Get ready to witness a musical showdown of epic proportions as the Hills Big Band settles the age-old debate: who reigns supreme as the ultimate big band leader - Edward "Duke" Ellington or William "Count" Basie? Step into the jazz arena and witness these two giants collide in a mesmerizing battle of melody, rhythm, and style. Led by vocalists Cathy Mueller and Jack Le Geouff, prepare to be transported by the timeless classics of Duke Ellington and Count Basie, brought to life by the electrifying performances of the Hills Big Band.

Swing, sophistication, and sensational music await you at Lyric's Underground as these heavyweights go head-to-head, promising a night that will leave you exhilarated and begging for more. Don't miss out on this thrilling showdown – there can only be one victor. Will it be the Duke, or the Count?

Julian Ferraretto - Violin

Pete Jeavons - Bass

Josh Gray - Guitar

Aaron Deacon - Guitar

Ella Monaghan - Vocals

Jared Hemara - Bass

Josh Gray - Guitar

Garry Lee/Aaron Caldwell sax Quartet presents: Paul Desmond and the Modern Jazz Quartet!

For many decades commencing in the 1950s two of the most famous quartets in jazz were the Dave Brubeck Quartet and Modern Jazz Quartet. DBQ was based around the melodic alto sax of Paul Desmond – MJQ was based around the blues/bop of Milt Jackson’s vibraphone. In 1971 MJQ recorded with Desmond – Paul Desmond and the Modern Jazz Quartet.

This album has created the catalyst for the coming together of alto saxophonist Aaron Caldwell and vibraphonist Garry Lee. Aaron, who formerly studied Jazz Improvisation with Garry, is forging an impressive reputation as a student at WAAPA and has become a featured soloist with WAYJO. He has put together an ensemble of superb young musicians with Josh Gray guitar, Lucy Browning double bass and Callum Thomson drums. Garry will play vibraphone.

Of course, alto sax and vibes recordings can be found in compositions by Thelonious Monk, Chick Corea and many others so expect a repertoire of lyrical, sophisticated and soul-infused jazz that will underline the two enduring components of jazz – Swing and the Blues.

Ticket link:

https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1182517?

Tom Salleo - piano, organ
Josh Gray - guitar
William Chiew - drums

Aaron Caldwell - Saxophone

Finn McKibbin - Bass

Josh Gray - Guitar

Fred Smith and band will be presenting this extraordinary song cycle on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan culminating in the dramatic evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. Fred was there at the beginning in Uruzgan Province and returned at the end working from Kabul International Airport (KIA) on the difficult evacuation. His epitaph for the mission is “it was what it was”, and we are left admiring the courage and tenacity of thousands of Afghans who braved the human logjams outside the gates of Kabul International Airport in a last-ditch dash for freedom.

6:30pm for 7pm start

“A beautiful retelling of Australia’s Afghanistan experience”
Adrienne Francis, ABC 666, Saturday Breakfast,

“Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…In concert he has a knack for balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement”
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

…an extraordinary, wonderful and heart-uplifting concert.
Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics

Fred Smith and band will be presenting this extraordinary song cycle on Australia’s involvement in Afghanistan culminating in the dramatic evacuation from Kabul in August 2021. Fred was there at the beginning in Uruzgan Province and returned at the end working from Kabul International Airport (KIA) on the difficult evacuation. His epitaph for the mission is “it was what it was”, and we are left admiring the courage and tenacity of thousands of Afghans who braved the human logjams outside the gates of Kabul International Airport in a last-ditch dash for freedom.

6:30pm for 7pm start

“A beautiful retelling of Australia’s Afghanistan experience”
Adrienne Francis, ABC 666, Saturday Breakfast,

“Finely observed snapshots of a harsh, sad and funny reality…In concert he has a knack for balancing drama and humour…towering artistic achievement”
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

…an extraordinary, wonderful and heart-uplifting concert.
Peter Wilkins, Canberra Critics