Born on a crust of the Melbourne pizza scene, Organzola is a newly formed organ trio. Come witness their Wesley Anne debut filled with confusion, spite, cheese and victory. Come grab a slice of some genre bending oddity
Adam and Tom, having had a musical relationship close to a decade, are excited to be performing duo for the first time at Wesley Anne. The pair will play a collection of their favourite songs, ranging from swinging foot stompers to delicate ballads. The pair draws inspiration from the long tradition of Saxophone, piano duos such as Duke and Coltrane, Brad Mehldau and Joshua Redman, and Miguel Zennon and Luis Perdomo. Come on down on March 23rd for an evening of excellent music and wonderful vibes at the Wesley Anne!
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Elissa Pernu is a country song writer from Northeast Victoria. She raises her kids and plays solo, snd in duos and trios at local venues and festivals. She recorded her debut CD of original songs, in 2020 with Bill Chambers.
marigolden – the moniker for nipaluna/Hobart born, Naarm/Melbourne based artist Mel O’Neill – fills the room with a mixture of folk and indie-rock. Her lyrics explore the tensions of the human experience, and the nuance that lives there, to a soundscape of gentle guitar, warm bass and expressive drums. Following great acknowledgement from her string of single releases, most recently, “When the Sun Comes Out” (2024), marigolden has found her way into editorial playlisting with Apple Music and MTV as well as features with Pilerats, the AU Review, Acid Stag and more. Radio across the country and the world has celebrated marigolden's arrival with plays on triple j, triple j Unearthed, Double J, Triple R, PBS, FBi Radio, 2SER FM, Radio Adelaide, and more. Having played alongside artists such as Tig, Hannah McKittrick, Adam Newling and Bob Evans. marigolden is solidifying her spot within the indie-rock and folk live scene as well.
Melbourne based jazz guitarist Pierre Jaquinot has performed on many different stages in his career, from Hamer Hall, performing with the Melbourne Symphony Orchestra, to a Richmond pub with blues legend Johnny Shines, and a “memorable” gig in Pentridge jail.
There aren’t too many Melbourne musicians he hasn’t played with either. James Morrison, Joe Chindamo, Andy Baylor and Wilbur Wylde are only a few of a long list.
Now, for the first time, Pierre will be playing with his jazz trio at the Wesley Anne. Exploring the musical freedom that comes with the guitar trio format, he will be playing originals and some less frequently played standards. With him will be Scott Hay on drums and Rodrigo Salgado on double bass.
Szara Fox is a European singer– songwriter whose unique concoction of Nomadic infused songs are influenced by Flamenco and Balkan genres and weaves an elemental sensuality through tales of wanderlust, revelation, empowerment and what lies beyond the horizon. Accompanied by the fiery evocative trumpet player Andrew Darling.
Performance Highlights:
Supported – Things of Stone and Wood Tour ’23 & ’24
Healesville Music Festival
Newstead Live Music Festival
Renaissance Festival
Folk, Rhythm & Life Festival
Violet Town Festival
Bird’s Basement
Facebook:
https://www.facebook.com/szarafox
Instagram:
https://www.instagram.com/szarafox
Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/artist/5AXEb4KOdzY1ZTwEsTlclj
Youtube:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gNcO4NVyXC8&list=PLYn7E7rCgoGm0i0JDAY7rlekWv_o7j1Cv&index=1
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
For Swing’s Sake are a Melbourne-based quintet performing instrumental music in the tradition of Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli’s Quintette du Hot Club de France.
Featuring the blistering violin of Dominic T Rado, whose sound has evolved from a childhood studying in Budapest leading to shows accompanying Django’s great-nephew Lulo Reinhardt, the influences of Hungary’s street music is distinct in his improvisations.
On clarinet is Krakow native Adam Fedor, who has played in ensembles throughout Italy, Poland the UK and Russia, drawing on influences from jazz and folk traditions. The group is underpinned by three guitarists who are aficionados of ‘la pompe’ - Sydney’s Dean Gallagher, Melbourne’s Stephen E. Stanisic and Italian ex-pat Giulio Segatti.
When asked why they play this music there is inevitably only one answer – For Swing’s Sake!
