In a valuable new opportunity for our students at Jazz Workshop Australia, we’re delighted to announce JWA Live Jazz at the Freeway Hotel. It’s a monthly concert and showcase for members of our jazz combos and other students at a high-quality local venue. On the 4th Saturday of each month bands from JWA will play in the piano lounge at the Freeway, from 2 to 5 pm.
Jazz at the Freeway May & June
We’ve already had a couple of shows as a “soft opening”, but things really kick off this 31 May with three of our bands for young people, showcasing Jack Stoneham’s Friday combo, Saul Richardson’s Saturday @3 combo, and Saul Richardson’s Thursday teens (they want to call themselves Saul Richardson’s Soul Divas, or something, but we are yet to be convinced).
The June showcase will present three of our adult bands, including Tony Barnard’s combo, Gavin Ahearn’s Thursday @6 combo, and Saul Richardson’s Thursday @7 combo.
About the venue
The Freeway Hotel is at 115 Reserve Rd, Artarmon, next to the freeway. Free parking is at the rear via Hesky Lane. Our concerts are in the piano lounge, where all ages are welcome (but should be accompanied by an adult). There’s a restaurant serving good food so you can eat when you come to watch or play, and of course the bar is open.
In years past JWA have presented one-off concerts at the Freeway Hotel, but this new collaboration, a monthly showcase of JWA Live Jazz at the Freeway Hotel, is new. It’s also really exciting.
Why the Freeway jazz showcases are so exciting
Preparing for a public performance and playing live are essential experiences for musicians learning their craft. Live concerts offer unique pressures, insights, and learning opportunities. This is also such a good way for our students to showcase their achievements to friends, family, and the public. We hope our whole community at JWA will embrace this opportunity and support it, the venue and each other.
See you soon, at the Freeway.
