four of Australia's most celebrated female artists come together for the love of Jazz and Blues music to play homage to legendary greats in a two hour show.

Ladies of Jazz evokes an atmosphere of glamour and intrigue with an out pouring of soul and class in every note. Ladies of Jazz is an explosive celebration of music from the 30's, 40's through to now including songs made famous by iconic singers like Julie London, Etta James, Billie Holiday and Ella Fitzgerald.
One night only, Saturday August 22, 2009

Time: 10:30pm
Venue: Jupiters Theatre
Ticket price: $45 per ticket
Book Now at Ticketmaster on 1300 888 086 or www.ticketmaster.com.au

Ashley Lewis Band

Ashley takes his vocal style from a select group of singers including: Frank Sinatra, Harry Connick Jr, Tony Bennett, Vince Jones, Sam Cooke, Chet Baker, Dean Martin and Donny Hathaway.

In more recent times he has been compared to the ever popular Michael Buble’, however his overall his musicality, style and integrity remain very much his own.

In 2006 he performed live at the Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre to a crowd of approximately 2000 people for the release of Tourism Queensland’s new promotion to the song “Somewhere Beyond the Sea”. Accompanied by his seven piece band and 20 dancers.

In 2007 he sung for Jane Fonda in front of a 2000 strong crowd also at the G.C.C.E.C. “Ashley’s vocals were incredibly smooth. It was one of the highlights of my morning” Jane Fonda.

His most recent achievements include the release of his debut album Ashley Lewis ‘Into my life’ and the roll of M.D. for Australian Idol Carl Riseley.

Renae & The Swing Collective

Get ready for a night of swing, cool jazz and hot fun as “Renae and The Swing Collective” take you on a musical journey down memory lane. Be it finger clicking, toe tapping or foot stomping, you’re sure to find your rhythm with this hot line-up.

RECENT HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE:
* 2009 Valley Jazz Festival
* 2008 Paradise Point Street Party New Year’s Eve Celebrations
* 2008 Brisbane Festival Spiegeltent
* 2007 “Jazz Vocalist Award” ABC Valley Jazz Festival
* 2003 Kangaroo Point Jazz N Blues Festival

Chicago 5

Chicago 5 is a traditional Jazz Band drawing on the very early roots of Dixieland, Chicago Blues and Story Telling Jazz.

Featuring Crazy Bear Robinson on Vocals/ Banjo, Steve Wood on Cornet/ Vocals/ Whistles, Ivan Cocking on Trombone, David Rankin on Clarinet/ Saxophone and Nicola Shaw on Tuba/ Sousaphone.

This entertaining ensemble of Australia's finest will have you tapping your toes, singing along and feeling like it's the 1920's as they take you on a musical journey to help melt those working blues away....

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Elly Hoy't Band

Elly Hoyt is making her way in the Australian Jazz Scene after winning the prestigious Generation in Jazz Vocal scholarship in 2008. She hails from the back blocks of country Tasmania where she started singing with a big band at the age of 13 and after hearing and playing alongside Don Burrows, Elly only wanted one thing and that is to perform Jazz. She moved to Brisbane in 2006 to study a Bachelor of Music and in 2007 was a finalist in the ABC 612 Jazz Singers competition, judged by Vince Jones. Elly is the youngest Vocalist in Australian history to sing for the Australian cricket board. She performed the national anthem at the cricket match of Australia vs. England and Australia vs. New Zealand. Throughout her music career Elly has met and played alongside some of the nation’s best Jazz artists including James Morrison, Phil stack, James Muller, Emma Pask, The idea of North, Sam Anning, John Hoffman, James Sherlock, John Morrison and internationally acclaimed Jim Pugh and Chris McNulty to name a few. She has played at the Magnetic Island Jazz Festival, Generations in jazz and is due to play at the Thredbo Jazz festival and Devonport Jazz festival in 2010. 
 

Niven Walton Jazz Train

Band leader and drummer Niven Walton has played in every genre’ of music since playing with world acclaimed classical concert pianist Issador Goodman.

From there to the pop world backing the Bee Gee’s / Peter Allen / Barry Crocker / Normie Rowe and many others.

