Jazz & Swing

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    Southern Tasmania
    Allison Farrow
    A classically-trained vocalist, actor and presenter with special interests in music theatre, jazz and children’s entertainment.  Allison performs beautifully solo, as a duo with Andrew Short  and with trio “Swoon”.  An exceptional performer whose credits include prominent Tasmanian Festival of Voices, Community Christmas Carols and numerous lead roles in major theatre musical productions.  Allison can adapt to a number of styles (including pop, folk, country, classical and music theatre). If you want to add a touch of class to your event Island Entertainment will work with you and Allison to find the perfect show stopper. Allison Farrow Equally at home in front of an orchestra or in a country music hall, Allison is a versatile performer with almost 30 years of performing experience across a number of genres. She has performed throughout Australia, Europe and Asia and has been involved in festivals worldwide, including Edinburgh Fringe, the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, Ten Days on the Island, Festival of Voices, MONAFOMA and TasPride. A classically trained soprano, Allison has played roles including Christine in The Phantom of the Opera, Lily in The Secret Garden, Papagena in The Magic Flute, Cosette in Les Miserables, Johanna in Sweeney Todd, Claudia in Nine, Judy/Ginger in Ruthless! The Musical, Eliza Doolittle in My Fair Lady and Sylvia in the world premiere of For the Term of His Natural Life. Her one-woman cabarets I’m a Stranger Here Myself: the Songs of Kurt Weill, In the Still of the Night: an evening with Cole Porter, and Dumb Blonde: the genius of Dolly Parton have played to popular and critical acclaim. In 2013 she presented Spring Fever: Allison Farrow with Kelly Ottaway and band with the Theatre Royal, Hobart. For Bel Canto Young Opera, Allison has performed the role of Serpina in Pergolesi’s The Perfect Wife and the title role in Peter Maxwell Davies’ Cinderella. She has also worked with IHOS opera, in productions including Rapture and The Divine Kiss, and recorded a solo work for soprano, Incantation Echo, which was broadcast on Classic FM. Allison performed in Dylan Sheridan’s chamber opera, starchild, as part of MONA FOMA in 2013. Allison provided the voice for ‘Betty Bug’ in Blue Rocket’s animated television series Buzz Bumble and featured numerous times with the Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra, narrating/singing for Little Red Riding Hood in 2014, Maximus Musicus Visits the Orchestra in 2015 (and again in May 2019) and The Tale of Gibson in 2016. Her children’s shows have been a regular fixture in the Festival of Voices and include Sing a Rainbow (2016), Rhymes My Nanna Taught Me (2017), More Rhymes My Nanna Taught Me (2018) and Jazz Hands (2019). Allison performs regularly with her jazz quintet Allison Farrow & Friends for corporate and festival events, and is a member of the glamorous female harmony trio Swoon. Allison Farrow and Andrew Short Allison and Andrew have been performing together for more than 25 years, sharing the stage as the Cosette and Marius in Les Miserables (2000), Christine and Raoul in The Phantom of the Opera (2013), and Eliza and Freddy in My Fair Lady (2019). Known as the gorgeous couple behind the Festival of Voices perennial sell-out event, Afternoon at the Ritz, the duo have also featured for the Clarence Jazz Festival with their show Lullaby of Broadway, and featured in Judy Tierney’s Burning Desire Festival in 2020. Allison and Andrew are both local artists with extensive lists of individual credits.