With winter ales and some hot food straight from the renowned Wesley kitchen you an sit back and soak your ears in some funky tunes. Does life get better than this! Miguel Hutton - drums; Jones Roland - bass & Daimon Brunton - trumpet and keys plan on keepin' things simple and real and funky. Catchy riffs and hip tunes. This will be a relaxing, chill vibe that will get your weekend going in style
Saxophonist, Producer and Composer, Andre Lew has been playing around the Melbourne scene for over a decade now. With his deep love for the Jazz tradition and paying homage to the great lineage of Saxophonists, Andre has accumulated his favourite aspects from his favourite players, and blended with a modern sensibility. Andre's most recent involvement in musical endeavors include viral sensation Playlunch and Hip Hop collaborations with Odyssey Zelno under producer name Way Out East
After Andre's recent journey through more contemporary music, he is returning to his roots in Jazz and has found a new perspective and appreciation of the tradition. Andre's Sax Trio will focus on modern interpretations of well known Jazz Standards from John Coltrane, Sonny Rollins and Joe Henderson, as well as some lesser known yet equally beautiful tunes.
Saxophone - Andre Lew
Double Bass - Charlie Rank
Drums - Conor Anderson Vague
Jenna Campbell is a guitarist and live-looping artist from Melbourne's Dandenong Ranges who creates an engaging and unique full-band sound.
An exciting emerging artist with attention-grabbing guitar skills, Jenna's music will transport you to other times and places as she fuses world music elements with progressive rock.
She tells stories without words, composing layered instrumental music that builds with a depth of emotion and a sense of adventure.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
The Luca Brading Trio makes their debut at the Wesley Anne.
We’ll be playing tunes from Hank Mobley’s back pocket and from underneath Freddie Hubbard’s hat, for some sonic entertainment in the front bar.
Line-up:
Luca Brading- Tenor Saxophone
Nelson Beks- Bass
Mateo Garcia- Drums
Wave Jazz Trio is a guitar, drum & bass lineup performing a variety of jazz standards from the Great American Songbook
as well as pop/rock/blues songs arranged for jazz trio. Enjoy a selection of swing, bossa nova, ballads & funk from the pens
of Antonio Carlos Jobim, Herbie Hancock, Eric Clapton, Steely Dan & more. Inspired by jazz guitarists Joe Pass, Kenny
Burrell & George Benson just to name a few.
Guitar: Kate Holt
Bass: Jones Roland
Drums: Jeremy John
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Award-winning pianist and composer Ania Reynolds has performed on pianos all over the world, from airborne pianos in the circus to spinning pianos in Melbourne to airport pianos in Brussels to saloon bar pianos in Sydney. Her career in the arts spans more than twenty years, as former Musical Director for the likes of Circus Oz and Yothu Yindi and the Treaty Project and composer for numerous theatre, circus, dance and film productions. This diversity of experience can be heard in her all original cinematic piano music, which traverses genres including contemporary classical, jazz, Latin, Brazilian and more. A seasoned performer, Ania’s theatrical solo piano performances are inspired by life on the road with the circus, and adventures around the globe.
Hook into some compelling funky blues and jazz melodies and the music’s seductive sway while you listen to some of Melbourne’s long serving and well-established jazz musicians. With saxophone, guitar, double bass and drums Downtown Quartet always strives to deliver the joyous spirit of this music to leave you entranced and enthralled.
WILLIAMS | ATTICHE | TARENTO
Greta Williams - Voice
Benjamin Attiche - Guitar
Jordan Tarento - Double Bass
The fabulous Greta Williams joins Guitarist Benjamin Attiche and Jordan Tarento on Double Bass for an evening of up-and-coming jazz at the Wesley Anne.
Presenting a program of classic tunes from the great American songbook, the three will show off diverse musical backgrounds, virtuosity and their passion for music as an art form.
Alice Bisschops is a Naarm (Melbourne) based multidisciplinary saxophonist and composer.
The Alice Bisschops Trio explores the music of American saxophonist Paul Desmond and features original compositions inspired by counterpoint and 1950’s West Coast Jazz.
Alice will be joined at The Wesley Anne by:
James Lockwood: Upright Bass
Noah Meletis: Piano
Graduating from the University of South SA in 2017, Cameron is a professional jazz clarinettist. He is a lover of many styles including cool jazz, bebop, and latin music, however he specialises in swing jazz and New Orleans music. He decided to hone his skills by travelling to the Berklee College under scholarship from 2018 - 2020, where he toured both Boston and New Orleans with his band, performing with artists Catherine Russell and Phil Wilson, before the events of covid brought him back home to Melbourne. Since returning, Cameron has been performing around several of Melbourne's jazz clubs such as the Jazzlab, Uptown, and the S Lounge, and has recently completed his honours degree at the University of Melbourne. This also culminated in the release of his first album, "The Art of the Stomp'', which was released in July this year and focuses on new compositions rooted in Australia's early jazz beginnings.