From Pop to Jazz and playing with the likes of Don Burrows / Ricky May / Horrie Dargie/ Johnny Nicol and Willy Qua (Galapagus Duck)

Niven was a long time member of Stan Bourne’s Show Band and toured extensively with the International “Hi-Liners”

The Ritzy Sisters

Simone and Cynthia bedecked in fake fur and pearls are up for a night out at their own special sidewalk restaurant. Oops, all tables reserved!! They must share with the ‘strong, silent type’ Desmond. The wacky sisters vy for his attention as they sing and dance their way through all the ‘oh so appropriate’ favourites jazzy show hits from the Fabulous Forties. Street performance at its most fun!!

Sharny Russell

Sharny is a unique artist. She is equally at home on vocals and piano. She also writes and arranges all her own material, as well as giving fresh life to old favourites.

Sharny recorded her ABC Jazz album “A Good Thing on Hold” at Byron Bay’s SAE Studios in 2003 and won the 2004 APRA Jazz Award. She has also recorded with internationally known jazz guitarist George Golla, and she and George perform together whenever possible. Sharny has recently released a 16 track Gospel CD, “Not My Own”, as well as a swag of gospel & children’s music.

A singer, pianist and writer, Sharny moved to Sydney in 1982 and played regularly at Sydney's best known jazz venues, The Soup Plus and The Basement, working with James Morrison and her brother Steve Russell. She has supported artists such as Vince Jones, Martin Taylor & Tania Maria. She has been a featured performer with her own band at the Brisbane, Manly, Bellingen, Townsville, and North Coast Jazz Festivals, and often performs with Bob Sedergreen & Ted Vining, George Golla, Jim Kelly, Dave Ades, John Hoffman, Steve Russell & James Sherlock. She has sung for Georgie Fame, played requests for legendary bassist Ray Brown, and been congratulated for her world class musicianship by saxophonist James Moody. She has toured with Grace Knight and Don Rader, and been in concert with James and John Morrison, Galapagos Duck & George Washingmachine.

Sharny’s style is warm, intimate, fun, and leans to a more sophisticated sound, and she is known and greatly respected in the Australian jazz community as one of the country’s leading exponents of “scat singing”. She is currently on staff at the Queensland Conservatorium, teaching jazz voice, keyboard, improvisation, arrangement and composition, has been the teacher of three James Morrison Award winners, as well as Kristin Berardi who recently won one the Vocal Award at Montreax Jazz Festival, and the elite Freedman Jazz Award. Sharny has been on faculty with some of the most respected musicians in the country teaching at national jazz workshops.

Ingrid James & East Coast Ensemble

FEATURING Ingrid James, vocals; Steve Russell, piano; Dan Quigley, trumpet; Graeme Norris, sax; Andrew Shaw, bass; Dave Sanders, drums

“Imagine sitting in the New York jazz clubs of the 1950's listening to the impossibly beautiful bebop of groups like Cannonball Adderley's quintet feat. Nancy Wilson. Now go one step better and take your ears there with the East Coast Ensemble. Bringing together Brisbane's award-winning vocal diva and an all-star band, The East Coast Ensemble reconnects you with that feeling, engaging your ears with exquisite style, bringing back that delicious swing.” BRISBANE JAZZ CLUB

The ensemble draws its inspiration from the Cannonball Quintet era of post 50'’s. It presents effective and cool arrangements using voice and horns in the tradition of "classic" jazz from this era.

Bringing together Brisbane's award winning vocal diva, Ingrid James and an all star band, The East Coast Ensemble presents a fresh, vibrant and exciting new perspective to Queensland's jazz scene. Music that's soulful and articulate, East Coast Ensemble brings the swing back to contemporary jazz, engaging audiences with style and energy.

