MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition
Feb
1
3:00 PM15:00

MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition

Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition Fellowship Award.

Performances Sun 1st Jan 8th 15th 22nd February 3pm-6pm

With much thanks for the generous support from the Canshester Foundation the Merri-bel City Band is very excited to announce Dure Dara as its recipient for the inaugural MCB Fellowship.

The fellowship is a $20,000 grant that goes toward enriching the local music community through mentorship, collective endeavour and the sharing of experiences old and new.

This project will involve the development of a new work through regular rehearsals, interactions and conversations.  The development of the work will also be open to the public through four concert performances in February and an album release of a recording of the work.

The grant is awarded to any individual with an improvised music performance background.

As the inaugural recipient percussionist Dure, will work together with longtime associate Ren Walters (guitar) and four young improvisors from the Melbourne music community. 

Ava McDermott (voice,poetry), Abby Sundborn Reeves (cello), Dean Kalaitzidis (saxophone) Ashley Ballat (trumpet)

Although the shape of this project will only take form through it’s process here are some words to help get the idea across.

As people, we will strengthen and grow from expressions of care, gratitude and interdependence. Improvised music has the potential to strengthen our minds, hearts and bodies to respond with grace, care and rigor to critical situations throughout life. Now’s the time to gather, in witnessing making music, taking risks together, building trust and intimacy, in each other and in self.

The Canchester Fellowship has generously provided a chance for the inaugural recipient Dure Dara, to bring four young improvisors together with her collaborator of decades, Ren Walters to surrender to process and experience over 70years of history, knowledge and practice of improvised music from Naarm. This is a weaving of fabric with the past and now.

Dure Dara is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart of Naarm’s improvised music for decades. Dure is a beacon of artistry, she is the antithesis of the fast paced, individualistic, death drive contemporary culture. She demonstrates that to play is to live, and for people to witness Dure through the fellowship, exemplifies the longevity and commitment of an improvised music creative life.

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Dylan van der Schyff presents Birds of Australia + AH
Feb
6
8:00 PM20:00

Dylan van der Schyff presents Birds of Australia + AH

Ryan Williams (recorders) | Peggy Lee (cello) | Dylan van der Schyff (drums etc.)

Birds of Australia

Tonight Ryan, Peggy, and Dylan are releasing a new recording of improvisations entitled, Birds of Australia. As the title suggests, their music is inspired by the natural sounds of Australia, especially its wonderful birds. Individually, Ryan, Peggy, and Dylan have appeared on dozens of recordings and have toured and collaborated with musicians across Europe, North America, and Australia. The recording will be released on Made Now Music. Download cards will be available at the show.

Hendrix Hamalainen (trumpet) | Abi Lee (piano)

AH!

Hendrix and Abi are two improvising musicians across many fields. From travelling together around the world to riding bikes around Naarm/Melbourne, they formed a unique bond as improvisers. Working with notable musicians such as Kris Davis and Taylor Ho Bynum, they have explored the possibilities of their instruments, both as soloists and in conversation with each other. AH!’s compositions reinterpret structure in improvisation and reveal hidden possibilities.

Doors at 7.30pm Music at 8pm

$25/$15 Tickets at the door

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MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition
Feb
8
3:00 PM15:00

MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition

Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition Fellowship Award.

Performances Sun 31st Jan 8th 15th 22st February 3pm-6pm

With much thanks for the generous support from the Canshester Foundation the Merri-bel City Band is very excited to announce Dure Dara as its recipient for the inaugural MCB Fellowship.

The fellowship is a $20,000 grant that goes toward enriching the local music community through mentorship, collective endeavour and the sharing of experiences old and new.

This project will involve the development of a new work through regular rehearsals, interactions and conversations.  The development of the work will also be open to the public through four concert performances in February and an album release of a recording of the work.

The grant is awarded to any individual with an improvised music performance background.

As the inaugural recipient percussionist Dure, will work together with longtime associate Ren Walters (guitar) and four young improvisors from the Melbourne music community. 

Ava McDermott (voice,poetry), Abby Sundborn Reeves (cello), Dean Kalaitzidis (saxophone) Ashley Ballat (trumpet)

Although the shape of this project will only take form through it’s process here are some words to help get the idea across.

