Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival

24/10/2025

Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival Day Five ~ Sunday 12th Oct. 2025
Kings and Queens of Jazz
As has been customary during the previous 9 years, the festival's final event celebrates six vocal legends selected by six of our chosen vocalists. This year in order of appearance, Ruby Mills interprets the great Dinah Washington, 'Queen of the Blues'; Fisher unravels 'Mr. Show Business', Sammy Davis Jnr; Larry Thomson channels the lyrical and personal phrasing of Tony Bennett; Yani helps explain the earthy and sultry authentic early genres embraced by Maria Muldaur; Asabi Goodman honours the swingin' Ella; and Peter Uppman closed it off with the effortlessly agile elegance of Mel Tormé. But wait, there's more: a final all-in jam that finished the night off with a real flourish...
Thanks again to the tireless Ingrid and her team of Di, Glen, Naomi, Gina and Irene who put on one of the more entertaining festivals of the past decade!

19/10/2025

Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival Night Four ~ Saturday 11th Oct. 2025
The Chet Baker Songbook with Luke Thompson
Better known as the ‘bass voice’ in the a ca****la vocal group “The Idea of North”, Luke is based in Adelaide where he is widely recognised as a leading jazz vocalist, educator and alto sax player, and he put these skills together to deliver a masterful presentation of a good selection of Chet Baker’s most popular vocal recordings, with his alto capturing the vibe that Chet achieved with his trumpet. Credit also goes to John Reeves, Andrew Shaw and David Sanders who made up Luke’s quartet in capturing that Chet feeling, while Sydney visitors George Washingmachine and Dan Barnett joined in as special guests on a couple of numbers to take things to another level, as you can probably imagine...

15/10/2025

Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival Night Three ~ Friday 10th Oct. 2025
Tripple Trouble: Dan Barnett, Lauren Dawes and George Washingmachine
Australia's newest powerhouse vocal ensemble lived up to their reputation turning the audience on to some of the traditional jazzy vocal super-groups of the past 90 years including the Four Freshmen and the Mills Brothers, who incidently sold more than 50 million copies of their 2000 plus recordings!
George, Lauren and Dan produced a modern take on these popular old and new standards and impressed with their powerful vocals, clever arrangements, and adventurous s**tting; and were ably supported by the hard-working guitar and bass of Paul Henderson and Samuel Vincent...

14/10/2025

Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival Night Two ~ Thursday 9th Oct. 2025
For Eva: an Eva Cassidy Story with Lauren Dawes
Lauren has been deeply inspired by Eva Cassidy and has been paying her homage for years, so no surprise to hear such emotional depth and purity in her original interpretations of Eva's songs.
Thanks to Michelle Cop of MC Photography for these photos of Lauren and her band featuring Paul Henderson, Samuel Vincent and Paul Hudson.

13/10/2025

Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival Night One ~ Wednesday 8th Oct. 2025
Back In the Loop with Mr. Percival
The 2025 Festival was launched on Wednesday with Darren Percival creating a masterful and spontaneous interactive performance with vocal symphonies of layered rhythms and harmonies and then opening his soul sharing his most intimate feelings with that voice that melts with emotion...
Darren was joined in the second set by good friend Dave Spicer on piano to deliver a totally unconstrained improvisational experience engaging the audience and anything else in the room that could be switched-on...
I couldn't help thinking through all this what a wonderful festival this was, created by Ingrid James 10 years ago and still run by Ingrid and her team of volunteers... and I must say that I had this feeling every night of the festival every time performers were engaging with each other and the audience.

03/10/2025

Next Friday October 10 - not only triple the vocals but also electric violin (George Washingmachine) and trombone (Dan Barnett). The Walrus Club The Raven Hotel

FRIDAY 10 OCTOBER 2025 @ BRISBANE JAZZ CLUB
This is a must – featuring GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE, DAN BARNETT AND LAUREN DAWES from Sydney plus band.
Brisbane Jazz Club I Dig Jazz Glen Kerridge Naomi Doessel JMI - Jazz Music Institute Brisbane Jazz Guide Jazz Singers' Jam Night Voices of Tomorrow
BOOK NOW: https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150696
Blending rich jazz tradition with soulful flair and irresistible charm, Trippple Trouble channels the legendary spirit of vocal groups like Lambert, Hendricks & Ross, The Four Freshmen and The Mills Brothers, while forging a fresh, modern sound all their own. From lush ballads that tug at the heartstrings to tight, thrilling harmonies and high-octane s**t solos, Trippple Trouble delivers a genre-defying mix of jazz, blues and soul that’s as musically dazzling as it is joyfully entertaining. Joining them on stage for some more mischief will be Paul Henderson - guitar and Samuel Vincent - bass.

