UNESCO International Jazz Day today at The Ellington

It's a big day for Jazz around the world as we join the celebrations for the inaugural International Jazz Day. Head on down tonight from 7.30 to catch the action and hear exciting news regarding The Ellington Winter Jazz Fest and the proposed 2013 Perth International Jazz Festival. Also a big congratulations to Troy Roberts (performing at The Ellington July 19) who has been asked to perform at the UN General Assembly Hall for Herbie Hancock's launch of the first ever International Jazz Day. He will be representing Australia and playing with Wayne Shorter (USA), Richard Bona (Cameroon), Zakir Hussain (India) and Vinnie Colaiuta (USA). Also sharing the stage for the event will be Tony Bennett, Chaka Khan, Stevie Wonder, Christian McBride, Herbie Hancock, Jack DeJohnette, Esperanza Spaulding, Dee Dee Bridgewater and Joe Lovano. The event will be co- hosted by Robert De Niro, Michael Douglas, Morgan Freeman and Quincy Jones. New shows this week from Elbow Grease (Tuesday), Airbenders (Wednesday), WAYJO (Thursday) and Eran James (Sunday). The early Friday trio sets are back for winter so check out the TLC organ trio this Friday from 6.00pm.

MONDAY 7.00pm UNESCO International Jazz Day
This event is bought to you by The Ellington Jazz Club, The Perth Jazz Society, The Western Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, The Jazz department at WAPPA and JAZZWA. On the 26th August 2011, The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) designated the 30 April each year as International Jazz Day. It is intended to unite communities, schools and other groups all over the world to celebrate and learn more about the art of jazz and how it has become part of our culture. UNESCO notes that jazz represents a very unique form of music which can be a unifying force for positive engagement among diverse groups. This evening will feature performances by some of Perths' leading Jazz professionals including Jamie Oehlers, Graham Wood, Allira Wilson, Carl Mackey, Benn Hodgkinson, Jeremy Greig, Karl Florisson and Jacob Evans. Also an outstanding ensemble of Jazz students from the Western Australian Academy of Performing Arts - Saffron Sharp (Vocals), Luke Minness (Saxophone), Oliver Christie (Bass), Jeremy Thomson (Guitar) and Phil Stroud (drums). Click here for tickets

TUESDAY 8.00pm Elbow Grease
Five of Perth’s up and comers have joined to create Elbow Grease, a group focusing on the original compositions of all band members, and other musicians on the jazz scene. Taking influence in particular from the American band Kneebody, the group strives to create a band sound with an electronic edge, with the focus shifted towards the overall effect of the tune, rather than the individual solos. Don’t miss this night of new creative music. Sean Little (Tenor Sax), Andrew Gioia (Trumpet), Lewis Moody (Keyboards, Electronics), Djuna Lee (Bass) and Jacob Evans (Drums). Click here for tickets

WEDNESDAY 8.00pm The Airbenders (Adelaide)
The Airbenders come to Perth for the first time to launch their new self titled CD.  The brainchild of Adelaide stalwarts Mike Stewart (sax) and Paul White (hammond organ) joined by Perth's own Freddie Grigson - guitar and Chris Tarr - drums. The Airbenders play an infectious mix of blues, jazz and soul that makes everyone in the room feel good. Mike Stewart - having spent three years in New York studying and playing with jazz masters such as Jon Faddis, Jimmy Heath, Joe Lovano and Frank Wess, Mike has returned to Adelaide to take up a teaching position at the Elder Conservatorium.  As well as the Airbenders he runs his own big band and trio - SongBook.  He also works as Coordinator for JazzSA and is much in demand as a sideman, clinician and teacher. Paul White is one of the premier Hammond organ players in Australia.  Having cut his teeth with a wide variety of local bands Paul has performed around Australia with a multitude of international and national music legends. Click here for tickets

THURSDAY 8.00pm WAYJO tribute concert - Duke Ellington
Join WAYJO as they celebrate the jazz greats with their annual Tribute Series concerts. Tonight WAYJO salutes the great Duke Ellington in true swinging style. Then celebrate the unofficial 60th anniversary of Bossa Nova and feel the rhythmic beats of Rio just as it was in the 50s, with WAYJO's performance of this vibrant fusion of samba and jazz. Click here for tickets

