Moreland City Band

Big Band Frequency

Big Band Frequency was launched in 2012 and performs regularly around Melbourne. Their repertoire includes jazz, funk, Latin and blues and they are a dynamic group with some serious talent on board!

The Heidelberg Wind Ensemble was established in 2007 with the vision of giving opportunities for highly skilled musicians to play interesting and challenging works for this instrumentation, especially those written from the 20th and 21st Century. HWE commissions original works from Australian and International composers and presents numerous Australian Wind Band première performances each year.

The ensemble has approximately 40-45 players only, with essentially one player per part, and all positions are auditioned. This Wind Band requires high standard performers on all instruments. Another aim of this ensemble is to perform frequently with guest solo artists guest conductors, thus providing a platform for the many talented young musicians in Melbourne to show their skills in performance and gain invaluable experience.  New members are most welcome.

www.heidelbergsymphony.com.au/hwe/about-the-hwe/

The Ukalypts are a community band of ukulele players and singers who meet twice a month to bash out some tunes and have a sing. On the first Saturday of every month we meet for a rehearsal at Cross Street Music Hall. On the third Saturday of each month we meet at the Charles Weston Hotel in Brunswick for an informal jam. New players of any level are always welcome. 

The Low Down Big Band is an 18-piece band playing a mix of Trad, Blues, Funk, New Orleans, and Contemporary styles. Under the leadership of guitarist Ben Delves, you can expect high-intensity, hard-swinging, funk-filled fun when Low Down hits the stage.

Drawing inspirations from the likes of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, Thad Jones, Mel Lewis, Charlie Parker, and Maria Schneider, the band aims to continue in the traditions of former greats, while also developing new opportunities through unique repertoire and original material that explore the possibilities of contemporary Big Band music.

A 10 piece Jazz/Swing band lead by saxophonist Jason Chalmers, playing all the classics from the big band eras, from early 1930s swing to the 60’s classics from Dizzy Gillespie, Thelonious Monk and everything in between and beyond.  

www.thejclittlebigband.com

Lebowskis is a musician-run cooperative dedicated to presenting a diverse program of original, creative jazz and improvised music.

The co-operative’s mission is to nurture Melbourne’s improvised music scene by offering artists complete creative freedom in a welcoming environment. 

Conceived in 2004 by Eugene Ball and Stephen Magnusson, Lebowskis’ first residency was Friday nights at the Fitzroy Bowling Club.

It was formed with the intention of providing more performance opportunities for musicians playing original jazz and improvised music, and has stayed true to this ethos ever since.

Lebowskis events now occur every Sunday, 5-7pm at Cross Street Music Hall.

If you are a performer of original, improvisation-oriented music and would like a spot in the program, contact Lebowskis; they are always looking for new groups!

From Bourbon Street in New Orleans to Memphis and Jamaica via the bars of Brunswick, The Offtopics deliver infectious songs that will make you tap your feet and bring a smile to your face.

Fronted by funk dynamo Polash Larsen, these are some of Melbourne’s most talented musicians working their basses off to show you a good time. Start with the classic guitar, bass and drums, then add some keys and a few of the hardest-wailing horn players you’ve never heard – but who you damn well should.

They’re a little bit bluesy, a little bit funky, a little bit rock and roll. And before you know it, their witches’ brew of classic grooves will have you out of your seat and up on the dance floor.

Website: www.theofftopics.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theofftopics/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/theofftopics/

Twitter: @theofftopics