Stonnington Jazz Festival returns in 2019 with exceptional performances by some of Australia’s finest musicians performing cabaret, afro-beat, bebop, spiritual jazz, trad jazz and more at the festival hub, Chapel Off Chapel, and other favourite local venues.
With traditional jazz nights, late night parties and community and family events, there’s something for everyone at the 11-day festival, and audiences can be part of the action, with a jam session, a jazz DJ masterclass, a big jazz singalong and interactive art, storytelling and writing events, as well as free jazz story-time sessions for children.
Concert highlights include:
War Cry
Six voices from across Australia unite to explore the political, socially aware and thought-provoking spirit of jazz. Featuring Michelle Nicolle, Rita Satch, Odette Mercy, Fem Belling, Racerage and Sahida Apsara this show traverses the intersections of jazz, rhythm and blues, soul, spoken word and traditional music to weave together an emotional and uplifting concert. A specially curated band led by bassist Claire Cross will support each vocalist with hard-hitting grooves and harmonies as they perform their selections.
The Arrow of Time presented by Lance Ferguson’s Menagerie
ARIA award nominated funk guitarist Lance Ferguson is a man of many talents and collaborations, including funk and soul band The Bamboos. This Stonnington Jazz Festival, Lance brings his band Menagerie to perform original spiritual jazz material from The Arrow of Time album, and so much more.
Australian Arts Orchestra presents The Plains
The Australian Art Orchestra proudly brings their performance The Plains fresh from the world premiere at the Jazztopad Festival in Poland in November 2018. Founded by Paul Grabowsky in 1994, AAO is one of Australia’s leading contemporary ensembles with work that stretches diverse musical genres, traversing improvised and notated forms, creating a truly unique and inspiring experience. Peter Knight’s The Plains is inspired by iconic Australian author Gerald Murnane’s vision of the interior of Australia, and creates a series of musical mirages that form an endless sonic horizon, reflecting and re-imagining the wide-open spaces of the Australian landscape.
Hearing the Blood presented by Barney McAll
Grammy-nominated, ARIA award-winning piano master, Barney McAll presents compositions from his multi-award winning album Hearing The Blood. With new pieces written specifically for Stonnington Jazz Festival, this strictly limited event is a unique opportunity to witness the master in concert.
Queens of the Jazz Age
Starring host and performer Rhonda Burchmore, with Dolly Diamond, Stella Angelico, Cougar Morrison accompanied by the Jack Earle Big Band. This specially curated event is one not to be missed for any cabaret or jazz lover. This live-wire line up celebrates everything jazz, big band and cabaret to bring you a truly unique event that harks back to the days of Hollywood glamour.
Stonnington Jazz Festival runs from Thursday 9—Sunday 19 May 2019 at Chapel Off Chapel and various venues. Visit www.stonningtonjazz.com.au
Feature image by Angelo Di Benedetto