Arts Centre Melbourne Announces Jazz High Tea Series

Renowned jazz chanteuse Monique diMattina and Pam Wachira, one of Australia's most talented and dynamic singer/songwriter are among the acclaimed performers joining Arts Centre Melbourne's Jazz High Tea series from August - December.

The Jazz High Tea series, now a beloved Arts Centre Melbourne tradition, features a different act on the first Sunday of every month until December. Combining Melbourne's two great loves, food and culture, this high-tea experience at The Pavilion is designed to delight all of the senses. Guests are greeted with a glass of bubbles on arrival, before indulging in house-made cakes, pastries, savoury delights, and freshly brewed tea.

In August, jazz-lovers have the opportunity to experience Nostalgique, four of Melbourne and Italy's best jazz musicians celebrating their love of the European song. Singer Tamara Kuldin, joined by Jon Delaney (guitar), Salvatore Greco (accordion) and Jonathan Zion (double bass) will perform songs from the likes of Serge Gainsbourg, Edith Piaf, The Barry Sisters and The Andrew Sisters.

Pam Wachira will delight audiences with her funk and soul music in September. Wachira taught herself to sing at the age of ten in Kenya, imitating her favourite artists of the 80s and 90s.Her powerful voice has been likened to a mix of Aretha Franklin, Lauryn Hill, Mary J. Blige and Nina Simone. Since migrating to Melbourne, she has rocked venues as a lead singer in bands such as K for Cool, The Jive Crank, Mondo Freaks and her own funk-soul band The Mad Poets.

In October, Melbourne jazz quartet, Stevenson's Rockets will serve up a diverse repertoire of jazz tunes and songs from the 20s and 30s. Led by Jo Stevenson on clarinet and saxophones, The Rockets are made up of pianist Stephen Grant, melodic bass player Chris Ludowyk and drummer Ian Smith, who also plays trumpet, bass, drums, washboard and reeds. The name of the group derives from the steam engine built by George Stephenson in the 1700s and conveys the driving energy with which the group performs.

The Shuffle Club will perform their hot blend of jazz, swing, blues and boogie in November. Having made music together since 1999, the Melbourne-based band intuitively improvises to create beautiful harmonies and enhance solo performances.

Renowned jazz chanteuse Monique diMattina concludes the 2017 Jazz High Tea season with a performance by her trio. The Monique diMattina Trio, featuring Paul Williamson on reeds and Mark Elton on double bass, is set to summon the wild spirt of the Gatsby erA. Singer-songwriter, pianist and radio personality Monique diMattina has released five studio albums to critical acclaim and was recently Musical Director of Tapestry: The Songs of Carole King with Vika Bull and Debra Byrne. She regularly performs with Clare Bowditch and The Melbourne Tango Quintet.

Bookings: artscentremelbourne.com.au or 1300 182 183.

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