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Janelle Stowe and Brendon Siemsen Duo
Janelle and Brendon have been working as a jazz duo for 2-3 years around Tasmania and in Melbourne.-Â Janelle is a K-12 music teacher and multi-instrumentalist with vocals, piano, and trumpet to her bow. She has been on the Hobart jazz scene as a vocalist for a good 20 years. Brendon brings over 25 years’ experience as a guitarist. He studied at the renowned Musicians Institute in Hollywood, California, Berklee College in Boston, USA and privately with some of the world’s leading jazz and fusion players. The pair are an adaptable line up whose highlights as part of a trio/quartet or quintet have included SELL OUT shows at the Paris Cat Jazz Club Melbourne and The Timeless Way Kingston and performances on the MONA grand stage, Jazz in the Garden sessions at Cascade Brewhouse, Country Club Casino Launceston and Hot August and Devonport Jazz Festival.Added To List
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Jaywell
Hailing from Switzerland, Jaywell is a French-Australian musician with Alternative, Soul and Folk influences, translating into laid-back and rhythmic acoustic music – either covers or originals. His style can be described as “Ëśtransformative’: Jaywell’s sets are thoughtfully arranged to present the stages of the human journey, as he seeks to reflect the good, the bad, the difficult and the peaceful events in life. If you can catch him, expect to hear some Hendrix, The Who, but also Craig David and Seal, alongside some original surprises. A bit of something for everyone!Added To List
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Jess & Sean
Jess Clennett, as seen on Australian Idol 2023 Top 30, and Sean Hall, skilful and well-known guitarist, make one of the best duos in Tasmania. Jess and Sean have been performing within the music industry for many years and have the experience to supply a premium package for any occasion, from weddings, corporate events, birthdays, and Venue/Restaurant Live Music. Jess and Sean can perform a whole variety of music from pop hits from many generations, rock classics from the 70s all the way to the 90s, and your favourite sing-alongs of all time. With their large repertoire, they can accommodate the atmosphere you desire, from chill vibes to upbeat dancing.Added To List
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Jessica Clennett
Jess Clennett, as seen on Australian Idol, 2023 Top 30, has been performing within the music industry for many years and is known for her vocal range with all genres and connection to the crowd. Her acoustic solo act consists of Pop hits from all generations and your favourite classics. Whether you need an upbeat or chill vibe, Jess is able to supply an entertaining performance that can suit any type of occasion. For a bigger sound for your function take a look at Jess & SeanAdded To List
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Joel Hopson
Joel has been entertaining audiences across the country and internationally for nearly 20 years. Performing in Hobart’s best venues before taking on contracts overseas, entertaining audiences aboard cruise ships and hotels across the globe. Returning to Australia, he moved to Perth and worked with some of the country’s finest talent for 5 years before recently returning to Hobart. Joel presents dynamic and engaging content, with a great on-stage personality he regularly engages his audience to sing, request and interact with the shows.- As an entertaining frontman on piano or a classic rocker on the guitar, Joel will definitely deliver the performance you want. Vibrant, eclectic material and a great performer makes Joel a great choice for parties, public events, weddings and corporate functions.Added To List
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John X
John is currently one of Tasmania’s most prominent and prolific actors and performers. A popular MC and guest speaker, he is a veteran of over 120 shows including Uni Revues, musicals and shows in the Botanical gardens every year. A former ABC Local Radio Nights presenter, John has appeared on film, TV and radio in various forms and guises. On the mainland, John has previously played Stewpot in Opera Australia’s South Pacific, Dick Woollnough/Dee Anthony in The Boy From OZ for The Production Co., Mitch in The Threepenny Opera for Malthouse and STC, Spider/Lord Savage in Jeckyll & Hyde for TML in Korea, Mr. Braithwaite in BILLY ELLIOT The Musical for Universal/Working Title, and Pumbaa in The Lion King for Disney Theatrical Productions in Melbourne and Shanghai. His Television credits include Tricky