18 February - The Vampires

Jeremy Rose - alto saxophone, Nick Garbett - trumpet, Alex Boneham - bass, Alex Masso - drums.

The Vampires manage to play contemporary jazz and at the same time include aspects of traditional reggae and South American music with occasional references to the recent past, with echoes of Bernie McGann and the Catholics. – John McBeath, The Australian

Wollongong Jazz favourites, The Vampires, will make a special appearance at the Wollongong Conservatorium on Saturday, February 18 to kick off the 2012 Wollongong Jazz season as they promote their new album on an Australia wide tour. The band, Consisting of local boy Nick Garbett, 2009 Australian Bell Award winner Jeremy Rose, Wollongong Conservatorium Alumnus Alex Masso and the Sydney jazz scene's premier bassist, Alex Boneham are sure to entertain bringing their unique brand of "reggae infused jazz" to the intimate setting of the Con Auditorium.

Gig: The Vampires
Venue: Con Auditorium
Date: 18/02/12
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $14 (General) / $12 (Parents accompanying students) / $10 (students) / $35 (Family: 2A, 2C)
For more info: (02) 4228 1122

www.thevampires.com.au

2 March - Andrew Dickeson Quintet

Warwick Alder - trumpet, Dave Panichi - trombone, Steve Barry - piano, Brendan Clarke - bass, Andrew Dickeson - drums.

Andrew Dickeson has elevated himself beyond his universally accepted perch as a stellar sideman and is now staking his claim as a distinguished bandleader. As a stalwart of the Australian jazz scene, and sideman to such international greats as Johnny Griffin, Junior Cook, Lee Konitz, Kirk Lightsey, Mark Murphy and many more, he has learned much of the art of being a leader, the essence of which, in his opinion, “is to communicate to the band the concept, sound and feeling you want, while encouraging the freedom to express themselves.”

He continues: “As my playing evolved over many years as a sideman, a role I still love and enjoy, I knew that it was time to make a musical statement of my own and to present music with my ‘fingerprint’ on it. My concept was to have a band that was creative, polished and swingin’, in which each tune would be a musical journey, for us and listeners. I chose musicians who could create the sound and feeling I aimed for, and they’ve responded beautifully.

Andrew has just released his debut cd as leader ‘Weaver Of Dreams” on Rufus Records.

For Wollongong Jazz Andrew has assembled a stellar line-up featuring some of Australia’s finest musicians. Warwick Alder - the country’s premier modern Jazz trumpeter - with a soulful, melodic style rich in wit and humour. Dave Panichi - a veteran of the bands of Buddy Rich and the Vanguard Jazz Orchestra, Dave is a swinging and sophisticated trombonist. Brendan Clarke on double bass provides a strong, swingin’ foundation to the band and shows a wonderful, melodic solo style. Steve Barry on piano is a rising star who plays with a strength, personality and maturity far beyond his years. The combination is a formidable one -- full of excitement and energy.

Expect to hear great music that is energetic, exciting and, just as importantly, entertaining. My aim is always to include the listener in our experience – through SWING – the universal rhythmic feeling that allows people to share the joy of life through music.

Gig: Andrew Dickeson
Venue: Con Auditorium
Date: 2/03/12
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $14 (General) / $12 (Parents accompanying students) / $10 (students) / $35 (Family: 2A, 2C)
For more info: (02) 4228 1122

www.andrewdickeson.com

4 March - Eric Dunan Quintet

Eric Dunan - trumpet, Dave Reglar - sax, Nick Southcott - piano, Lucy Clifford - bass, Jodie Michael - drums

Under 18's are allowed in Samuels, but are reminded that there are strict guidelines that they do not purchase or consume alcohol. The food and the environment is fantastic...so come eat some great food and listen to some great music.

Gig: Eric Dunan Quintet
Venue: Samuel's, 384 Lawrence Hargreave Dr, Thirroul
Date: 3/03/12
Time: 5-8pm
Tickets: Free
For more info: (02) 4268 2244

25 May - Darren Sigesmund Strands Project (Canada)

Eliana Cuevas -vocals, Luis Deniz - tenor saxophone, Darren Sigesmund - trombone, James Muller - guitar, Jim Vivian - bass, Ethan Ardelli - drums.