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    Amanda Hodder
    Amanda can play a huge cross section of classical piano repertoire and cocktail’ish piano pieces. Described as “magic” by esteemed pianist and accompanist Malcolm Martineau, Amanda has worked as pianist, vocal coach and music director with Opera Australia, OzOpera, Opera Queensland, VCA, Sydney Philarmonia Choirs, Gondwana Voices, University of Tasmania and Tasmanian Symphony Orchestra. While completing her Master of Music at the Victorian College of Arts with Dr Donna Coleman, she won the Geoffrey Parsons Award, The Mietta Song Recital Award, the Accompanist Award at Liederfest, and the Lady Hamer Scholarship at VCA. A keen collaborator, Amanda has co-created new works for Festival of Voices, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Cabaret Festival, Melbourne Comedy Festival, St Martins Youth Arts and Junction Arts Festival. In recording, Amanda has appeared on Monique Brumby’s latest album Closer to the Truth, Hush Vol. 20, and regularly appears on Classic FM performing the music of Tasmanian composer Jabra Latham. Having recently left her role as Co-ordinator of Classical Voice at the Tasmanian Conservatorium of Music, Amanda has spent the first half of 2021 performing at Mona Foma, Ten Days on the Island, Adelaide Cabaret Festival, Australian Musical Theatre Festival, and Festival of Voices. A passionate advocate for community group singing, Amanda runs the Hobart Glee Club, a zero-obligation choir that meets once a week.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel
    Arman & Co.
    Arman & Co. is a Hobart-based band which plays a mix of Swing, Latin, and Ballads. Front man of the band is jazz vocalist, Arman Bratamidjaja. Arman has a crooning bass-baritone voice which is often compared to classic crooners such as Frank Sinatra and Johnny Hartman. This young man moved from the island of Java, Indonesia to Hobart in 2016 and formed this band. The band commonly perform as a quintet of vocal, double bass, drums, guitar and saxophone. It has now performed in numerous venues around Tasmania and regularly perform at jazz festivals namely the Hot August Jazz Festival and Clarence Jazz Festival. Backed by the best musicians in town, Arman & Co. delivers a show that brings audience back to the era of classic crooners. Whether audience want a lively Swing and Latin music to dance to or listen to this young crooner telling his story through his music, Arman & Co. will be able to adjust their show accordingly.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel
    Billy Whitton & Co.
    Billy Whitton is one of Tasmania’s best known solo artists, and regularly performs at numerous venues throughout Tasmania and- on the mainland. In Hobart he can be found playing at Wrest Point Casino, Salamanca, Mona, New Sydney Hotel, Republic, Beachfront 32, Coterie Coal Valley and at numerous corporate events. He tailors his performance to suit the occasion, whether it is background guitar solos or classic songs from the 60’s, 70’s or 80’s. He is able to read the audience and modify the repertoire to the event. Billy is known as the crooner of Hobart.
    Duos featuring Billy & Co
    Billy & Aaron Specialising in swinging guitar tunes and strong vocals, Billy and Aaron present- bluesy and jazzy tunes made up of a mix of original tracks and classic favourites. Expect Buble, Tony Bennett, Harry Conick Jr., John Lee Hooker, Muddy Waters, Eric Clapton and something new. Billy & Randal-  Billy & Randal play a mix of classic favourites such as Leonard Cohen, Bill Withers , Eric Clapton etc .as well as a large swing / jazz & blues repertoire. Playing for many years as a resident act at Wrest Point, they have a high class sound that works anywhere” playing at quality venues such as Henry Jones,… New Sydney Hotel…, MONA Billy & Randal have a perfect mix for functions, cocktail parties, bars etc Jamie & Billy A- trained singer from the Tasmanian Conservatorium of music, Jamie Taylor has been singing soul, jazz-  & rock around Hobart for several years and- also fronts her own original band, Lazerbaby.- Billy Whitton, this duo mixes music from classic pop, rock and soul… and can also specialise in a jazz, blues mix when required. Tilly & Billy Tilly, influenced by recent artists such as Madeline Peyroux, Amy Winehouse, and classic jazz singer Billie Holiday is the owner of a beautiful voice and is much admired by all in the music industry.- With Billy, they cover classic torch ballads, using and jazz numbers but can also include Billy’s crooning styles or earthy blues numbers. Centered around listening type audiences or background at functions, their swing tunes are also good for a dance or two.- Tilly & Billy can also enlist two extra musicians to create a four piece band if this better suits your occasion. Billy Whitton and the Swingin’ Hepcats! Billy is the front man for the inimitable Billy Whitton and the Swingin’ Hepcats!

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel
    Billy Whitton and the Swingin’ Hepcats

    Billy Whitton is the consummate lounge performer. With his smooth vocal stylings and vast repertoire of Jazz and Blues he has entertained Tasmanian audiences for over thirty years. Billy and the Swingin’ Hepcats is his longstanding guitar/vocals, bass and drums trio, we now include reggae & soul / funk in our repertoire” as well as our specialty of swing jazz, blues etc. Personnel: Billy Whitton, Vocals and Guitar; Hamish Stevenson, Double Bass; Matthew Ives, Drum Kit.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel
    Black Coffee
    Black Coffee have been one of Tasmania’s most successful blues, soul and jazz bands for more than 20 years. In the 2000’s they had weekly engagement residencies at pubs and clubs, as well as major corporate, sporting and seasonal events, and these gigs continue throughout the 2020’s. Black Coffee can perform as a 3 piece jazz outfit, all the way to a 5 or 6 piece band, in which form can also play dance music from most eras. Whether it’s a crowded wedding, an afternoon jazz cafe or a end of year dance night, Black Coffee will get it happening.

