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.

Back by popular demand… Join Steve and his good friends James Clark (bass) and Rod Gilbert (drums) together with outstanding vocalist Jacki Gaudion, her cousin Ash Gaudion (saxophone, vocals) and Toby Mak (trumpet) will put on a jazz show like no other at Birds Basement. “Steve brings to every performance a spirit of inclusiveness and his focus has always been on the collective endeavour…his passion for jazz as an artform that unites, engages and entertains…” Jessica Nicholas, The Age, May 2018. Steve Sedergreen is one of Melbourne’s most respected jazz identities. Over the decades he has earned a formidable reputation a jazz pianist, arranger and educator. Founder of the genre-defying group Mistaken Identity, for years a powerhouse of contemporary jazz playing across the country and earning an APRA nomination. He has performed at many major festivals, curated Dizzy’s Jazz Club (1999 -2006) and mentored members of the next generation of Australian jazz talent - including members of The Cat Empire, Axle Whitehead and Paris Wells, to name a few. Jacki Gaudion is also a jazz legend in t

Sat, Jul 4, 7:30 PM

Elly Poletti sings The A List- the music of Amy, Adele, Aretha and Alicia

Bird's Basement / Melbourne CBD / Map

From vocalist Elly Poletti comes a celebration of four of the most iconic voices in recording history: Aretha Franklin, Alicia Keys, Amy Winehouse and Adele. Featuring new material as well as arrangements from Elly’s previous projects, this show delves into the unique minds and voices that have made these four artists among the biggest of all time and earned them their rightful places on “The A List”. Enjoy two sets of jazzy, bluesy and funky interpretations delivered by an all-star band and the soulful voice of Elly Poletti. Elly Poletti’s previous shows include “We May Never Meet Again: The Music of Amy Winehouse”, “All I Ask: Elly Poletti Sings Adele”, and “Candlelight Jazz: Music of Aretha Franklin, Adele, Amy and more”, and have brought crowds to their feet at venues including the Paris Cat, the Forum, the Athenaeum Theatre and the National Theatre as well as on two interstate tours. The band: Alex Spicer - Drums Russell Tay - Keys Owen Downie - Bass Patrick Langdon - Trombone Elly Poletti - Vocals

Wed, Jul 8, 7:30 PM

The Jazz Alchemists

Bird's Basement / Melbourne CBD / Map

Witness the Alchemy of Jazz: Where Improvisation Transcends Expectation. Every second week, the heart of Melbourne's jazz scene beats with the unpredictable magic of the Jazz Alchemists. This isn't just a concert; it's a living, breathing musical experiment. Featuring the core brilliance of Albare (guitar), Phil Rex (bass), Dave Beck (drums),Salva Persico (percussions) and Mat Jodrell (trumpet/piano), these virtuosos explore the boundless realms of improvisation.

Thu, Jul 9, 7:30 PM

Kade Brown Quintet

Bird's Basement / Melbourne CBD / Map

Pianist/composer Kade Brown, from the Far South Coast of New South Wales, has become a mainstay Melbourne jazz scene, known for his flair for improvisation and versatility in both traditional and contemporary jazz forms. After returning from Berlin, where he was based while touring extensively throughout Europe in 2023 and 2024, Kade has been composing and performing new music ahead of recording a new album. Since first forming the band with saxophonist Julien Wilson in 2015, the band has taken many shapes and forms, and always with a focus on the Australian jazz sound, inspired by artists such as Bernie McGann, Allan Browne, Andrea Keller and Mike Nock. In 2018, Kade recorded his live sextet album Frictions—featuring both Julien and Sam, as well as Carl Morgan (guitar), Alex Hirlian (drums), and French trumpeter Arno de Casanove. The five-part suite, inspired by the natural beauty of the Sapphire Coast where Kade grew up, was awarded the Allan Zavod Composition Prize. Other projects include work with artists such as Ina Forsman (DE), The David Hermlin Orchestra (DE), Lucie Thorne, H

Relax With Max are a ten piece Melbourne outfit formed in 1984 by band leader Max Vella. The group presents a unique blend of funk, soul and afro-beat, along with elements of R&B and gospel. Relax with Max have developed a strong following over their 30 years, appealing to a large and diverse fan-base. Notorious for their high-energy live performances. The band consists of a selection of high calibre musicians including an explosive rhythm section, percussion and a four piece horn section. Relax with Max has performed to crowds exceeding 90,000 at the MCG in the mid 90s as well as lending support for international artists including Wilson Picket, Maxi Priest, The Chimes and The Commitments. More recently, the group has shared the stage with Seun Kuti's Egypt 80 band. Several of the band's past members include Ross Hannaford (Daddy Cool), James Black (Mondo Rock/RocKwiz), Greg Ham (Men at Work), Gary Young (Daddy Cool) and Lance Ferguson (The Bamboos). Band Members: Max Lakota Madi Martin Dave Andrew Damien Cris Mili

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.

While forging an international career as a brilliant jazz pianist - producing 23 CDs, topping the jazz charts in Japan, winning a slew of awards (including being inducted into the Bell Award Hall of Fame in 2016) and touring the world with the genre’s leading figures- he was working as first- call pianist on over 60 film soundtracks and performing & recording with a plethora of leading artists from the worlds of opera, jazz, theatre and pop. More recently Chindamo has emerged as a coveted new voice in contemporary classical composition, receiving numerous commissions from Australia’s leading soloists, chamber groups and symphony orchestras, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian String Quartet, Camerata and the Melbourne and Queensland Symphony Orchestras. In 2011 Joe co-founded the innovative duo with violinist Zoë Black. The duo has performed at all the major festivals in Australia and recorded 3 ARIA nominated CDs, (RE-IMAGININGS , DIDO'S LAMENT and their re-versioning of the THE GOLDBERG VARIATIONS, premiering the latter at Carnegie Hall in 2015. The duo made the