This week at The Ellington

After a great NYE celebration and a well earned break, we are back on from Wednesday this week with a great program of music. Click here for tickets

WEDNESDAY 8.00pm Random Act
Random Act is an 8 piece swing/blues band with a dynamic, gutsy sound designed to get you dancing on the outside – or on the inside if that’s your style. Random Act had its genesis in the 70's when three of its members were at school together. After mixed episodes and absences of music making they returned to their musical roots and came together once again while playing with the WA Symphonic Wind Ensemble. Discovering a love of big band/swing music led them to regular performances with WASWE Swing and a musical collaboration with lead vocalist Kate Hodgkin. Luci Anderson (alto), Ivan Shaw (tenor), Barry Telfer (trumpet), Geoff Connor (bass), Grant Ingvarson (guitar), Dave Cohen (keys) and Tyler Michie (drums).

THURSDAY 8.00pm The Tilman and Ben Experience
Tilman Robinson and Ben Vanderwal team up to present the music of Thad Jones and Bob Brookmeyer directly to your ear canals via a band of Perth's best established and emerging musicians. Featuring many of the raucous arrangements that made the Thad Jones / Mel Lewis Orchestra so famous and some of the more left-of-centre compositions that made people leave, this gig will have something for everyone. Saxophones: Carl Mackey, Ben Collins, Sean Little, Brett Smith, Mark Sprogowski. Trombones: Jeremy Greig, Tilman Robinson, James Cross, Rob Coleman Trumpets: Ricki Malet, Callum G'Froerer, Andrew Gioia, Sam Timmerman. Piano: Tal Cohen, Bass: Peter Jeavons, Drums: Ben Vanderwal

FRIDAY 8.00pm The music of Amy Winehouse
Amy Winehouse was an artist living beyond her years. Her passion for jazz/doo wop/soul can easily be recognized in her music, Tragic and suddenly she leaves us all with a catalogue of treasures to have and to hold. Celebrating the musical life of Amy Winehouse is a privilege and an honor. Perth singer Melody Whittle, along with a Stella Lineup of perth's finest musicians, are excited to commemorate the life & works of the one and only - AMY WINEHOUSE. This night will include favorites from both of Amy's' Frank' & 'Back to Black' albums along with some of her favorites and a little extra. Melody Whittle (vocals), Simon Jeans (guitar) Graham Wood (keys), Ricki Mallet (trumpet), James Sandon (sax), Hans Fiance (bass) and Joe Whittle (drums).

FRIDAY 11.30pm Late Night Groove Series featuring Amanda Dee
Amanda Dee has extensive experience as a solo performer of 18 years. Leading one of perth’s most dedicated and long running bands soothe, and with 100’s of breathtaking solo performances under her belt, vocalist Amanda Dee is a force to be reckoned with. Her vast career has seen her perform a long running Diana Ross show, a state wide sell out show called ‘Imagine’ celebrating the music of Paul McCartney & John Lennon and is currently running a dazzling ‘Dream Girls’ show which debuted in a preview show for Ronald McDonald house charities. Her commitment to her craft has seen her work with the best musicians this city has to offer and she is constantly in demand as a performer.

SATURDAY 8.00pm The music of Amy Winehouse
See Friday listing

SATURDAY 11.30pm Late Night Groove Series featuring Melissa Erpen
Back at The Ellington for a much anticipated solo show - Melissa will rock you with her powerful blend of soul, groove and r’n’b. In 2004 Melissa won a WAM (Western Australian Music) award in songwriting which fuelled her passion to create and develop her music further. Melissa was also nominated for a “Young Australian of the year” award for her contribution to the Arts in 2006. Being a regular on the Perth music scene, Melissa has performed in both acoustic and big band acts covering a large range of music styles. Melissa also has an original project entitled "Atira" where she has recorded and played alongside some of Australia's most talented and in demand musicians. Atira recently launched their debut album "Butterfly Rocket" at the Fly By Night Club to rave reviews. Melissa's smooth as silk vocals and powerful dynamics will make you come back for more, time and time again.

SUNDAY 6.30pm That Velvet Echo
That Velvet Echo has been one of the hardest working projects since they formed with over 280 live appearances (and counting) from February 2010 through to October 2011 being lucky enough to travel, tour and share the stages with some true Australian and traveling greats and some of Australia’s most amazing and influential unsigned and local talent, and many other influential, independent artists. With this introduction the duo found encouragement and influence through every performance they played and have not given any opportunity the chance to become a wasted one.

MONDAY 7.00pm Grace Woodroofe
With her uniquely warm, husky, and sometimes mournful voice, Grace Woodroofe is already making a special mark on the music scene. At just twenty years of age, Perth-born Grace possesses wisdom and artistry well beyond her years. “I was greatly inspired by blues singers, and developed my own blues indie sound”. At the age of sixteen, Grace’s demo was placed in the capable hands of Ben Harper by none other than the late Heath Ledger. “I got an email from Heath saying ‘I think you make really honest, pure music, and I want to help you get it out there’. Heath flew me out to LA, and he organised for me to do some recordings with several producers that he thought could help me. That’s when I first met Ben”. She has since forged a wonderful reputation and following in Perth and abroad through inspired, passionate performances looks set to take the world by storm. and In the words of Mr. Ben Harper himself, ‘You are not going to believe this girl’.


Coming soon:
January 12 Scottie Miller (USA)
January 13 Rachel Price (USA)
January 15 Lucky Seven (Adelaide)
January 17 Graeme Blevins (UK)
January 19 Grant Windsor (UK)
January 27 & 28 Sarah McLeod (Sydney)
January 29 Rupert Guenther (Melbourne)
February 2 Nina Ferro (UK)
February 9 Horse (UK)
February 17 & 18 (late show) Rachel Claudio (Paris)
February 16 Lucie Thorne and Hamish Stuart (Sydney)
February 25 Hetty Kate (Melbourne)
February 26 Pugsley Buzzard (Sydney)
March 27 Pierre Bensusan (France)