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    Hobart, Willing to Travel
    Charles Malovnek Trio
    The ‘Charles Malovnek Trio’ are a local jazz trio from Hobart. Meeting while studying at the University of Tasmania, The Charles Malovnek Trio have been performing all over Hobart, from Jazz festivals to small cocktail bars most weekends. Known for their ability to infuse their music with the soul and spirit of jazz legends. Their music is characterized by its technical prowess, emotional intensity, and spiritual depth. The Charles Malovnek trio aim to expand the possibilities of jazz improvisation and challenge conventional musical structures with their exploration and relentless pursuit into musical expression.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Django’s Tiger
    Hobart based instrumental trio-quintet “Django’s Tiger’ perform swinging gypsy jazz in the style of the late French guitar virtuosos Django Reinhardt and Stephane Grappelli. Blending classic early swing numbers, with musette- waltzes and dreamy French ballads, this group provides an energetic and rhythmically infectious performance that can be enjoyed by all ages. Django’s Tiger can customise their repertoire to suit your event. Whether you’re looking for dreamy French ballads for your wedding, lively swing for your function, or some fiery gypsy numbers for your party, they’ve got it covered! The band can perform as a trio, quartet, or quintet, and features the following Tasmanian musicians: – Harry Edwards on lead guitar – Charlie McCarthy on violin – Jane Morris on vocals – Felicity Lovett on rhythm guitar – Isaac Gee on double bass

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    Hobart
    Eleanor Meredith
    Eleanor Meredith is a pianist and singer from Hobart Tasmania. She grew up in a musical family and was encouraged explore music from a very young age mainly through singing, and at age 7 began to play piano after her parents brought one into the family home. As a self-taught songwriter, Eleanor entered and won many local talent competitions, including the Cygnet Folk Festival’s youth blackboard Competition, throughout her teen years whilst also being involved in local community Concert Bands and Big Bands where she developed an appreciation for many genres of music, but particularly a love for jazz. In 2013 Eleanor received the Hobart Jazz Club’s Ian Pearce Memorial Scholarship in Jazz Improvisation as part of the Clarence Jazz Festival giving her the opportunity to study Jazz piano properly under Randal Muir. After some time off from piano pursuing classical composition and jazz voice, Eleanor took jazz piano back up studying under Matt Boden at the Conservatorium of Music and is now in high demand as a pianist and singer both as a performer and teacher. She has led and performed in numerous ensembles, playing original compositions and arrangements, and has garnered much respect in the Hobart community for her abilities.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Felicity & Harry
    Felicity (vocals and guitar) and Harry (guitar) perform a selection of vocal and instrumental tracks from a range of styles, including jazz, pop, soul, and blues. Featuring classic repertoire from artists such as The Ink Spots, Tom Waits and Ella Fitzgerald, this eclectic duo act is perfect for any setting. The duo has experience performing across Tasmania at venues and private events.

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    Hobart
    Finn Seccombe Duo

    Finn Seccombe is a diverse singer/guitarist playing styles ranging from pop through soul, RnB, reggae to straight jazz. He is usually accompanied by Simon Reid on guitar or bass and if Simon is already booked, with Kelly Ottoway. Finn has recorded several albums of his own, the most recent being Trumps “˜Derailed’. These songs are all loosely in the genre of roots reggae, perfect for any outdoor festival or live music event, and can be performed as duo or alternatively, depending on budget, with the full band. You can expect a high energy performance with soulful vocals and rhythmic innovative guitar work. Simon and Finn’s guitar styles, although quite different complement each other and they are always coming up with new and exiting ways to approach the repertoire.

