A little birdie tells us there’s only one place in Melbourne to catch the best jazz in town this September: Bird’s Basement.
If its location on Singers Lane in the CBD is anything to go by, Bird’s Basement should be your go-to this month for all things iconic jazz, legendary musicians and, of course, world-class singers.
This September, their lineup is packed with gigs that will have you swinging into spring with rhythm and groove. From seasoned Grammy-award winners to a rare masterclass from an industry icon, there’s something for every jazz lover at Bird’s this month.
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Settle into a plush seat at the Basement, cocktail in hand (each named after a jazz icon, of course), and soak up some jazz by the legends that keep the scene alive and vibrant. A Nina Simone gin spritz, anyone? Read on to get a taste of the shows that are happening at Bird’s Basement this September.
The Harmonix Experience
- Wednesday 11 and 25 September
- Tickets here
The Harmonix Experience is back for their bimonthly residency at Bird’s, and this Wednesday in September couldn’t come quick enough. Consisting of Jake Mason, Andrew Sann, Albare, Paul Williamson and Salva Persico, the band will take you on a journey through jazz, funk and more. Expect a masterclass in improvisation as they pay tribute to musical icons while adding their own spin to the mix.
The James Morrison Quintet with Marian Petrescu
- Thursday 12 September to Saturday 14 September
- Tickets here
Two legends of the jazz game are gearing up to alight the Basement with three epic nights and days of music. On Thursday 12, Friday 13 and Saturday 14 in September, legacy jazz musician James Morrison and his quintet, alongside Grammy-award winning pianist Marian Petrescu, will deliver unforgettable performances that place centre-stage their boundless creativity. There’ll be both early shows (7.30pm start) and late shows (10pm start) on each of the three days, so you’ve got no excuse not to make it down to Bird’s.
Frank Gambale All Stars
- Tuesday 17 September to Saturday 21 September
- Tickets here
No musical genre is safe when it comes to Frank Gambale. With a diverse musical style that encompasses jazz, funk, rock and Latin influences, Frank knows his way around a show, to say the least. Joining Frank over these five massive days of phenomenal music is the All Stars lineup: Dave Weckl on drums, Dominique Di Piazza on bass and Jerry Léonide on keys.
Frank Gambale Masterclass
- Sunday 22 September
- Tickets here
It’s only fitting that this legend is delivering a masterclass in music. Catch Frank Gambale on the Bird’s Basement stage again this September with a class from the master himself on his revolutionary sweep picking technique. The session will cover improvisation concepts, understanding modes, as well as professional insights from his career. The masterclass will go for 2 hours and begin at 3pm. Hurry – tickets are sure to sell fast.
The Jazz Alchemists
- Wednesday 25 September
- Tickets here
The Jazz Alchemists are back for their bi-monthly residency, ready to make some magic happen on stage. Watch on as Mat Jodrell, Albare, Paul Williamson, Phil Rex, Andrew Swann and Salva Persico perform wizardry right in front of your eyes and transform simple music sketches into spontaneous performances. Abracadab-jazz!
Australian Foreigner Show: The Cold as Ice Tour
- Thursday 26 September
- Tickets here
Love Foreigner? You’re going to love this tribute show at Bird’s this September. Led by Ben Jovi of The Australian Bon Jovi Show, The Australian Foreigner Show both celebrates one of the greatest rock bands of all time and brings something wholly new, wholly exciting to the stage. Come and enjoy your favourite Foreigner hits, and maybe even discover some new favourites.
Joseph Tawadros: Virtuoso
- Friday 27 September
- Tickets here
You’ve not yet seen great music until you’ve witnessed the virtuoso that is Joseph Tawadros. The Egyptian born, Australian-based Oud player will transform your night with a performance that is sure to cut right to your core. Both joyous and honest, heartfelt and challenging, Joseph’s craftsmanship seamlessly interweaves jazz, classical and world music together in what can only be described as a transcendental experience.
B# Big Band with Eugene Hamilton and Yvette Johansson
- Saturday 28 September
- Tickets here
Bird’s is bringing the B# Big Band to the stage, welcoming the king and queen of glam to the Basement with a massive show of all the classics from original and recent eras of swing music. Eugene Hamilton and Yvette Johansson are no strangers to the swing scene, and with the high class ten-piece B# Big Band backing them, this will no doubt be a swing show for the history books.
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This article was made in partnership with Bird’s Basement.
