Monthly Live Music

WHEN: 4th Friday of the month.

TIMES: Bar from 5pm. Music from 5:30 – 7:30pm

NEXT EVENT: Friday 22 September – Rachael Thoms presents Jazz Divas: Sarah, Billie & Beyond

COST: Entry by donation

UPCOMING EVENTS:

• No event in October
• Friday 24 November: Leisa Keen Trio

Rachael Thoms: Ella, Sarah, Billie and Beyond

Versatile vocalist Rachael Thoms is joined by two of Canberra’s most sought-after musicians, guitarist Lachlan Coventry, and bassist Chris Pound to deliver a sophisticated performance of songs made famous by the great female jazz singers of the last century. The moving and inimitable vocal performances of Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Sarah Vaughan, and other great women made a significant, yet often underacknowledged contribution to the development of the jazz art form. Their collective artistry and unique musicality left an indelible legacy that continues to shape and influence many of the great singers of today. This is a concert experience not to be missed by lovers of the sung jazz tradition.

Voice – Rachael Thoms

Rachael is one of a new breed of truly versatile vocalists, with a voice described as rich, ethereal, soulful, and highly polished. She is uniquely accomplished in multiple genres, holding degrees in both jazz and classical performance, with over 30 years of performing experience. She recently recorded with Australian jazz virtuoso, composer, and pianist Andrea Keller, and has shared the stage with renowned artists such as George Benson, Larry Carlton, Vince Jones, Little Pattie, Lior, and Rob Guest. She is currently undertaking PhD research at the Australian National University School of Music where she is a lecturer and voice teacher.

Guitar – Lachlan Coventry 

Regularly seen playing gigs in and around Canberra, wielding a guitar or bass, Lachlan’s versatility, creative freedom, and technical mastery are widely known. His creative projects as a freelance musician span jazz, folk, rock and country music. A graduate of the ANU School of Music, Lachlan is now on staff as a guitar tutor and a PhD researcher.

Double Bass – Chris Pound

Bassist Chris Pound hails from Canberra where he studied music at the ANU. He has performed with a diverse range of artists from Australia and abroad, spanning a wide range of musical disciplines. His strong fundamental sound and feel have rendered him in high demand upon his return to the Australian Jazz scene.

Recent performances:

Divine Devilles

Singer/songwriters/musicians, Ali Penney and Dorothy-Jane “DJ” Gosper, come together as Divine Devilles. Two well-travelled souls, each with a swag of awards, a suitcase full of songs, hearts on their sleeves and a love of that sweet, swinging, shuffling, grooving place where Blues and Jazz meet.

Since 2013 this powerhouse duo have entertained audiences across Australasia with their award-winning vocals, keys and blues-harp and songs that draw on their lived experiences. “…with hard luck tales enough to break your heart or knock you off your chair with laughter!” – Jocelyn Aydon, Fringe West Films NZ

Their latest EP “Blues By Our Side” will be available on the night.

Ali and DJ are thrilled to be joined by their very special guest, Mooondog (guitarist, harmonica player, singer, songwriter and Blues powerhouse). The 3 will share their stories and songs in an evening of groovy Bluesy goodness.

Creswick (Liam Budge)

Hot off the heels of “In His Words: Voices of Fatherhood”, Liam Budget joins us at the Tuggeranong Arts Centre on Friday 28 July for the July lakeside at 5 event.

Since releasing his debut jazz album to critical acclaim and a four star review in The Australian, Creswick (F.ka Liam Budge) has continued to establish himself as one of Australia’s leading vocalists and song-writers. In 2014 Creswick relocated to New York City to begin working on new musical ventures and projects. During this year Creswick recorded and played with New York City’s finest musicians including Chad Lefkowitz-Brown, Kris Bowers & Brad Williams. Liam also studied under Grammy-Winning Jazz Vocalist Kurt Elling.

Most recently Creswick launched his jazz project “Creswick” and released a self-titled Debut EP in 2018. This EP featured guitarist Nir Felder (John Mayer, Chaka Khan) and saxophonist Troy Roberts (Van Morrison, Jeff Tain Watts). Liam has performed on many of New York’s finest and storied stages, including Blue Note Jazz Club, Madison Square Garden, Jazz at the Lincoln Center, The Bitter End and Rockwood Music Hall.

Creswick has won several awards and recognitions including the Australia Arts Council’s ArtStart Scholarship, James Morrison Generations in Jazz Award and two ARTSACT scholarships.

Key Grip

Key Grip’s Angela Lount and Leo Joseph present A Journey from Blues to Jazz and Back

Blues and Jazz – forever intertwined. Sometimes it can be hard to tell where one finishes and the other starts. Angela and Leo always set out to take their audience on a journey through classic blues songs to well-known jazz standards and plenty of others from that wonderful sweet spot in between. 

Angela Lount is one of Canberra’s best-known jazz and blues musicians. Angela uses her soulful voice to inhabit a song. She might disappear into every song she sings but she will always take the enthralled audience with her as she breathes life into everything she sings.  Like it says on Key Grip’s latest album “Signals and Gains”, ya gotta just get out and hear her sing. 

Leo Joseph is a blues and jazz piano player who returned to Australia in 2005 from 8 years in the US and has been based in Canberra ever since. Whether it is in Key Grip, or in duo shows providing the foundation for Angela Lount’s simply stunning vocals, or at his regular solo blues piano gigs, Leo brings colour and motion to you straight from those 88 keys. 