As people, we will strengthen and grow from expressions of care, gratitude and interdependence. Improvised music has the potential to strengthen our minds, hearts and bodies to respond with grace, care and rigor to critical situations throughout life. Now’s the time to gather, in witnessing making music, taking risks together, building trust and intimacy, in each other and in self.

The Canchester Fellowship has generously provided a chance for the inaugural recipient Dure Dara, to bring four young improvisors together with her collaborator of decades, Ren Walters to surrender to process and experience over 70years of history, knowledge and practice of improvised music from Naarm. This is a weaving of fabric with the past and now.

Dure Dara is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart of Naarm’s improvised music for decades. Dure is a beacon of artistry, she is the antithesis of the fast paced, individualistic, death drive contemporary culture. She demonstrates that to play is to live, and for people to witness Dure through the fellowship, exemplifies the longevity and commitment of an improvised music creative life.

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Star Veneers + Operation
Feb
13
8:00 PM20:00

Star Veneers + Operation

8pm Star Veneers

Ava McDermott voice/poetry
Hugh Collins saxophone
Liam Perry bass
Ronny Ferella drums

"in my dreams I drive a car, in my walking dreams i wish for that hierarchy stripped and taken back, in my dreams I wanted to witness the decline of your situation, to stop my car and watch that roadkill die!"

9pm Operation
Hugh Collins
Hendrix Hamalainen
Liam Perry
Paddy Walter

Doors 7.30pm Music at 8pm
Tix at Door or below $25/$15

tix here


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MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition
Feb
15
3:00 PM15:00

MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition

Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition Fellowship Award.

Performances Sunday 1st 8th 15th 22st February 3pm-6pm

With much thanks for the generous support from the Canshester Foundation the Merri-bel City Band is very excited to announce Dure Dara as its recipient for the inaugural MCB Fellowship.

The fellowship is a $20,000 grant that goes toward enriching the local music community through mentorship, collective endeavour and the sharing of experiences old and new.

This project will involve the development of a new work through regular rehearsals, interactions and conversations.  The development of the work will also be open to the public through four concert performances in February and an album release of a recording of the work.

The grant is awarded to any individual with an improvised music performance background.

As the inaugural recipient percussionist Dure, will work together with longtime associate Ren Walters (guitar) and four young improvisors from the Melbourne music community. 

Ava McDermott (voice,poetry), Abby Sundborn Reeves (cello), Dean Kalaitzidis (saxophone) Ashley Ballat (trumpet)

Although the shape of this project will only take form through it’s process here are some words to help get the idea across.

As people, we will strengthen and grow from expressions of care, gratitude and interdependence. Improvised music has the potential to strengthen our minds, hearts and bodies to respond with grace, care and rigor to critical situations throughout life. Now’s the time to gather, in witnessing making music, taking risks together, building trust and intimacy, in each other and in self.

The Canchester Fellowship has generously provided a chance for the inaugural recipient Dure Dara, to bring four young improvisors together with her collaborator of decades, Ren Walters to surrender to process and experience over 70years of history, knowledge and practice of improvised music from Naarm. This is a weaving of fabric with the past and now.

Dure Dara is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart of Naarm’s improvised music for decades. Dure is a beacon of artistry, she is the antithesis of the fast paced, individualistic, death drive contemporary culture. She demonstrates that to play is to live, and for people to witness Dure through the fellowship, exemplifies the longevity and commitment of an improvised music creative life.

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Aussie Rob- Radical Centrist Album Launch
Feb
20
8:00 PM20:00

Aussie Rob- Radical Centrist Album Launch

Aussie Rob is a modern jazz quintet from Naarm/Melbourne that defies its own idiomatic categorisation. Since the release of their debut album in 2019, Bogans Like Jazz Too, the band members have individually spent time honing their own musical voices. Subsequently, their re-emergence is rife with vibrancy, their music drawing from their unfolding experiential history as a band, as well as their own distinct developing and developed musicality. This combination of individual musical voices brings together sensibilities from different musical perspectives, be it jazz, experimental and ambient music, modern classical, pop, and alternative rock.
Aussie Rob’s irony and degree of seriousness is a confused mess, one that the band eagerly sloshes around in.