Lauren Lucille

“A singer who has a sweet and mellifluous voice, as well as lots of heart”. Ingrid James. Lauren's life has been music - literally since her very first breath. Regular studio recordings have documented her voice since infancy, with solo and vocal harmony roles on numerous commercial releases including Sharny Russell (jazz), Revel8 (hip hop) and Elephantwise (reggae), where she had to learn to sing in pigeon-english! Lauren was born into one of the strongest jazz families in Australia, daughter of Sharny Russell and niece of Steve Russell and Helen Russell, she has been surrounded by music from an early age. Lauren is one of four like-talented siblings. Lauren’s first composition, Esperada, for Flute and Guitar, a Spanish flavoured ditty, was published when she just 11 years old and she has continued to write music in a variety of styles. Matured thru life’s adversity and experience, and tinged with rhetoric, Lauren's songwriting belies her shadow, as her career has carried her through performances in Sydney, Milan, London, and now back home once again in Brisbane. "true to artistic rigeur . . . incomparable. . . Urban Cool - with a touch of Soul" Lauren has been regularly performing around Brisbane, Gold Coast, Ipswich and Toowoomba since February 2008, working with many of Brisbane's great jazz musicians. Venues she has played at include the Brisbane Jazz Club, Jazzworx, Gold Coast Arts Centre - The Basement, Valley Jazz Festival, Queen St and Brunswick St Malls, Ipswich Jazz ad Wine Festival, South Tweed Sports Club, Broadbeach Jazz Festival and many other smaller venues. LAUREN WAS A FINALIST IN THE VALLEY JAZZ FESTIVAL VOCAL AWARDS 2009.

Lennie Lewis

One of the best clarinetists on the Coast, British born Lennie had classical music training in England and later backed such well known British entertainers as Dick Emery, Frankie Howerd, David Nixon, Tommy Cooper, Petula Clark and Val Doonican. Lennie started playing when he was 11, learning his skills from Jack Lewis, the father-in-law of legendary British singer Dame Vera Lynn. He was accepted for the prestigious Gildhall School of Music in London and went on to play in the BBC Symphony Orchestra. Lennie is a brilliant performer with an awe inspiring talent that must not be missed.

Miguel

Sure, you could call it cerebral jazz - if you’re using the part of your brain reserved for paperback pulp fiction fantasy where Shirley Temple serves cocktails to Tito Puente in a maraschino-cherry poppin’ jazz joint by a hot lazy ocean. And if you’re thinking a blindingly bright Miami Beach circa 1950’s, where swingin’ bikinis cha cha cha with swizzle stick-em up good time dance tunes, then you’re driving down the right highway. So much the better if you happen to pick up a kerbside kicking Elmore Leonard. If you pull over in your T-bird for a martini in an ultra outré lounge, where a five piece brass cartel backed up by a damn hot rhythm section are playing sparkling, sleazy dirty blue-light jazz to small tables of single strangers, well, you’re in our neighbourhood and we’d ask that you send us a picture postcard.

That last sign was a billboard for 50’s influenced big band swing jazz with a nod to funk and soul and a love affair with Latin, right? With smooth crooning vocals and a late night penchant for parties? At the dance hall on the number 5 exit? Flip the indicator now – this is your lucky day…Fonted by charismatic trumpet player and vocalist Michael Rogers, Miguel features a stellar line-up of pedigreed musicians -
Tom Raymond (clarinet), Mikael Strand (trombone), Tim Franklin (tenor sax), Josh Hatcher (bar. sax) Dave Spicer (keys),

Sacha Kloostra (drums) and the delightful Georgia Weber on bass. Miguel have earned a reputation as party starters, with their swingin’, smokin’, booty shakin’, soul quakin’ mix of big band sensibility, wall-o-sound brass arrangements and relentless rhythm section igniting the dance floor.
Sexier than gold lamé, hotter than LA in August, and almost as good as the second highball, it’s Miguel, the 8 piece sensation.

Toby Wren

Toby Wren plays guitar and writes music. He was trained at the Queensland conservatorium in composition and has had pieces performed by the Queensland Orchestra, West Australian Orchestra, Topology, Corruscations, and released three CDs of his original materials: Everthing Must Go (2008), Umlaut (2006), and Fat Lip 81 (2000). Toby was shortlisted for the Freedman Fellowship in 2008 and is currently a lecturer at QUT Music and Sound.

