Live Jazz in Melbourne

Melbourne’s own JazzLab Orchestra presses reset on the big band tradition, creating visionary, original, genre-bending jazz music with a strong focus on diversity and inclusivity. Led by composer-arrangers Cheryl Durongpisitkul and Madison James Smith, the orchestra celebrates Melbourne’s next generation of instrumentalists. The ensemble continues the legacy of the Bennetts Lane Big Band through its monthly residency, with a focus on entirely original repertoire by both current and past members. Saxes: Cheryl Durongpisitkul Flora Carbo Shaun Rammers Hector Harley Mia Barham Trombones: Josh Bennier Elliot Lamb Darcie Foley Kit Millais Trumpets: Hugh Parsons Niran Dasika Erin Sherlock Gemma Horbury Rhythm Section: Patrick Jaffe Stella Anning Madison James Smith Naomi Tan

The Harmonix Experience: Jazz with Swagger, Funk with Soul Every other week at Bird’s Basement, The Harmonix Experience takes the stage — and takes no prisoners. This genre-bending outfit blends jazz, acid jazz, funk, and a splash of rock into a sound that’s as unpredictable as it is irresistible. Led by Albare on guitar, with Jake Mason on Hammond, Phil Rex on bass, Andrew Swann on drums, Paul Williamson on alto sax, and Salva Persico on percussion, the band kicks off each set with a simple sketch — then lets instinct and groove take over. Expect deep grooves that’ll make you move your feet and more. This is jazz that sweats, funk that thinks, and music that never plays it safe.

Wed, Jul 1, 7:30 PM

Oscar Edwards Quintet

The JazzLab / Brunswick / Map

Young Melbourne drummer Oscar Edwards is preparing for a significant move to the UK to take up the sole undergraduate jazz drums position at the Royal Academy of Music in London. A 2025 James Morrison Scholarship finalist and VCASS graduate, Oscar has established himself as a prominent emerging voice on the local scene, performing alongside musicians such as James Sherlock, Mark Fitzgibbon, Julien Wilson, Grant Windsor, Tamara Murphy, Hugh Stuckey, Ben Robertson, Daryl McKenzie, Gordon Goodwin, Darrin Archer, James Shortland, Miro Lauritz, James Bowers, Tiana Young, James Lockwood, Zoe Frater, and many others. For this performance at The JazzLab , Oscar leads an ensemble of musicians he greatly admires, presenting a selection of original compositions alongside jazz standards. This show marks his final local performance before commencing his international studies at the Royal Academy. Line up: Oscar Edwards – Drums Carl Mackey – Saxophone Ben Robertson – Bass James Sherlock – Guitar Mark Fitzgibbon – Piano

Thu, Jul 2, 7:30 PM

‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’

Paris Cat Jazz Club / Melbourne CBD / Map

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 7PM FOR A 7.30PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 7.30PM-9.30PM) ‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’ ALBUM LAUNCH!!!! ALBUM LAUNCH!!! ALBUM LAUNCH!!!! Synchronicity is finally releasing its debut album of original ‘Jazz/Rock Australian Fusion’ and, you have an opportunity to be there to listen to all the music, take home a physical hard copy of the album or scan a special QR code on the night or both!!! On the gig you will be able to hear all of the new pieces the band has been developing…and for the ‘fans’ don’t worry…the band will still be playing some of your ‘jazz-rock’ favorites that this band is known for….” So…if you like your jazz with a touch more ‘Rock’, ‘Funk’ and topped off with a sprinkle of ‘Smooth’…..then you’ll be blown away with not only the repertoire of this band but also what each individual member of this group will brings to it…..this is… ‘Syn-chro-ni-ci-ty’. In amongst the bands originals you may also hear classics from: from legends such as Chick Corea, Lee Ritenour, Mike Stern….and more!! So please join… Lachlan Davidson - sax, flute Gianni Turcio - keys, J

