Music lovers in Williams and Narrogin will be able to wrap their ears around free performances by the WA Youth Jazz Orchestra, which is joining acclaimed singer and pianist Sue Bluck on her Women in Big Band tour.
Audiences can catch WAYJO’s 18-piece Catalyst Jazz Orchestra at the Williams woolshed pavilion and then at the Narrogin reception centre on August 8.
Alongside the performances, the ensemble will deliver workshops for local school students, providing young musicians with the opportunity to learn from some of WA’s leading jazz artists.
The aim of the tour is to strengthen connections between regional communities and the State’s vibrant jazz scene, and celebrate an upcoming generation of musical talent.
It was Narrogin Arts event manager Brad Flett who suggested making the Narrogin and Williams concerts free.
He convinced the organisers that it would be a way of giving back to communities affected by high fuel prices and a cost-of-living crisis that has impacted family entertainment budgets.
WAYJO artistic director Gemma Farrell said she was looking forward to hitting the road.
“We’re incredibly excited to be taking our Catalyst Jazz Orchestra on tour and sharing the Women in Big Band program with communities across regional WA,” she said.
“This tour is a fantastic opportunity for our young musicians to perform alongside an outstanding guest artist while connecting with audiences through concerts and educational workshops.”
On the playlist will be items which spotlight trailblazing women who shaped the sound of big band jazz alongside works by leading WA composers.
The feature concert is at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre on August 7.
The free performances on August 8 will be in Williams from 11.30am-12.30pm, and in Narrogin from 3-4pm.
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