FRIDAY 6.00pm TLC Organ Trio
Tom O'Halloran (Organ), Laurence (Freddie) Grigson (Guitar) and Chris Tarr (Drums). This band is a fine addition to the scene and The Ellington welcomes their return performance for another fantastic session of blues and soul in the organ trio tradition of Jimmy Smith, Shirley Scott, Joey Defrancesco, Larry Golding and Dr. Lonnie Smith. Definitely the coolest and funkiest blues based combo in town. Click here for tickets

FRIDAY 8.00pm Libby Hammer Quintet
A favourite among Perth audiences and musicians alike, jazz vocalist Libby Hammer brings an explosion of energy, vocal style and personality to the Ellington stage. Along with a top notch quartet, Libby delivers fun yet dramatic interpretations of a repertoire that stretches from classic to quirky.  Click here for tickets

FRIDAY 11.30pm Late Night Groove Series featuring Solomon Pitt
One of Perth’s best hidden secrets; the eclectically soulful Solomon Pitt  was raised singing in church (and does so, still to this day), and with a musical family, he has a diverse range of musical influences from classic Gospel artists like CeCe Winans and Alvin Slaughter right through to classic rock, reggae and r&b artists. A unique soulful voice, encompassing heart and energy, Solomon will take you on a journey through a world of r&b and neosoul grooves for unforgettable real urban experience. Click here for tickets

SATURDAY 8.00pm Juliana Areias – The Sounds of Brazil
Brazil! The very word excites the imagination with a delicious and unique blend of rhythms and sensations. From fresh arrangements of Jobim’s classics such as The Girl from Ipanema and Sergio Mendes’ popular samba recording Mas que nada to contemporary  Brazilian icons -  Djavan, Joao Bosco, Lenine, Ceu, Maria Gadu, Maria Rita, Rita Lee, Zelia Duncan,  Adriana Calcanhoto,  Arlindo Cruz, Moacyr Luz  and Aldyr Blanc – The Sounds of Brazil show also features some of Juliana’s original songs. On board with Juliana Areias on this sensuous musical journey, is a stellar line up of new talents: just arrived Brazilian multi instrumentalist Leandro Cezarino (guitar, cavaquinho and percussion); pianist Jeremy Poole-Johnson, bassist Joe Southwell and drummer Bronton Ainsworth; plus surprise special guests. Click here for tickets

SATURDAY 11.30pm JL and the Imagin8s
Back by popular demand at the Ellington Late Night Grooves Session are the Imagin8's. Featuring the distinctly soulfull vocals Jade Crompton. Jade Crompton, the youngest daughter of Stax recording artist CL Blast, has inherited her funk soul and power from her famed father, but developed her talent and style further by her love and interest of many genre's of music. The Imagin8's shows are known for, great music, a selections form a collection of genre's and most importantly entertainment with a capital E! You can always expect a suprise. You will be moved, uplifted, amused and left with a smile on your face. Click here for tickets

SUNDAY 6.00pm Eran James (Melbourne)
Four years ago Sir Elton John heard Eran sing and put him on the road as his support act. Elton asked Eran what he wanted. “I want to play and write and sing songs that come from my life, my heart and my experiences and which will touch the lives of others. Elton asked Eran back to London with him to meet and work with the best creative minds in the business. “Elton gave me confidence in my own songs. He told me that he only started to find himself when he and Bernie Taupin stopped trying to write hits and started trying to write great songs.” Eran’s latest supporter and collaborator is Grammy award winning producer Robin Millar “Anyone who has a heart and a soul and who cares about the world should listen to Eran James”. Click here for tickets

Coming soon:
May 11 & 12 Kristin Beradi (Sydney)
May 18 & 19 (Late shows) Natasha Mousuff (Melbourne) EP Launch
May 20 Hannibal Means (Austria/USA)
May 25 & 26 Hank Marvin Quartet
May 27 Barney McAll (NYC)
May 30 & 31 Bob Hirst (NYC)
June 2 Josh Kyle (UK)
June 3 Sean Coffin (Sydney)
June 4 & 5 Samuel Yirga Quartet (Ethiopia)
June 14, 15 & 16 Tim Freedman (The Whitlams) Fireside Chat
June 19 Trevor Watts and Veryan Weston (UK)
June 27 Nadia Ackerman (NYC)
June 28 Benny Lackner Trio (USA)
July 19 Troy Roberts (USA)
July 27 & 28 Narissa Campbell (NYC)
August 2 Scott Tinkler (Melbourne)
August 9 Bob Barrett (USA)