The Perth International Jazz Festival (PIJF) makes its much anticipated return to the city for its fifth consecutive year, from Friday May 26 – Sunday May 28.
Over 40 incredible jazz performances will take place across various venues throughout Perth and York. The three day festival will feature a blend of ticketed and free community events by a host of celebrated local, national and international jazz artists.
The festival returns with an enriched line-up, headlined by saxophonist and composer Greg Osby (NYC)(pictured). Osby will collaborate with one of the hottest young jazz talents, pianist Tal Cohen (PER), to launch Cohen’s latest album Gentle Giants in performances at both The Palace and Brookfield Place.
Regularly touring with the likes of Sting and Paul Simon, Australian vocalist and songwriter Jo Lawry (NYC) has also joined the bill and will return to Perth to captivate audiences at Brookfield Place.
Hailed as one of the most original voices in jazz today, Satoko Fukii (JPN) will team up with trumpeter and composer Natsuki Tamura (JPN) for a unique performance premiering a new suite called Fukushima, composed in the memory of the people of those affected by the 2011 Japan earthquake.
In a first for the event, the town of York will play host to a number of performances by revered local artists including Adrian Galante (PER) and Mia Simonette Quintet (PER) on Friday 26 May, and Bean Bumas’s Boys of Rhythm (PER), Ali Bodycoat Quartet (PER), James Flynn Quartet (PER), Victoria Newton (PER) and Howie Morgan (PER) on Saturday 27 May.
Unmissable festival highlights also include saxophonist and composer Will Vinson (NYC); pianist and composer Steve Newcombe (QLD); flautist and percussionist Vivan Sessoms (NYC) and bassist and composer Rafael Jerjen (Switerland) among many others.
PIJF delivers a high quality jazz program from a wide range of popular and innovative international, national and local jazz artists. Graham Wood felt that the highly talented pool of jazz players from Perth deserved a platform and dedicated event to reach the fans of this celebrated and talented art form.
“Perth International Jazz Festival is a fantastic celebration of music that can be enjoyed by a huge range of people. There really is something for everyone in this program and it’s fantastic to see so many talented artists converge on our wonderful city for a weekend of great music, food, wine and fun – don’t miss it”, said Mr. Wood.
With over 35 Jazz festivals across Australia, PIJF is the only dedicated Jazz festival in Western Australia. The Festival’s aim is to bring inspiring music by many talented musicians to Perth in an accessible and vibrant way.
Ticketed performances will play at Brookfield Place, The Palace, The Ellington Jazz Club and York. Numerous FREE events will also be performed at Brookfield Place, St George’s Cathedral and Four Points by Sheraton.
The 5th Perth International Jazz Festival runs Friday May 26 – Sunday May 28. For tickets and detailed program information, please visit the official website: www.perthjazzfestival.com.au