Whether reimagining timeless standards or presenting stunning original arrangements, this trio of vocal virtuosos brings charisma, chemistry, and killer chops to every stage. Trippple the voices. Trippple the vibe. Trippple the trouble.

MORE ABOUT THE ARTISTS:

Dan Barnett is Sydney’s premier vocalist & trombonist. “His singing veers between Sinatra-esque cruising and something closer to Kurt Elling-adventurousness”. John Shand, Fairfax

DAN BARNETT was born into music, being the son of the legendary Sydney Bassist Cliff Barnett. He began his musical life as a Trombonist and quickly developed a love for singing and has since carved out an enviable reputation on the Australian music scene.

Having studied under some of the leading musicians in Australia and the USA, Dan Barnett went on to guest with a wide cross section of performers, ranging from Dragon, The Whitlams and Jimmy Barnes - to Mark Murphy, James Morrison and Tommy Emmanuel. He has also delighted theatre audiences with his featured roles in the Australian productions of Buddy (the Buddy Holly story), Testimony – The Legend of Charlie Parker and The Trocadero Dance Palace (Sydney festival). Dan was a runner up in the prestigious 2006 London International Jazz Competition for singers.

Dan is a renowned bandleader of both big band and small groups and has 9 critically acclaimed albums to his name.

GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE:
Known for his virtuosic high-energy violin playing and engaging stage presence, Australia's second most famous cultural export, George Washingmachine leads with characteristic eccentricity, charm and humour. A master showman whether playing toe-tapping jazz, soulful blues, or uplifting melodies, when it comes to knuckle-busting feats on a violin, George doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone! From Sydney, George Washingmachine is a captivating old school entertainer – he’s a violinist who sings, a blues guitarist, and a visual artist.

LAUREN DAWES hails from Sydney. She is known as a talented & soulful vocalist who has spent many years performing as a session & backing vocalists for some of the country’s most prominent artists, including James Morrison, Paulini, Guy Sebastian, Troy Cassar-Daly, Evermore and many more….

Lauren’s 2013 appearance on The Voice Australia led her to become a well-known household name. With ongoing support from her coach Seal, Lauren has the developed the confidence, ability and musical strength to be a standout performer in the entertainment industry.

23/09/2025

https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150973

19/09/2025

3 weeks to go!!! BOOK: www.brisbanejazzclub.com.au

Wed 8/10 - Mr Percival (Back in the Loop)

Thurs 9/10 - Lauren Dawes (For Eva: An Eva Cassidy Story)

Frid 10/10 - Dan Barnett|George Washingmachine|Lauren Dawes
(Trippple Trouble vocal ensemble)

Sat 11/10 - Workshop “Jazz Singers Toolkit” 1.30pm

Sat 11/10 - Luke Thompson from THE IDEA OF NORTH (Chet Baker Songbook)

Sun 12/10 - Kings and Queens of Jazz (Yani Mills, Larry Thomson, Asabi Goodman, Peter Uppman, Ruby Mills, Stu Fisher)azz

11/09/2025

WEDNESDAY 8 OCTOBER 2025 Brisbane Jazz Club
with MR PERCIVAL + Dave Spicer "BACK IN THE LOOP"
Book here: https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150970
Darren Percival Dave Spicer Brisbane Jazz Club Brisbane Jazz Guide Jazz Singers' Jam Night Glen Kerridge

​​MR. PERCIVAL RETURNS: AUSTRALIA’S VOCAL LOOPING LEGEND IS BACK IN THE SPOTLIGHT!

Before looping became a global phenomenon, before Ed Sheeran packed stadiums with nothing but a guitar and a pedalboard, Mr. Percival was already revolutionizing live music in Australia. A true pioneer of vocal looping, Darren Percival gave birth to his alter ego in 2003, at the dawn of a new era in sound technology. With nothing but his voice, a microphone, and an ever-evolving collection of loop pedals, he created entire symphonies on stage: layering harmonies, bass lines, and rhythms in real time, leaving audiences spellbound.

For over a decade, Mr. Percival was the highlight of Australia’s biggest music festivals, elite corporate events, and intimate live concerts; crafting spontaneous, one-of-a-kind performances that had to be seen to be believed. His ability to turn thin air into music, to weave entire compositions from a single breath, made him a must-see act long before the world caught on to the magic of looping.

NOW, MR PERCIVAL IS BACK – after boldly resonating out of television in the lounge rooms of millions of Australians on the first series of The Voice, his unforgettable and uplifting performances went straight to their hearts.

Artistically inspired since a young age growing up in Mexico and studying later in Sydney, Darren soon met and toured with jazz icon James Morrison. What followed was a decade of musical adventures all over the world, culminating in a recent Australian tour with Morrison to celebrate his 60th birthday.