Jack Thorncraft Trio featuring Sharny

The Jack Thorncraft trio is a group of highly talented individuals who just have a ball playing together. Based in Byron Bay NSW, the trio play locally and tour throughout Australia. This exciting trio play a repertoire that includes songs from the “standards” book and also the original compositions of Jack Thorncraft and Steve Russell combining the highly original, delicate and swinging qualities that result in a very cohesive trio.“In a world of over-rated and over-stated singers, Sharny is a gem. Listening to her is an exquisite experience.” - that’s how Eric Myers, National Jazzchord Magazine, views Sharny .Sharny’s style is warm, intimate, fun, and leans to a more sophisticated sound, and she is known and greatly respected in the Australian jazz community as one of the country’s leading exponents of “scat singing”. She is currently on staff at the Queensland Conservatorium, teaching jazz voice, keyboard, improvisation, arrangement and composition, has been the teacher of three James Morrison Award winners, as well as Kristin Berardi who recently won one the Vocal Award at Montreax Jazz Festival, and the elite Freedman Jazz Award.

King Hit to the Third Eye

King Hit to The Third Eye is a brand new Australian group based in Byron Bay that includes some of the most adventurous improvising musicians in Australia. The group includes David Ades on saxophones, Greg Sheehan on drums and various percussion instruments, Thierry Fosmale on bass and the incredibly gifted young guitar prodigy Matt Smith.

King Hit Play original music that ranges from Jazz to world music grooves and often explodes into free spontaneous improvisation that take the listener on the most surprising and pleasing musical journeys.

King Hit will also be joined by the remarkable Natalie Carey.

Fast on her way to becoming a household name, Natalie Carey (formally Natalie Gay) has that kind of rare vocal magic you only see a few times in a lifetime. For her Performance at the festival she will be joined by King Hit to the Third Eye, with whom she has had a long and fruitful association. Natalie has a voice that is simply a gift from the gods and together with her remarkably original and distinctive song writing is sure to leave a long and lasting impression on whoever is lucky enough to hear her.

Malcolm Wood

Malcolm Wood has been a Gold Coaster for over Ten years building a solid reputation for his musical talents and world class performances.

He has shared the stage with Jerry Lewis, Rkki-Lee, John and James Morrison, David Campbell, Sophie Monk, John-Paul Young, Grace Knight, Bobby Flynn, Kamahl, The Queensland Orchestra, ABC's "Macca Across Australia, Carl Riesley, Rhonda Burchmore, Tom Burlinson, Blain Whittaker, John Hoftman, Paul Panichi, Ralp Pyle, Willy Qua, Graeme Norris, David Addes, The Resin Dogs, Afro Dizzi-Act, Cloud 9,Mark Spencer, Matt Murphys Hammond Combo, The Brisbane Jazz Club Big Band, The Cool Nights Big Band, The BIOYA Jazz Orchestra, Kwerk Shop, James Canning, The Swing Chronicles, The Up the River Jazz Band, OZ Hornz, Planet Funk, Lush, Odessey 12,The Ashley Lewis Band, to name a few.

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GC Youth Orchestra

A fantastic team of young Gold Coast musicians between the ages of 15 and 25. They will present an entertaining show featuring tunes by Glen Milles, Michael Buble, Duke Ellington and many other popular composers. The Gold Coast Youth Orchestra big band are very proud to be associated with the Broadbeach “Blends of Jazz” Festival.

Ian Beddows & Willy Qua Band

Ian Beddows has been working as a musician for more than forty years, and has covered many styles of music, as a singer, bassist and/or guitarist, from his early days of playing Hendrix and Cream, with his first trio, through to his current repertoire of modern contemporary jazz and latin and original music.

Ian has worked with renowned Australian and overseas artists, including John Farnham, James Morrison, Don Burrows and Venetta Fields, to name a few, and with his own band, Ian has played support for artists equally as well- known, such as Vince Jones, Georgie Fame, Barbara Morrison, the late Nina Simone and the late Ronnie Scott.