Business (Nine network), Dance Academy (ABC), City Homicide (7 Network) and John Safran’s Race Relations (ABC). His Film credits include Macbeth for Dark Oak Films, The Sound Of One Hand Clapping for Artist Services and Back From The Dead for Pocket Money Productions and his voice can be heard in the films Legend of the Guardians, AUSTRALIA, Daybreakers, Mao’s Last Dancer, Two Fists One Heart, in mini-series for CLEO, False Witness, Scorched, and on TV shows Wild Boys, Rescue Special Ops and Slide. In 2006 John was nominated for a Mo Award for his role as Pumbaa in The Lion King. John is an Australia Day Ambassador 2014, Ambassador for Variety Club ““ The Children’s Charity, the Theatre Royal APPLAUSE program and has been a proud member of MEAA (Actor’s Equity) since 1994.Added To List
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Jordan Millar
Welcome to the Curious Case of Jordan Millar, the Australian bluesy pop singer-songwriter who is treading his own path with his DIY musician attitude and critically acclaimed, self-produced “Ëśbedroom’ album Cold Lights On Curious Minds. Don’t be fooled however, he’s not just an amateur with GarageBand and a MacBook. He’s a hardworking musician with years of recording and touring experience behind him. He’s played hundreds of shows and earned critical acclaim nationwide. He’s performed on The Morning Show, at some of Australia’s biggest festivals including Byron Bay Bluesfest and the Falls Festival, and toured with the likes of The Fray, Xavier Rudd, Diesel and Christina Perri, and has dozens more award wins and accolades one could list, but it’s not about that. What it is about, is that this musician/producer/singer-songwriter/whatever you want to call- him, is going to blow you away! His unique blend of pop, folk and bluesy acoustic riffs,- mixed with intimate and candid lyrics, have wowed Australian audiences. With 2 albums,- and a live album under his belt, he writes and performs with maturity well beyond his- years, and has formed an active and truly diverse fan-base across the globe because of it. Whether it be opening a show at the Enmore Theatre or in a tiny cafe in Sydney, Jordan- Millar gives it everything he’s got, and it’s with this attitude that he’s become one of the- most intriguing musicians on the Australian musical landscape today “¦ Curious??Added To List
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Julius Schwing
Julius Schwing is a guitarist/composer from Bruny Island, Tasmania. Born in Vienna, he started playing guitar at age nine and since the age of thirteen has performed in Australia, Europe, India, New Zealand, Canada and the United States, including at the Nelson Arts Festival(NZ), Adelaide-Â Fringe Festival, Hobart Fringe Festival, MONA FOMA, Dark MoFo, MONA Museum Opening, Falls Festival, Festival of Voices, 10 Days on the Island, Devonport Jazz Festival, Clarence Jazz Festival and Melbourne Fringe Festivals. He has played with many artists including Peter Knight, Paul Capsis, Elly Hoyt, Nick Haywood, Dean Stevenson, Southern Gospel Choir band, Aakash Mittal, Jeremy Rose as well as leading his own trios, quartets, and quintets, and-Â has twice been invited to the Banff International Workshop in Jazz and Creative Music and has twice been nominated for the prestigious Freedman Jazz Fellowship. Julius Schwing’s solo guitar music draws strongly from the jazz idiom, with renditions of popular standards and some lesser well known selections, and also original compositions that lean towards more ambient and sound-scape textures. His music is infused with a unique and refined styling, tasteful and exploratory.Added To List
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Just Duet
The concept of two violins improvising and accompanying each other, while commonplace in country music, is practically unheard of in jazz with a few notable instances. “Just Duet” (Emily Sheppard and Charlie McCarthy) is a twin fiddle swing project presenting a selection of gypsy jazz violin classics to highlight the music of famed duets of the past such as the legendary Stuff Smith & Stephane Grappelli (Stuff & Steph) to more contemporary jazz violin duet partnerships, Christian Howes and Billy Contreras (Jazz Violin Revolutions). “Just Duet” combines toe-tapping swing, breakneck gypsy classics, wistful Parisian ballads and re-worked jazz standards in a vibrant and engaging mix of acoustic music, all performed with the dazzling virtuosity, fun and passion that is intrinsic to the gypsy jazz violin tradition.Added To List
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KashKin
