What: Sydney International Women’s Jazz Festival. A 10-day live music festival featuring more than 30 leading female musicians from Australia and the world.
The event is in its ninth year and will take place in intimate, seated, COVID-safe venues across the city.
Sydney’s queen of Latin jazz, saxophonist and composer Gai Bryant.
Capacity will be strictly limited. Mary’s Underground, formerly known as The Basement, will be the festival’s hub and will offer only 60 tickets a show, with two shows scheduled each night. This number is down from the venue’s pre-pandemic capacity of 200-400 patrons.
“This year presents a unique opportunity for music lovers to experience the magic and intimacy of jazz,” say Zoe Hauptmann and Peter Rechniewski, the festival’s co-artistic directors. “Few Australian musicians have been able to perform live since the onset of the coronavirus, and these artists are so excited to perform for audiences at this year’s festival.”
In a special treat for online audiences, 2019 festival favourite, Brazilian bossa-nova singer and nylon string guitarist Anna Setton will perform a live-streamed show from Sao Paulo.
ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Elana Stone.
The Opening Night Party on October 30 features an Afro-Peruvian and Cuban extravaganza of music and dance with Sydney’s queen of Latin jazz, saxophonist and composer Gai Bryant. A special double bill will showcase her 10-piece big band Caribe, alongside her sextet ALLY. The party will evoke the spirit of South America, with irresistible rhythms and passionate compositions that feature the vocal talents of Peruvian songstress Melody Riviera. Proceeds from this event will provide music mentorships for two young female Latina artists.
On Friday October 31, Emma Pask, one of Australia’s most recognised jazz vocalists, will perform, while ARIA award-winning singer-songwriter Elana Stone will take to the stage on November 4, combining her unique and quirky style with instrumental invention.
Entertainer Monica Trapaga will bring the house down on November 5 and fiery soul singer Mahalia Barnes will perform on Friday, November 6, backed by rock-steady band, The Soulmates.
When: October 30 – November 8.
Where: Mary’s Underground (former Basement), 29 Reiby Place, Sydney; Foundry 616, 616 Harris St, Ultimo; Venue 505, Level 1, 5 Eliza St, Newtown; and Australian Institute Of Music, 1/55 Foveaux St, Surry Hills.