Bud Wilkins is playing the Wesley Anne! Set to perform classics reinterpreted for solo jazz guitar. Bud's unique style sets him apart, and his reimagining of the material will feel familiar and fresh at the same time. Guitar lovers come on down.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Rosario De Marco is a gifted musician and composer. A master guitarist who also has the capacity to compose. His music captures the warmth and passion of the Southern European lands, taking elements from jazz, classical, folk and popular music.
Mediterranean Sound with No Borders Solo guitar music, original composition,
Rosario has performed live as well as for national TV and radio. He has released a number of CDs, including “Light and Shadows”,“Roots” and “Intuition”.
Successful performances include as support act for Omara Portuendo (Buena Vista Social Club), and Ladysmith Black Mambazo at the Melbourne Concert Hall
An 'unpop' band from Melbourne, Kinematic have been creating a mix of sonic treats, ranging from thoughtful folk music to indie rock, for years and they're bringing their acoustic tunes to the Wesley Anne. Fiercely independent, their songs still have appeared on radio, TV, podcasts, short films, documentaries and an unusual number of people's wedding videos on YouTube - there's plenty of their music to check out on your favourite streaming service.
Hi, we're Curly & the Fringe, we're a duo from Toorak, Melbourne. We’ve been writing and performing together for about 4 years, and we think we’re a pretty good songwriting team, because of the fact that one of us is obsessed with music, while the other has a mad, lifelong passion for words. We like to experiment with different sounds and styles –our track Space Jam, on Spotify is what you might call “psychedelic, easy-listening rock”, but we’re also big fans of folk, rock and country music. We'll be doing a hybrid of originals and cover songs that we love from Simon & Garfunkel, The Bee Gees and the Beatles, All scrambled into 2 sets. See you at the gig.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Rei-Ki plays introspective, super-cool jazz in a stripped-back format of saxophone and
double bass. In the absence of harmony Rei-Ki weaves a free-spirited sound embracing
the essence of jazz's improvisational spirit with a soulful groove. Their original
compositions push the boundaries of traditional jazz, incorporating elements of blues,
soul and hard bop and showcase their ability to blend complex harmonies with
infectious rhythms and spontaneous improvisation - a seamless interplay creating a
sonic tapestry that evolves with each performance.
K’Chidge perform beautiful tunes from the Great American Songbook, modern jazz, latin standards and a selection of iconoclastic pop and punk tunes from the 70s, 80s and beyond.
A creative, playful combo, K’Chidge perform their curated repertoire building rich soundscapes, inspired by the long tradition of jazz and club cool.
Barb Kerr (Voice and Woodwinds)
Simon Chidgey (Guitar)
Jon Chidgey (Bass)
Born in Melbourne, Emma Gilmartin has gained a reputation as one of Australia's most talented jazz vocalists. Her voice is undeniably beautiful with "a crystalline purity of vibrato-less tone and flawless pitch that is so perfect it is almost unsettling" (Leon Gettler, The Age Green Guide). She's joined by the young virtuosic talent of guitarist Patrick Ryan known for his sensitive accompanying abilities and melodic improvising. Together they combine for an evening of ballads, bossa nova and standards of the highest quality and listenability.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Temple Of Groove is a high energy grooving Jazz/Fusion band featuring drumming of Gene Celiberti whose grooves have evolved from childhood and studying at Berklee College Of Music, Boston Massachusetts. This has led to recording a Jazz/Fusion CD in Jakarta , performing live shows in Indonesia, music festivals and record 2 songs featuring Frank Gambale (well known jazz guitarist in USA)who has played with Chic Corea.
Swinging out with high energy on his guitar is Judd Niemann. He was a prominent musician in Adelaide and studied Jazz at Adelaide University before moving to Melbourne 1998. Judd has played many music festivals and live shows. With his great playing of bebop, swing, modern Jazz/Fusion he brings a wide variety of styles to the band.