Throughout his career, Darren has been featured on numerous recordings, jingles and voice-overs with artists like Jimmy Barnes, James Morrison, Guy Sebastian, The Whitlams, Marcia Hines, and Bobby McFerrin.

Darren is without a doubt, a master of play and spontaneity, as an artist on stage, and with the audience! Expect a jaw-dropping, joyful, interactive musical vocal experience, which will leave you with a sense of connection and awe!

Reviews:

“He’s the best singer I’ve seen live. Mr. Percival is an A Capella genius, able to construct a song using just his voice and a series of loop pedals. He mimics double bass and drums and loops them to create backings and also records vocal harmonies to create melodically rich songs. Seeing it done before your eyes is a fantastic experience.” Dom Alessio, Brag Sydney

“To thicken the night further, Darren Percival opened proceedings with a solo set of his looped singing and vocal percussion. He becomes ever more remarkable at doing this, his singing, effortlessly groovy and unassumingly virtuosic, even manifesting vulnerability. The looping made it something of a magic act, and yet Percival's honesty completely trumped any sense of trickery”.
John Shand, Sydney Morning Herald

11/09/2025

SUNDAY 12 OCTOBER 2025 @ Brisbane Jazz Club
3.30pm to 6pm (doors 2.30pm)
KINGS AND QUEENS OF JAZZ
Book here: https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150699
Brisbane Jazz Club Voices of Tomorrow Brisbane Jazz Guide Jazz Singers' Jam Night Stu Fisher Larry Thomson Peter Uppman Asabi E Goodman Ruby Isabella Mills Sing With Yani Yani Mills Glen Kerridge

Step into the royal court of jazz as we once again celebrate the legends whose music earned them regal status on stage and in our hearts. From the velvet-voiced crooners to powerhouse queens of song, Kings and Queens of Jazz returns by popular demand: bigger, bolder and more soulful than ever!

With the John Reeves Trio setting the stage ablaze, an exceptional lineup of Queensland talent will pay tribute to jazz royalty:

• Peter Uppman brings the smooth sophistication of Mel Tormé, known to his fans as the “Velvet Fog.”
• Yani Mills shines a spotlight on Maria Muldaur, who had long and deep blues connections with Memphis Minnie.
• Larry Thomson channels the timeless elegance of the great Tony Bennett.
• Asabi Goodman honours the one and only “Queen of Jazz,” Ella Fitzgerald.
• Ruby Mills will dazzle with her interpretations of the iconic “Queen of Blues” and one of the most popular female recording artists of the 1950s, Dinah Washington.
• Stu Fisher, the multi-talented performer, brings to life the legendary Sammy Davis Jr., “Mister Show Business” himself.

Join us for an afternoon of unforgettable performances, heartfelt tributes, and timeless classics—performed by some of the finest voices and entertainers in Queensland jazz.

Don’t miss this soulful celebration of the masters who made jazz their own.

11/09/2025

SATURDAY 11 OCTOBER 1.30PM Brisbane Jazz Club
DAN, GEORGE AND LAUREN "Jazz Singers Toolkit Workshop'
Book here: https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150697

Brisbane Jazz ClubVoices of Tomorrow Brisbane Jazz Guide Jazz Singers' Jam Night Glen Kerridge I Dig Jazz Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Gig Guide
Each year, BVJF takes the opportunity @ to facilitate a workshop with some of our visiting National or International artists. This year, three of Australia’s most seasoned and celebrated jazz vocalists, who collectively have had decades of international and national live performance, recording, teaching, bandleading experience, will be in town to share their invaluable knowledge. Dan Barnett, George Washingmachine and Lauren Dawes from Sydney, (who will also be performing as TRIPPPLE TROUBLE on Friday 10 October as part of BVJF) invite you to a dynamic, hands-on Jazz Singers’ Toolkit Workshop at the iconic Brisbane Jazz Club on Saturday 11th October at 1:30pm.
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Open to all ages and experience levels, this workshop is a rare opportunity to learn directly from some of the best in the business. Together, Dan, Lauren, and George will explore a range of essential topics including:
S**t singing & improvisation
Ballad interpretation & tempo choices
Group harmonies & vocal arranging
Choosing a repertoire that suits your voice
Working with a rhythm section
Live performance tips from the pros
Whether you're just starting out or an experienced vocalist looking to deepen your craft, you'll come away with practical tools, artistic insight and maybe even a brand-new tune learned together with the group! Bring your voice, your questions and your love of jazz.

DAN BARNETT
Dan Barnett is Sydney’s premier vocalist & trombonist. “His singing veers between Sinatra-esque cruising and something closer to Kurt Elling-adventurousness”. John Shand, Fairfax

Dan Barnett was born into music being the son of the legendary Sydney Bassist Cliff Barnett. He began his musical life as a Trombonist and quickly developed a love for singing and has since carved out an enviable reputation on the Australian music scene.