KashKin are a seven-piece Hobart based band that play home grown original funk and soul music for your listening and dancing pleasure. The band have received airplay nationally, in the US and in Europe, including being featured on BBC radio on the Craig Charles Funk and Soul Show where they were on the playlist alongside artists such as James Brown, Funkadelic, Michael Jackson, Maceo Parker, The Gap Band, The Sugarhill Gang, Grandmaster Flash and many others. They were also a main stage act at the 2015/16 Taste of Tasmania festival, and performed in the 2016 Tasmanian Composers Festival and song writing competition. The band is currently recording their first album which is due for release in mid 2016. Although KashKin play 100 per cent original material, the songs are accessible and groove orientated and sure to get you up on your feet ““ perfect if you’re looking for something a little different!Added To List
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Keynote Address: The Humour Factor
The Value of Positive Humour in Workplaces A sense of humour is part of the art of leadership, of getting along with people, of getting things done. – – President Dwight D. Eisenhower (1890 -1969) Successful and dynamic organisations encourage appropriate humour as part of the workplace culture. Daryl Peebles recently completed a PhD research study that investigated humour as a positive human attribute, and how it impacts on contemporary workplace management practices.- This study involved 50 Australian work teams and specifically examined the relationships that exist between humour and the psychological capital attributes of hope, efficacy (confidence), resilience and optimism.- It then noted the positive impacts these had on worker attitudes and workplace performance. The findings are not surprising. Appropriate humour will enhance most relationships ““ work, social and family ““ which is something we all intrinsically know but can now back up with some empirical evidence. Although the use of humour in workplaces remains a contentious issue in management theory to this day, Daryl, along with others, is proving that if used appropriately it really can help the bottom line. Far from being a frivolous distraction from the job-at-hand, humour can help in sustaining an organisation’s long-term viability and is a strong ally in maintaining workers’ health and well-being. Daryl is keen to share his findings and the wealth of information he has collected from around the world. He does so through an engaging (and, yes humorous) presentation that looks at the psychological, physiological and social benefits of humour and laughter and how these manifest within a work environment through measures such as job satisfaction, staff turnover, discretionary effort and creativity. Daryl’s presentation is educational, enlightening, engaging and entertaining. As Andrew Carnegie once said, There’s little success where there’s little laughter.Added To List
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Keynote Address: Winning the Crowd
Winning the Crowd – The Communication Secrets of a Professional Comedian They say comedy is the “Ëśhardest job in the world’. That’s probably an exaggeration, but it’s certainly not an easy job either. – A professional comedian often only has 5″“10 minutes to impress a crowd. This means they usually have less than one minute to win them over and get them laughing. The techniques a comedian uses to do this are surprisingly simple and effective and can be applied to all levels of communication and presentations. Gavin Baskerville has been a successful professional comedian for more than 20 years. He has played to audiences of all types on land and at sea. He has also spent the last 13 years teaching and coaching beginners and experienced comedians. He has recently created this specialised corporate presentation which gives an insight into how to win any crowd and how to make an audience laugh. Gavin’s presentation is customisable to any length or event. It is motivational, insightful and highly entertaining – perfect for conferences, dinners and professional development sessions.Added To List
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Keynote speaker – Lisa Harvey-Smith
Lisa Harvey-Smith is an award-winning astrophysicist, author, TV presenter speaker and MC.  She speaks passionately and expertly about science and technology, space and astronomy, STEM education and equity, diversity and inclusion. A highly experienced speaker and MC, Lisa has hosted numerous major events including the Prime Minister’s Prizes for Science, international conferences and live on-stage tours with moon-walking Apollo astronauts including Buzz Aldrin. She has delivered a National Press Club address, a TEDx talk and is the author of award-winning books for adults and children. Lisa was a presenter on the popular ABC television series Stargazing Live. Her speaking style is relaxed, informative, and inclusive – sprinkled with good humour.ÂAdded To List