Bella Groove

Blending funky jazz and upbeat grooves, Bella Groove creates a fun and relaxed vibe. With over 30 years’ experience performing in Australia and USA, Elise Walsh (Vocalist//Flautist) now calls Canberra home. She was a recipient of a Canberra Critic’s Circle Music Award in 2017, for leadership as a vocalist, flautist, and songwriter. Her original music reflects her eclectic appreciation of many styles and years of experience.

For the gig at Tuggeranong Arts Centre, Elise has assembled a band of fine musicians, who will perform a range of music from her groovy originals to some all-time favourites!

Toby Hall (drums) is a highly regarded Australian drummer, featuring on over 30 Australian CDs. He works with many of Australia’s finest jazz and contemporary musicians, including Alister Spence, Sandy Evans, James Greening, Dale Barlow, Mike Nock, Lloyd Swanton, Dorian Mode and Vince Jones.

Matt Lustri (guitarist/vocals) is a sought-after live and recording artist. He has toured throughout Australia with various bands, performed internationally in Malaysia and Singapore, and featured on over 20 albums and at many notable festivals.

Chris Pound (bass) studied Music at the ANU. He has performed with a diverse range of artists from Australia and abroad, spanning a wide range of musical disciplines. His strong fundamental sound and feel have rendered him in high demand upon his return to the Australian Jazz scene.

TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE

Canberra’s very own ‘TWO BLONDES + A BLOKE’ present their entertaining show of iconic hits stirred with jazz, blues and pizzazz.

Featuring the formidable talents of Blues mama Gaye Reid, songstress Lisa McClelland with pianoman extraordinaire John Black, their distinctive vocal stylings bring to life their own take on popular songs that have contributed to “The Soundtrack of Our Lives”.

Endearing audiences with their performance, get set to enjoy a thoroughly entertaining show of soul stirring songs, beautiful harmonies, piano mastery and cheeky fun.

These seasoned entertainers have known each other personally and professionally for 30 years. They have performed in many combos including the Marvellous Miz Demeanours and the BlackSchu Band, in musicals, cabaret shows and at jazz and blues festivals across Australia, plus on international stages from China to Samoa to Europe.

Rachael and Friends – Friday 24 March

Versatile vocalist, Rachael Thoms will be joined by two of Canberra’s most sought-after musicians, guitarist Lachlan Coventry, and bassist Chris Pound to present a program of beautiful songs spanning time and the wonderfully rich tapestry that is ‘jazz’. Old meets new, vocal meets instrumental, American meets European, and Frédéric Chopin meets Wayne Shorter in what promises to be a diverse and enchanting showcase of moving and meaningful music, interpreted in unique and transformative ways by three of your favourite Canberra jazz musicians. 

Rachael Thoms (voice): A graduate of the ANU School of Music with degrees in jazz and classical vocal performance, Rachael is one of a new breed of uniquely versatile vocalists.

She is the recipient of multiple awards and scholarships and has performed in many of Australia’s cultural institutions. She is currently completing her PhD, researching jazz vocal pedagogy and improvisation at the Australian National University School of Music where she is a lecturer and voice teacher.

Lachlan Coventry (guitar): Regularly seen playing gigs in and around Canberra, wielding a guitar or bass, Lachlan’s versatility, creative freedom, and technical mastery is widely known. His creative projects as a freelance musician span jazz, folk, rock and country music. A graduate of the ANU School of Music, Lachlan is now on staff as a guitar tutor and a PhD researcher.

Chris Pound (double bass): Bassist Chris Pound hails from Canberra where he studied Music at the ANU. He has performed with a diverse range of artists from Australia and abroad, spanning a wide range of musical disciplines. His strong fundamental sound and feel have rendered him in high demand upon his return to the Australian Jazz scene.

The Leisa Keen Trio – 3 February

The Leisa Keen Trio is one of Canberra’s busiest and most popular jazz combos, performing a smooth blend of well known jazz tunes, and pop tunes with their own “jazz treatment” of “Postmodern Jukebox” styled arrangements. Equally at home playing Rock’N’Roll, Soul and Disco, this diverse outfit consists of piano/vocals, drums and a horns. In constant demand for weddings and parties, Leisa also brings 25 years of musical theatre and cabaret experience to the trio, adapting it to suit both cabaret and corporate events. Expect an evening of good fun, groovey tunes and a touch of improvisation that will take you to a place beyond the mundane. You’ll be surprised, challenged, invigorated, stimulated and all together inspired.

Leisa Keen – piano and vocals.

John Mackey – Sax

Steve Richards – drums

Pachamama – 24 February

This month, Lakeside at 5 invites you to celebrate Latin American style with Pachamama. Pachamama, meaning Mother Earth in Quechua, is a Canberra quintet of accomplished musicians who all sing with a shared love of Latin American popular folk music. . They will inspire you with music both familiar and strange, speaking of love, longing and the fragile earth. The band includes: Cicilia Kemezys on flutes & melodica, Jorge Bontes on guitar & vocals, Marisol Pacheco on charango & percussion & vocals, Tony Hunter on mandolin & bouzouki and Mathew Armstong on bass. Their music weaves the textures, colours and cultural richness of South America with 4 part vocal harmonies and a colourful platter of exotic folk instruments: the charango, tres, guitar, flute, zampona, mandolin, bouzouki and percussion.