Experience an unforgettable night of world-class jazz as the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra, and the sensational Fem Belling take the stage, live at The Count’s. Celebrating the brilliance of Australian composers, singers, and arrangers, this performance showcases the depth of Australian jazz talent through dynamic new interpretations of iconic songs and fresh works by some of the country’s most respected big band writers.
Led by renowned musical director Daryl McKenzie, the Daryl McKenzie Jazz Orchestra (DMJO) brings together some of Australia’s top jazz musicians in a powerhouse ensemble known for its precision, versatility, and electrifying sound. For this special performance, the orchestra is joined by the dynamic and captivating Fem Belling—South African-born vocalist and violinist—whose extraordinary talent and magnetic stage presence have made her one of Australia’s most in-demand jazz performers.
The program highlights the rich palette of Australian songwriting through bold and expressive arrangements by leading Australian arrangers—breathing new life into familiar classics and shining a spotlight on emerging voices. The Count’s intimate and acoustically superb setting provides the perfect backdrop for this celebration of homegrown talent. Don’t miss an evening that promises passion, precision, and plenty of grooves — all in honour of Australia’s musical storytellers.
Fem Belling, is a trailblazer on the international jazz scene and has imprinted herself as one of Australia’s most formidable and in demand performers. Her African Jazz roots powerfully augment her unique musicality and interpretations. Hailing from a musical dynasty, she has performed with many jazz greats, locally and internationally. Performance highlights include Ronnie Scotts, Pizza Express, Soho Jazz Fest in the UK; North Sea Jazz Fest, Hong Kong Jazz Fest, Melbourne Int Jazz Fest, WOMADelaide, and Madajazzcar. She has performed alongside artists such as Gregory Porter, Reggie Watts, Femi Kuti, John Foreman, Hugh Masekela, The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra (ARIA nomination). A West End leading lady with a fierce CV of Musicals to her name: Liza Minelli in The Boy From Oz, Tracy Turnblad in Hairspray, Fame, Cats, JC Superstar. Fem has performed at the Royal Variety Show, The Dame Edna Show, The Australian Men’s Tennis Final. She is the Recipient of 5 VITA AWARDS and was nominated for the Green Room Award for Best Leading Actress and the Australian Women in Music Awards for Excellence in Music.
DMJO rose to national prominence in the 1990s as the house band for the Nine Network’s Hey Hey It’s Saturday, backing international stars such as Tom Jones, Joe Cocker, Barry Manilow, Bonnie Raitt, and Roger Daltrey, alongside Australian icons like Tina Arena, James Morrison and Human Nature. The band returned for the show’s reunion series in 2009 and has since featured on programs including Australia’s Got Talent, Dancing with the Stars, Carols by Candlelight and the Logie Awards.
The DMJO has performed across Australia and internationally in the USA, Malaysia, Malta and Norway, with appearances at high-profile events such as the Adelaide and Melbourne Grand Prix, the reopening of the Adelaide Casino and the Castlemaine State Festival. Their sound can also be heard on film soundtracks including Bran Nue Dae, The Wog Boy, Two Hands, Bootmen, Love and Other Catastrophes, Red Dog and The Truman Show.
The orchestra has recorded five critically acclaimed albums, with Return Journey receiving an Australian Bell Award nomination. They have featured regularly at Melbourne venues, performing alongside celebrated artists such as Darren Percival, Rhonda Burchmore, Nina Ferro, Grace Knight, Wilbur Wilde, Bruce Forman, Dannielle Gaha DeAndrea, Willie Murillo, Bill Watrous and Denis DiBlasio.
Make a meal of it! The music gets underway at 7.30pm, but arrive a bit earlier if you can. From 6.30pm, enjoy pre-show dinner and drinks at The Count’s Italian-style kitchen and bar.