Ian has performed all around Australia, and S.E. Asia, at venues as diverse as Five star Hotels, Casinos, Restaurants, Jazz festivals, Town and City Halls, and weddings in tin sheds. Ian's plans are to keep playing until he drops.

Ian has had a number of private music students over the years, and has taught guitar, electric bass, double bass and vocal technique. His years of professional experience and his passion for music are invaluable assets in the education process.
 

James Sherlock Band

James was born in New Zealand and began playing classical guitar at the age of 7. After moving to Australia he attended the QLD Conservatorium of Music in ’92, studying classical guitar. James relocated to Melbourne in ’93 and stayed there 10 years, playing and recording with Melbourne’s best players including Scott Tinkler, Barney McAll, Joe Chindamo and Allan Browne.

Since moving back to Brisbane James has concentrated on his own solo, trio and quartet projects as well as a duo with Sydney vocalist Kristin Berardi. James and Kristin recorded their first CD in 2006 and toured Europe in 2007 culminating in a performance at the Montreux Jazz Festival, James also accompanied Kristin when she was awarded the 2007 Freedman Fellowship at the Sydney Opera House. James also performs in Brisbane with “The Local Group” with drummer Ken Edie and pianist Steve Newcomb.

The James Sherlock Trio also featured on the TV series “The Pulse” on ABCTV
In Brisbane James has performed with many touring artists including Dale Barlow, James Morrison and Bernie McGann and international visitors Sheila Jordan (US) Martin Taylor (UK) and trumpeter Ingrid Jensen (US)

Recent highlights include being invited by Sydney’s “Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra” to perform Ed Partyka’s (US/Germany) “Continental Call” a concerto for jazz guitar and jazz orchestra and performing in the 2008 “Java Jazz Festival” in Jakarta with the Kristin Berardi Band.

James has also played with a diverse range of artists including The Australian Chamber Orchestra, The Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, Katie Noonan, Joe Camilleri and US film composer Howard Shore.

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Willy Qua

The talent and versatility of Willy Qua placed him in a special category. Qua has enjoyed a distinguished career in jazz as both a sideman and leader in his own groups. He was a longtime resident player at the famous Basement Club in Sydney – a gig which saw him play with legendary musicians including Dave Brubeck, Earl Hines, Nina Simone, Herb Ellis and Barney Kessell. A true multi-instrumentalist, Qua is one of the few musicians who doubles on both reeds and percussion. Willy Qua’s performances should not be missed.

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The Hanlon Brothers

Saia and Omar Hanlon (The Hanlon Brothers) started making a lot of noise at an early age, as there father a well established Session player, they picked up music and have not stopped since. With a continual flow and mixture of musicians always visiting home they would jam with these unique groups of people for hours and not knowing though this would have an undeniably influence on us and shaped our interest too there taste of music.

After watching an array of musical instruments being played in the most natural of surroundings and with the strong relationship between the boys and there Father, Saia decided percussion was his passion after his Farther and Omar was to follow with the Bass Guitar. Tommy Hanlon (there Farther) was very supportive of the brothers decision, to learn at such an early age and began to tutor the brothers giving them the benefit of having constant hands on teacher. With all of his experience and wisdom there Farther was not only our teacher but our inspiration.

From age 6 to 17 they worked and practiced in there so called studio at home and would often sit and watch there Father's every move and later try to mirror what he did. With the help of there Farther the brothers formed there own band, and recorded there first album not long after. With this band they won The Battle of the Bands on the Gold Coast in 1997 and from there Saia entered two drumming competitions winning both that he had entered and Omar was accepted into the Brisbane Conservatorium to study, which just added to there growing self-belief.

However, in 2002 the brothers Farther Tommy Hanlon suddenly passed away, leaving the boys passion for music grow even more.

Over the next 5 years the brothers played in a number of bands in Australia, Europe, Asia and the US. With having the opportunity to Perform the skill and styles of well established artists, working with Major Labels, studios (such as 301 Studios where such artist as Duran Duran, KISS, Harry Conick Jnr, Lee Kernaghan, INXS, Stevie Nicks, John Farnham, Bob Dylan, Savage Garden and Prince just to name a few have been Recording and Mixing clients there) and hard work built up a growing reputation as solid reliable musicians.