With positive jazz vibes playing bass guitar is Jones Roland. Jomes brings a high/energy Jazz/Funk style music to the band. Jones has 20 years experience performing live shows, recording overseas, composer/arranger in the Indian film industry. Since moving to Melbourne Jones has played in many festivals and jazz shows.
Temple Of Groove is a unique trio of musicians that play upbeat Jazz/Fusion bringing excitement and Groove to their shows.
With over 30 years of experience as a professional musician, music teacher, and guitar instructor, Brendon holds qualifications that include a Bachelor of Education, Bachelor of Performing Arts in Music, and an Associate Diploma of Music.
He has undergone advanced training at prestigious contemporary music institutions such as Berklee College of Music in Boston, USA, and Musicians Institute in Los Angeles. Additionally, Brendon has privately studied under the tutelage of distinguished jazz and fusion maestros, including but not limited to John Abercrombie, Pat Martino, Scott Henderson, Joe Diorio, Jeff Richman, and Ron Eschete.
Parisian singer Sarah Carso will duet with the great melburnian bassist James Lockwood on two very special nights, at Wesley Anne on Friday 1st of November and at Edinburgh Castle on Thursday 7th of November.
Together the duo will interpret a couple sets of their favourite jazz standards, from New York to Paris & from early swing to Broadway shows.
Come lend your ears to this rare musical combo of voice and bass in your local venues!
Ingrid Saker is the lead guitarist, vocalist and songwriter of popular NZ blues rock band Ingrid and the Ministers. Drawing comparisons to Joan Jett and The White Stripes, Ingrid achieves a rare balance of vigorous raw emotion and humble greatness. Her solo act is a softer, expansive journey through her classic blues influences, highlighting her mastery of blues guitar and soulful vocals.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
With a few stories, an old guitar and kick drum, Tony J King creates the music of a journeyman with roots in the street-corner blues and urban folk of yesteryear. With influences ranging from James Elroy, Edgar Allen Poe, Homer, Kerouak and Joseph Conrad, King's latest album delivers slow-burnin, low-fi urban myths, half-truths, dark gospel and random fascinations that are represented in quirky musical tales honed from a pre-occupation with the unusual, the exotic and the downright bizarre.
R.D Griffith & The Gravy Train bring juicy jazz and blues guitar, swampy organ soul, and snap crackle pop beats to the Wesley Anne on Sat Feb 24. 6-8pm. Free!
Ryan Griffith - guitar
Adam Rudegeair - organ
Sam Bates - drums
Lee Jones is a British jazz guitarist and composer, combining influences from modern jazz, fusion, blues, avant-garde and rock styles. Lee has regularly performed throughout the UK scene and worked alongside Larry Coryell, Martin Taylor and Dennis Rollins. Since graduating from the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire Jazz Course in 2007, he has released six solo albums with former WEA producer Simon Tittley, featured on Jazz FM radio and in 2019 completed a PhD in music composition at the University of Salford, Manchester. Lee recently relocated to Melbourne and tonight will be his debut performance in Australia with the quintet, playing originals from Lee's critically reviewed three ensemble albums, Swish, Songs from the 13th Hour and After the Pier. Lee has a new eBook and solo album scheduled for release in 2022-23.
'...an excellent composer and one heck of a guitarist...' - Larry Coryell
'...a fully developed personal style...' - The Observer
'...tuneful originals and fluent solos...' - London Evening Standard
'...an emerging talent...' - Jazzwise Magazine, UK
Mijo is a Melbourne Singer-Songwriter performing original alt/rock/folk music that is empowering, introspective, and at times, epic. After living and touring around Europe with the likes of Gotye, Missy Higgins, Tommy Emmanuel and Clare Bowditch, Mijo is back in town to share his original music as well as select cover songs that people know and love.
Website // AppleMusic // Instagram // Facebook
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
From the fresh cold climate of Scotland, indie-folk singer songwriter Scott Candlish has returned to Melbourne after spending two and a half years in Edinburgh; his home away from home. Since returning, he has wasted no time and was back playing headline shows at the likes of Retreat Hotel, Workers Club and the Wesley Anne. In late November of 2019, Candlish released a new music video of his track 'Waiting for the Day', the first single from his most recent EP.
Making the big move and lifestyle change early in 2017, the songwriter began refining his indie-folk style with regular shows in the vibrant UK city. An explosive start to 2019 saw the release of his third EP ‘A Little While, a Bit of Time’ before embarking on his first European tour. Beginning with a packed out launch show in Edinburgh, the launch tour included dates in Manchester, Glasgow and Sofar Sounds showcases in both London and Paris.