Having studied under some of the leading musicians in Australia and the USA, Dan Barnett went on to guest with a wide cross section of performers ranging from Dragon, The Whitlams and Jimmy Barnes - to Mark Murphy, James Morrison and Tommy Emmanuel. He has also delighted theatre audiences with his featured roles in the Australian productions of Buddy (the Buddy Holly story), Testimony – The Legend of Charlie Parker and The Trocadero Dance Palace (Sydney festival). Dan was a runner up in the prestigious 2006 London International Jazz Competition for singers.

Dan is a renowned bandleader of both big band and small groups and has 9 critically acclaimed albums to his name.

GEORGE WASHINGMACHINE
Known for his virtuosic high-energy violin playing and engaging stage presence, Australia's second most famous export George Washingmachine leads with characteristic eccentricity, charm and humour. A master showman whether playing toe-tapping jazz, soulful blues, or uplifting melodies, when it comes to knuckle-busting feats on a violin, George doesn’t play second fiddle to anyone! From Sydney, George Washingmachine is a captivating old school entertainer – he’s a violinist who sings, a blues guitarist, and a visual artist.

LAUREN DAWES
Lauren hails from Sydney. She is known as a talented & soulful vocalist who has spent many years performing as a session & backing vocalists for some of the country’s most prominent artists, including James Morrison, Paulini, Guy Sebastian, Troy Cassar-Daly, Evermore and many more…

Lauren’s 2013 appearance on The Voice, Australia led her to become a well-known household name. With ongoing support from her coach Seal, Lauren has the developed the confidence, ability and musical strength to be a standout performer in the entertainment industry.

11/09/2025

THURSDAY 9 OCTOBER @ BRISBANE JAZZ CLUB
'FOR EVA: AN EVA CASSIDY STORY' with Lauren Dawes, Sydney
+ Trio
Book Here: https://brisbanejazzclub.sales.ticketsearch.com/sales/salesevent/150973
Brisbane Jazz Club Voices of Tomorrow Brisbane Jazz Guide Jazz Singers' Jam Night Stu Robertson 4ZZZ



“Subtle, intense, pure!”

BVJF 2025 is pleased to introduce Lauren Dawes from Sydney, who shot to fame as a finalist on The Voice, quickly becoming an audience favourite thanks to her soulful voice and magnetic presence. Deeply inspired by the legendary Eva Cassidy, Lauren cites the beloved artist as a profound influence on both her musical career and personal journey.

Lauren has collaborated with some of the finest musicians including Seal, Guy Sebastian, Evermore, Steve Clisby and Paulini. With her rich, emotive voice and heartfelt delivery, she brings new life to the timeless repertoire of Eva Cassidy, offering original interpretations of classics such as ‘Fields of Gold’, ‘Songbird’, ‘Wade in the Water’, ‘People Get Ready’ to ‘What a Wonderful World’, ‘Over the Rainbow’, ‘Ain’t No Sunshine’, ‘Kathy’s Song’, ‘Stormy Monday’, and many more.

Capturing the subtlety, emotional depth, and purity that defined Eva’s sound, Lauren delivers a stirring tribute that resonates deeply with audiences.

She will be joined on stage by some of Queensland’s finest musicians – Paul Henderson on Guitar, Samuel Vincent on Bass and Paul Hudson on Drums.

For Eva: An Eva Cassidy Story is a moving, musical journey through Eva Cassidy’s short but impactful life, told through beautifully reimagined Jazz, Blues, Gospel, Folk, and Pop classics.

This is a performance not to be missed!
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ABOUT EVA CASSIDY:
An American Singer and Guitarist, Eva Marie Cassidy was well known for her interpretations of Jazz, Blues, Folk, Gospel, Country and Pop classics. Born in Washington D.C in 1963, she was virtually unknown outside of her hometown. She officially released only two albums during her life, one of which was the popular Live at Blues Alley released in 1996, the same year as her untimely death.
It wasn't until the year 2000 that Eva Cassidy was bought to world-wide attention when her version of ‘Over the Rainbow’ was played by Terry Wogan on BBC Radio 2. With such an overwhelming response, a camcorder recording of the same song was featured in Top of the Pops on BBC 2 to even greater acclaim. Shortly after this, the compilation album Songbird climbed to the top of the UK Album Charts, almost 3 years after its initial release! This chart success in the UK and Ireland led to increased recognition of Eva Cassidy's work worldwide and what followed were a series of recordings released after her death. Three of these albums became no.1 records in the UK and have now sold more than 10 million copies.