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Keynote speaker & MC – Theo Kapodistrias
Theo Kapodistrias is an award-winning lawyer, award-winning speaker, event MC & host and a communication expert. He has presented to audiences across Tasmania, Australia and internationally. He was named the 2022 Speaker of the Year at the International Coaches Awards. As a lawyer he has been recognised countless times for his work in legal, governance and not-for-profit and is one of Australia’s most recognised in-house lawyers. As a speaker and MC, he has worked with associations, professional services businesses and a range of corporate and not-for-profit organisations to inspire and encourage attendees to speak up, show up and make an impact with their communication, presentation and public speaking skills. He has a range of keynotes and workshops available, and is regular MC for events both in Tassie and nationally. Theo is the Executive Director and Licensee of TEDxHobart and is himself a TEDx speaker, having presented at TEDxKatoomba in June 2023.Added To List
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Kick Ons
Kick Ons are a vibrant and lively Hobart-based cover band, here to deliver fun and engaging live musical performances that cater to any event and occasion. With seasoned and competent players backing vocal powerhouse Jess Clennett, the show’s in safe hands and the dance floor is animated. Whether a wedding, birthday, awards night, or otherwise, Kick Ons will make sure to nail the vibe and make it memorable. Who’s coming to kick ons? Kick Ons are based in Tasmania, Australia. Members: Jess Clennett, Sean Hall, Luke Sanderson, Eric AmaniAdded To List
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King B-Fine and Afrikaya Band
KING B-FINE and AFRIKAYA BAND is a Tasmanian 12-piece Afro Beat ensemble. Recent gigs include the MONA reopening & the COGIG19 global live stream event. KING B-FINE King B-Fine is the band’s unique & lively Rastafarian front man. King lives by the Rastafarian philosophy & the tradition of honouring that everyone is born royal. Originally from war torn Sierra Leone, King B-Fine now calls Australia home and resides in West Hobart with his Tasmanian wife & young family. King B-Fine’s passion for performing started early, his musical influences include the legends of reggae & afro beat such as Marley, Tosh & Fela Kuti. King’s musical achievements are impressive, as is his list of musical awards. He has toured Europe, shared the stage with international reggae musicians, headlined an Australian music festival in Qld and was an Australia Day Award Finalist in Sydney. What is equally impressive is that King composes and produces his own music under his labels, Fine Records & Royal Movement Records. He has released numerous albums and singles with accompanying music videos. King B-Fine is the new generation of musical storyteller, with a focus on stirring up positive change via his “Ëśsongs of freedom’. He sings not only of racial & social injustices, of police violence and youth struggle but also of unity, “Ëśone love’ and power to all people; relevant messages that need to be shared across the globe. AFRIKAYA BAND King B-Fine’s recent Afrikaya Band ensemble is a mix of eclectic Tassie musicians dedicated to delivering his upbeat Afro Beat sounds in the soulful Tassie fashion. Formed in early 2020, he and his new band have already released two locally recorded singles with music videos. The outfit boasts an up-tempo African vibe, heavy with brass, percussion & vocal harmonies, this is music that connects with communities embracing freedom, peace and fun! King B-Fine’s instruments of choice are his deep, punchy African vocals and the djembe; his lively, phrenetic drumming style is one of the awe-inspiring highlights of their performances. With the Afro-beat genre potentially the next big musical experience to explode in Australia, King B-Fine and his Afrikaya Band are at the forefront of this underexplored musical groove in Australia. King B-Fine has an ambitious dream ““ to be the best Afro Beat band is Australia, and with King’s established musical track record, passion & energy he, and his Afrikaya Band are well on their way. King B-Fine and Afrikaya Band are ready to perform at your event contact Island Entertainment with your booking request.Added To List