Back in Melbourne this year, in response to the Covid-19 crisis, Candlish created a fundraising campaign labelled ‘Your Thursday Nights COVID’. The campaign involved weekly live streamed performances in order to raise money for Support Act and Beyond Blue. Later in the year while Melbourne were set back with harder lockdown restrictions Candlish began a new live stream project Setting the Stage 4 Two.
Both events were hugely successful and featured some of the finest singer songwriters in Melbourne as special guests.
Lily jones and friends perform an array of hip swaying original tunes
Suzie So Blue is a singer-songwriter whose music delves deep into the heart of human emotions with just four strings and the truth. Blending the soulful essence of blues with the storytelling charm of country, Suzie's hypnotic tenor guitar style and evocative vocals create a mesmerising sonic tapestry.
Influenced by luminaries like Yola, Amythyst Kiah, Tracy Chapman, Gillian Welch and Sierra Ferrell, she weaves tales of love and life that resonate with Americana and dark folk enthusiasts.
Suzie So Blue's music is a captivating journey through the landscapes of the human experience, where raw emotions and authentic storytelling come together to create a truly soul-stirring musical experience.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Singer-songwriter & composer Nir Tsfaty brings to the stage music from his broad creative work.
With his bands, Noria and Bell Always, he has released three studio albums and toured across Israel, having played twice at InDNegev festival.
Now based in Melbourne, Nir plays solo shows regularly, composes for screen and produces for local artists in his studio.
In 2021 Nir presented his work About Whales in collaboration with Invictus Quartet. Together they have played two headline shows - at the Wesley Anne and Melbourne Recital Centre - both sold out.
Nir's solo sets are often minimalist and atmospheric, influenced mainly by British and French alternative rock pop.
Kira Natsis is bringing her quartet to the Wesley Anne for the first time. Kira is a young and upcoming female jazz drummer who is currently preparing for her VCE solo performance and playing works from The Great American Songbook. Kira will be joined by her sister Layla Natsis (bass), Hector Harley (sax) and Shai Martin (piano).
Saxophone/Clarinet – Dario Ogrin
Electric Bass – Andrew Martin
Percussion/piano accordion – Sebastion Andrade
Bossa Brunswick is a band that reflects the musical style of Latin Jazz, but also has a sense of uniqueness because of the many influences its members bring to the sound. This results in unique rhythms, grooves, and improvisation that are keeping to our commitment to Latin music.
Bossa Brunswick is a group of friends who have been making music for 20 years and over this time we have developed both musically and on personal levels, and this growth is reflected in a new repertoire that explores rhythms, harmonies and melodies associated with the music of Central and South Americas.
Sunflower Jam is a jazz gig curated by Nelson Beks to bring in musicians for a solid hang and some great music. Night kicks off at 6pm with a short set from the houseband before the stage is opened up and anyone can jump up and call a tune.
Backline of Drums, amps and piano are provided
Entry is free or pay what you feel to support the houseband for their performance and use of their instruments
Anja Duiker, Naarm-based singer and composer, and Nick Gregory, a Naarm-based composer and guitarist, unite for a special evening dedicated to the sweet sounds of jazz classics. Their performance will feature a captivating blend of swinging tunes, intricate solos, and touching ballads, showcasing the very best of jazz. With Anja's soothing vocals and Nick's intricate playing, this night promises to deliver an unforgettable experience filled with musical elegance and heartfelt moments. Join us for an evening where timeless jazz meets artistry.
RETRATOS brings together some of Melbourne’s finest exponents of Brazilian music. The group explores the rich tapestry of sounds and colours found in the music while focussing on a contemporary and original approach to the compositions and group improvisations. The music moves from the Samba and Choro music of Rio de Janeiro in the south, to the street and carnival music of Brazils north eastern regions, where the Forro, Baiao and Frevo rhythms rule.
Oscar LaDell, 23, was born in the US and raised in Purakaunui, Dunedin. A second-generation musician, Oscar started out playing standards in bars around Dunedin, featuring songs by Muddy Waters, BB King and Guitar Slim. Over the years, funk, rock, soul, R&B and more have found their way into Oscar’s music. Now based in Naarm, Oscar brings a show full of blues with soul.