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    Mainland
    Fiona Stewart
    Fiona Stewart is undoubtly a singer / songwriter of international quality. Her coppery warmth and depth of her voice and songs have enchanted audiences from Sydney to Paris. She moves gracefully through the genres of jazz and blues, folk and pop, while delivering her original material in an intimate and unique style. Fiona’s background as an actress (N.I.D.A. graduate) and her rich life experience make her a moving performer. She’ll make you laugh, she’ll make you cry. She’ll make your evening. Fiona is also able to provide an extensive repertoire of jazz and popular standards in a duo format.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Folk Yeah!
    Folk Yeah! deliver an appealing mix of easy listening ‘singer songwriter’ repertoire from American, Australian and Irish sources. Classic song writing from the likes of Bob Dylan, Nick Cave, Dolly Parton, Leonard Cohen, Townes Van Zandt & Stevie Wonder alongside Old Timey, Bluegrass & Country. Folk Yeah! perform joyfully, with innovative arrangements and harmonies. Expect a mix of classic covers and well-crafted originals.

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    Gus Leighton
    Gus Leighton is an Australian contemporary tenor saxophonist based in Hobart, Tasmania. Growing up listening to various music, Gus soon developed an affinity with the sounds of jazz and country music, which significantly impacted his career. Gus’ improvisational and compositional language is heavily influenced by Lester Young, Dexter Gordon, Stan Getz and Wayne Shorter. These four saxophonists have become the focus of Gus’ PhD research which is currently being undertaken at the University of Tasmania. Gus is a well-respected saxophonist, composer, arranger and bandleader of ‘Uncle Gus and The Rimshots’, ‘The Gus Leighton Quartet’ and ‘The Greenrises Jazz Orchestra’. Outside of his own projects, Gus performs at various festivals/events as both a leader and accompanist – notably accompanying Dami Im at the Festival of Voices Big Sing Bonfire in 2019 and Andrew O’Keefe for the Hobart show of Andrew O’Keefe ‘Shouts’ Johnny O’Keefe. Other artists Gus has supported at various events include Crooked Colours, The Wolfe Brothers, Mark Trevorrow (Bob Downe), John O’Hara, Henry Waggons, Mighty Duke, and The Lords.  In 2020 Gus was selected to be the Musical Director of the 2020 Virtual Big Sing Bonfire for Festival of Voices and has served as musical director of various other projects in Tasmania. in 2020, Gus was also the recipient of the Jack Duffy Memorial award presented by the Hobart Jazz Club and the Musician’s Union of Tasmania for his musical ability and what he gives back to the greater jazz community. In 2021 Gus was presented with funding by the Clarence City Council to produce a commissioned piece for the 2022 Clarence Jazz Festival to be played at the debut gig of ‘The Greenrises Jazz Orchestra’; a 16-piece- an ensemble that performs Gus’s original compositions.   Under his own projects, Gus has released 4 albums in the past 4 years. These are: Carrington – The Gus Leighton Quartet Chilli Con Carnage – Uncle Gus and the Rimshots Uncle Gus and The Rimshots Live in the Founder’s Room The Gus Leighton Quartet Live Outside of these public performances and recordings, Gus also regularly performs with DJs. His high-octane stage presence and crowd work have seen him become a regular performer at festivals and weddings in Tasmania and entertaining clients at corporate events around the country. Gus’s achievements have been recognized outside of Australia, earning him endorsements with Syos Mouthpieces (France) and Bari Woodwind Inc (USA). Gus is making a name for himself on the Australian music scene as a hardworking, passionate musician who brings unbridled energy, creativity, and enthusiasm to any project he is involved in.

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    Hobart,Willing to Travel,
    Harry Edwards Jazz Guitarist Solo – Quartet
    Hobart jazz guitarist Harry Edwards performs solo arrangements of classic jazz standards, as well as original compositions, and fully improvised pieces. Solo guitar is a great addition to any event, wedding or venue, and Harry is able to provide both sensitive and energetic solo guitar arrangements. Harry performs jazz guitar in a variety of settings and configurations, solo, duo, trio / quartet around Tasmania, including at the Devonport Jazz Festival, Frogmore Vineyard, and many Hobart venues.  

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    Hobart
    Hui & The Muse
    Hui Tocker and Peter Hicks have been performing regularly on the Hobart music scene for several years. They are both singer/songwriters who play a variety of musical styles from blues, folk, jazz, country and rockabilly as well as their own original material. They enjoy playing at various venues from festivals local and interstate, to Willie Smith’s Apple Shed, Mona, Peppermint Bay, Wrest Point Hotel and Casino, The Longley International and The Republic Bar and Café and at private functions. While they usually play as a duo, they will also provide a three to five piece band when required. Hui and Peter bring to you, music that is harmonious, whimsical, evocative, soulful, foot stomping and infectious and together, they are captivating.

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