Nowadays The Hanlon Brothers are currently full time musicians, traveling all over the world recording and performing for many Artist and there own material which they will be releasing a new album early 2010.

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Davis Ades

Since the beginning of his professional life in 1980 David Ades has been heard with the cream of Australia's improvising musicians. Among these are people such as Phil Treloar, Mark Simmonds, Paul Grabowsky and Vince Jones. Between 1981 and '84 David lived in Harlem, New York. Of this experience he relates his time there, playing with such remarkable artists as Jack McDuff, Roy Haynes, Stanley Turrentine, and Freddie Hubbard, as having a profound influence on his musical conception. David Ades is truly an amazing musician that should not be missed.

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Ikin Dance

Ikin Dance is a well established organisation owned and directed by So You Think You Can Dance star Anthony Ikin. It provides dance and fitness programs for young people, industry professionals, and for those who just love to dance and get fit for life.

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Toe Jam'n

Toe Jam’n, an 11 piece stage band, was formed 4 years ago under the baton and dedication of Bill Tanner from the Tweed Heads PCYC. During those years the band performed at some great venues including The Brisbane Town Hall, The Gold Coast Convention Centre, Greenhills Jazz Club, Wintersun Nostalgia Festival, Local Bowling, and Golf Clubs around the Tweed, Community Festivals and Corporate Functions for the Lions Club and Rotary International, (which saw the band playing at Jupiter’s Casino. Last year Toe Jam’n performed at Twin Towns Club for the Musical Hello Dolly, which was a great experience for all involved.

The band have recently seen the retirement of band master Bill Tanner and have been fortunate to have new band master and instrumentalist Andrew Best who has shown a keen interest in the band and has introduced a new portfolio of musical arrangements which will engage a younger audience as well as the older generation. Andrew has introduced more vocals to the bands repertoire and with all his enthusiasm and knowledge the band is keen to showcase their new play list.

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Emerging Young Jazz Artists

Sam Maguire(Trombonist) and Jesse Green(Saxophonist) Sam is in Year 11 at St Andrews Lutheran College and Jesse is in Year 12 at St Stephens College. They are both members of the Gold Coast Youth Orchestra and members of the Young Conservatorium Jazz Band and Big Band Sam and Jesse have been regular featured young artists at the Jazz in the Basement where they have been mentored by the Harry Lyn Quartet and have had the opportunity to play alongside many great artists which include Malcolm Wood, Willy Qua, Dave Ades, John Hofman, Ashley Lewis, and Andrea Zsabo, They have also appeared at Gold Coast City Jazz Club, Sunshine Coast Jazz Club and the Brisbane Jazz Club. Jesse has just returned from Los Angeles where he competed in the World Youth Performing Arts Championships and came home with a gold medal.

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Shannon Marshall & the Twenty buck Dessert

Shannon Marshall and the ‘Twenty buck Dessert’ rhythm section channel inspiration from hammond organ masters Dr Lonnie Smith, Brother Jack McDuff and Jimmy Smith to deliver the authentic old school sound of the 60’s and 70’s soul-jazz period. Shannon Marshall - trumpet/vox, Dale Rabic - hammond organ, Jamie Clark (guitar), Paul Hudson (drums)

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The View from Madeleine's Couch

Influenced by the folk, jazz and contemporary musical traditions of Brazil, Madcouch extend a warm welcome into their world with the promise of a unique musical experience – there is simply no other band in the country that sounds like this! The group was invited to perform in Rio de Janeiro in ’08 & wrote many of the songs on their new album Casa da Boa Vida, whilst there, including ‘Bom Fazer’, which has just won the World Music song of the year at the QSong Awards.

From funked-up forro to old-school bossa-beat, gorgeous melodies and deeply addictive rhythms, theirs is a joyous and heartfelt concoction that features the luscious sounds of the vibraphone & vocals in Portuguese.

Anje West: vocals & percussion
Kym Ambrose: vibes & percussion
O.J. Newcomb: bass
Mark Henman: drums
Jamie Clark: guitar

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