2010 JUNO nominee and Galaxie Rising Star winner Toronto trombonist Darren Sigesmund has firmly established his Strands project as one of Canada's leading national and international touring ensembles. Following up on his 2008 debut quintet CD Strands, Darren has released Strands II, nominated for a 2010 JUNO for Best Traditional Jazz Album. Sigesmund received the 2010 Galaxie Rising Star award for Best Composition ("Dance for Leila") at the Festival International de Jazz de Montreal. Acclaimed for its compositional ingenuity, the Strands project consists of Sigesmund's self-penned compositions, a contemporary blend of jazz, Latin and classical influences. Strands II features an expanded ensemble, with the addition of sensational vocalist Eliana Cuevas and dynamic percussionist Daniel Stone. With vigor and flair, Sigesmund has woven the textures of voice and percussion into fresh new compositions for the Strands II recording which features special guest New York saxophonist Tim Ries of the Rolling Stones.

Wollongong Jazz is proud to present Darren and his strand project (featuring Australia's renowned guitar virtuoso James Muller) for a special concert at the Wollongong Conservatorium. Don't miss this opportunity to see this internationally acclaimed group play cutting edge jazz in an intimate setting.

This performance is made possible in part by a grant from the Ontario Arts Council's National and International Touring program

Gig: Darren Sigesmund Strands Project
Venue: Con Auditorium
Date: 25/05/12
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $14 (General) / $12 (Parents accompanying students) / $10 (students) / $35 (Family: 2A, 2C)
For more info: (02) 4228 1122

www.darrensigesmund.ca

3 June - Eric Dunan Quintet

Eric Dunan - trumpet, Dave Reglar - sax, Nick Southcott - piano, Lucy Clifford - bass, Jodie Michael - drums

Under 18's are allowed in Samuels, but are reminded that there are strict guidelines that they do not purchase or consume alcohol. The food and the environment is fantastic...so come eat some great food and listen to some great music.

Gig: Eric Dunan Quintet
Venue: Samuel's, 384 Lawrence Hargreave Dr, Thirroul
Date: 3/06/12
Time: 5-8pm
Tickets: Free
For more info: (02) 4268 2244

5 June - Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra + International Guest Artist

The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra is widely acknowledged as Australia's leading full size jazz orchestra. Musically, this ensemble represents many of the finest young improvisers Australia has to offer and features original music from Australia's most dynamic and creative large ensemble composers all packaged into one exciting super-ensemble.

Don't miss this opportunity to see Australia's "all-star" band perform with an international heavy-weight guest artist.

Gig: The Jazzgroove Mothership Orchestra with special international guest artist
Venue: Illawarra Performing Arts Centre
Date: 5/06/12
Time: 7pm
Tickets: TBA
For more information: Wollongong Conservatorium of Music (02): 4228 1122
www.mothershiporchestra.com

6 July - Sandy Evans Trio with Special Guest Bobby Singh

Sandy Evans - saxophones, Bobby Singh - tabla, Brett Hirst - bass, Toby Hall - drums

‘Listening to Bhairavi Tillana…I found myself entering a kind of trance and feeling as if I could listen for hours and be absolutely absorbed by the intricate rhythmic and melodic patterns.’ - Roger Mitchell, Ausjazz Blog June 2010.

‘The local saxophonist Sandy Evans found fascinating common ground for her trio and the singer/sitar player Sarangan Sriranganathan and tabla player Bobby Singh. Singh's melodic precision allowed harmonics to fly up and merge with Sriranganathan's voice as one other- worldly instrument.’ - John Shand 31/12/2010 SMH

In this special concert The Sandy Evans Trio continue their acclaimed collaboration tabla player Bobby Singh,one of Australia’s leading Indian musicians to weave an extraordinary kaleidoscope of colour, rhythm and melody. Expect soulful melodies, breathtaking improvisations, hypnotic grooves and stunning percussion solos, redefining the fusion of jazz and Indian music.

Gig: Sandy Evans Trio with Special Guest Bobby Singh
Venue: Con Auditorium
Date: 6/07/12
Time: 7pm
Tickets: $14 (General) / $12 (Parents accompanying students) / $10 (students) / $35 (Family: 2A, 2C)
For more info: (02) 4228 1122

sandyevans.com.au

bobbysingh.com.au