Brisbane International Jazz Festival

Brisbane International Jazz Festival (BIJF) returns for its 6th instalment in 2018, bringing 6 fabulous days of jazz to four of Brisbane's leading venues.

Here are some highlights:

BIJF presents the Enthusiastic Musician’s Orchestra - Thursday, May 31 | 7.30PM

Opening the Festival on Thursday, 31 May is the Enthusiastic Musician’s Orchestra (EMO). Featuring James Sherlock on guitar and Diana Tolmie on saxophone, EMO is Brisbane’s premier vehicle for the composition and performance of new and exciting music for large jazz ensembles. With all the bluster and bombast of a classic big band as well as the subtlety and refinement of a modern jazz orchestra, EMO is driven to swing! Exclusive to BIJF 2018, the concert on May 31 will feature world premieres by composers Rafael Karlen and Louise Denson. Watch HERE

Queensland Multicultural Centre – 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Tickets: $30 Full Price | $20 Concession OR Entrance with Fully Transferrable Festival Pass

BIJF presents a double bill with the Sam Anning Sextet and Kirstin Berardi - Friday, June 1 | 7.30PM

Enjoy a double bill with the Sam Anning Sextet, followed by a performance by Kirstin Berardi and Sam Anning. This passionate duo join forces at BIJF to deliver Brisbane patrons an uplifting concert exposing their astute skills, tantalising improvisations and exquisite original creations
Kristin Berardi and bassist Sam Anning are both highly regarded composers, performers and improvisers. Kristin Berardi has won multiple international and national awards for her recordings and live performances, including The Shure International Jazz Vocal Competition at Montreux Jazz Festival, three Bell Awards for ‘Best Vocal Album of the year’ and the prestigious national Freedman Fellowship for Jazz. Acclaimed bassist Sam Anning is an exceptionally talented Australian jazz artist held in the highest regard by his national and international colleagues. Based in Melbourne Sam travels extensively inspiring audiences around the globe. WatchHERE

Queensland Multicultural Centre – 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Tickets: $30 Full Price | $20 Concession OR Entrance with Fully Transferrable Festival Pass

BIJF presents a double bill with the Zac Hurren Quartet and Sophie Min (Piano Solo) - Sunday, June 3 | 6PM

Enjoy a double bill featuring two of Queensland’s finest jazz musicians. Zac Hurren is a magnificent tenor saxophonist who has performed with many Australian legends, including Dale Barlow, Katie Noonan and Sam Anning to name a few. In 2009 he won the National Jazz Award and in 2012 was a Freedman Fellowship finalist. A truly unique and distinctly Australian saxophonist, composer and improviser, he plays with a strength and passion steeped in the jazz heritage of John Coltrane, Wayne Shorter, Steve Coleman and Archie Shepp. Pianist and composer Sophie Min is a rising star in the Australian Jazz scene. Completing her studies at Queensland Conservatorium, Griffith University Sophie received a BMus in Jazz Performance (2014) and Master of Music Studies (2016) and was the recipient of the Scott Harrison Scholarship and Postgraduate Owen Fletcher Performance Award in 2015 and awarded an Academic Excellence Award the following year. Watch HERE

Queensland Multicultural Centre – 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Tickets: $30 Full Price | $20 Concession OR Entrance with Fully Transferrable Festival Pass

BIJF presents Gretchen Parlato Flor - Tuesday, June 5 | 7.30PM

Renowned for technical brilliance and a crystalline voice, LA born vocalist Gretchen Parlato fuses jazz with undertones of Brazilian and African beats, which display the unique and seductive vocal style she has perfected. Throughout her 20-year Grammy nominated career, Parlato has been working with contemporary jazz legends including Herbie Hancock, Wayne Shorter, Esperanza Spalding and Terence Blanchard, mesmerising audiences from Japan to New York with pristine phrasing and inventive interpretations of jazz standards. Together with her sublime band, Parlato captivates the senses with intoxicating improvisations, sensual transformations of jazz classics and masterful original work. Watch HERE

Queensland Multicultural Centre – 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point
Tickets: $75 Full Price | $65 Concession OR Entrance with Fully Transferrable Festival Pass

Nice to know - A few hours ahead of her highly anticipated live performance at QMC, Gretchen will be delivering a vocal workshop from 3PM to 4.15PM. Tickets are $20 Full Price or $15 Concession; however entry to the workshop is free for all holders of a Fully Transferrable Festival Pass.

Need to know - This year BEMAC and BIJF are pleased to announce a Fully Transferable Festival Pass, providing access to all 4 concerts at the Queensland Multicultural Centre (QMC), PLUS attendance to the Gretchen Parlato vocal workshop. Info & prices HERE

BOOK TICKETS HERE

Brisbane International Jazz Festival and BEMAC are valued partners of Must Do Brisbane.com