Thu, Jul 2, 7:30 PM

Barney McAll’s Non Compliance Trio

The JazzLab / Brunswick / Map

Grammy-nominated, ARIA Award-winning pianist and composer Barney McAll joins forces with the brilliant young drummer Ebs Daramola and the free-wheeling virtuosity of Cuban bassist Yunior Terry. “Barney has always been a spiritual and positive voice, a conceptualist with great empathy and humor. His activities were always intriguing and his powers on the keys formidable.” Kurt Rosenwinkel Barney McAll – Piano Yunior Terry – Bass Ebs Daramola – Drums Check out Barney McAll

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 7.30PM FOR A 8PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 8PM-10PM) Dawn Ho presents ‘The Space Between’ Dawn Ho returns to the Basement with a set that lives in the space between tradition and invention — where jazz standards and original music sit side by side in quiet conversation. Rooted in a deep love of jazz tradition, the evening draws on the phrasing, wit and emotional depth of great jazz vocalists including Carmen McRae, Betty Carter, Cassandra Wilson and Billie Holiday, while leaning into a more contemporary, atmospheric sound shaped by soul, bossa nova and subtle progressive influences. Her original work is shaped by a wider palette of influences — from the vocal intimacy of Sidsel Endresen and the spacious, groove-led sensibility of Meshell Ndegeocello, to the atmospheric, textural worlds of Björk and Steven Wilson. The result is not a departure from tradition, but a quiet evolution of it: familiar songs reimagined alongside originals that carry the same spirit in a new voice. Expect an intimate, slow-burning set — thoughtful, expressive and grounded in feel — w

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 5.30PM FOR A 6PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 6PM-7.40PM) Panorama Brasil featuring Dany Maia Panorama Brasil return to the Paris Cat with guest vocalist Dany Maia. This show pays tribute to the great songwriters and lyricists of Brazil, with the stunning vocals and vibrant energy of Dany Maia leading this incredible band. From the earliest days of samba, Brazil has produced lyricists capable of social insight, cutting wit and subtle beauty. From the protest songs of the dictatorship eras, to the intimacy of bossa nova, onto MPB and beyond. Panorama Brasil presents incredible songs from some of Brazil’s greatest modern poets including Djavan, Milton Nascimento, Jobim, Edu Lobo and Chico Buarque in an all-encompassing journey. "The band launched straight into the heady syncopations of the maracatu from Recife, transporting us immediately into the alternative reality of a wild, intensely colourful carnival, about as far removed from Adelaide in winter as you can get." Stephen Wittington, Adelaide Advertiser. Dany Maia (voice) Yael Zamir (flute) Jorge Albuquerque (

Fri, Jul 3, 6:30 PM

'The Music of Mobley'

Paris Cat Jazz Club / Melbourne CBD / Map

PLS NOTE: DOORS OPEN AT 6PM FOR A 6.30PM SHOWTIME (SHOW DURATION IS 6.30PM-8.10PM) Described as the “middleweight champion” of the tenor saxophone, Hank Mobley was one of the most influential jazz musicians of all time, blending hard bop with a laid back, melodic style of playing. Over a span of 20 years, Hank featured on hundreds of legendary recordings both as a bandleader and sideman, including his most notable album, Soul Station. This evening of music will feature iconic hits from Hank’s career, including ‘Remember’ and ‘This I Dig Of You’. Join us for a night celebrating ‘The Music of Mobley’ at the Paris Cat Jazz Club. Band Lineup: Luca Brading- Tenor Saxophone Patrick Barton Grace- Piano Jack Dobson- Bass Alex Spicer - Drums _________________________________________________________ Luca Brading is a saxophonist, multi-instrumentalist and composer based in Melbourne, Australia. His musical inspiration stems from a love of improvised music, jazz and RnB. He has had success as a bandleader, with multiple jazz ensembles including the Luca Brading Group, and as a freelance musicia