Double Bass and Compositions – Robbie Finch
Trombone and Piano – Callum Mintzis
Trumpet – Bede Ford Gaddes
Guitar - Paul Kascaminidis
Drums – Lewis Pierre

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MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition
Feb
22
3:00 PM15:00

MCB Fellowship- Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition

Spic- Spontaneously Performed Interactive Composition Fellowship Award.

Performances Sun 1st 8th 15th 22nd February 3pm-6pm

With much thanks for the generous support from the Canshester Foundation the Merri-bel City Band is very excited to announce Dure Dara as its recipient for the inaugural MCB Fellowship.

The fellowship is a $20,000 grant that goes toward enriching the local music community through mentorship, collective endeavour and the sharing of experiences old and new.

This project will involve the development of a new work through regular rehearsals, interactions and conversations.  The development of the work will also be open to the public through four concert performances in February and an album release of a recording of the work.

The grant is awarded to any individual with an improvised music performance background.

As the inaugural recipient percussionist Dure, will work together with longtime associate Ren Walters (guitar) and four young improvisors from the Melbourne music community. 

Ava McDermott (voice,poetry), Abby Sundborn Reeves (cello), Dean Kalaitzidis (saxophone) Ashley Ballat (trumpet)

Although the shape of this project will only take form through it’s process here are some words to help get the idea across.

As people, we will strengthen and grow from expressions of care, gratitude and interdependence. Improvised music has the potential to strengthen our minds, hearts and bodies to respond with grace, care and rigor to critical situations throughout life. Now’s the time to gather, in witnessing making music, taking risks together, building trust and intimacy, in each other and in self.

The Canchester Fellowship has generously provided a chance for the inaugural recipient Dure Dara, to bring four young improvisors together with her collaborator of decades, Ren Walters to surrender to process and experience over 70years of history, knowledge and practice of improvised music from Naarm. This is a weaving of fabric with the past and now.

Dure Dara is an improvising percussionist in her early 80s and has been a stalwart of Naarm’s improvised music for decades. Dure is a beacon of artistry, she is the antithesis of the fast paced, individualistic, death drive contemporary culture. She demonstrates that to play is to live, and for people to witness Dure through the fellowship, exemplifies the longevity and commitment of an improvised music creative life.

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Sanfona + Quinterella
Feb
27
8:00 PM20:00

Sanfona + Quinterella

8pm Sanfona

Sanfona are a 5 piece group led by accordionist/pianist/composer/arranger Jo Abbot. The band play dynamic jazz with a French influence. With trumpet, accordion, guitar, electric bass/tuba and drums,Sanfona play original arrangements and are influenced by artists such as Serge Luc  Richard Galliano and the Sylvain Luc trio.

9pm Quinterella
An original composition project led by Ronny Ferella which begs borrows and steals from the music styles and worlds of Cuba-Afrobeat-Jazz-Minimalism and a few others no doubt.

Ronny Ferella drums
Audrey Hart piano
Hary Birch bass
Chris Rozakeas trombone

Tix Here


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Greta Williams Quartet + Elly Blackham Quartet
Mar
6
8:00 PM20:00

Greta Williams Quartet + Elly Blackham Quartet

Greta Williams Quartet

A graduate of the Sir Zelman Cowen School of Music and Performance at Monash University and Winner of the Geoffrey Whitelaw Emerging Composition Scholarship (2024) and the Bornstein Vocal Scholarship (2024), Greta Williams is an emerging vocalist, and composer whose work pairs intimate, collage-like lyrics with subtle musical prosody. 

With a unique background in both classical and contemporary voice, Greta has performed with a range of acclaimed Australian ensembles, including Invenio Singers and the Choir of Trinity College. During her studies she shared the stage with Australian luminaries, Paul Grabowsky, Jamie Oehlers, Nat Bartsch and others, and  featured on the recording, Paul Grabowsky: Monash Sessions (2024).  Most recently, her composition, I said the Sparrow, was performed by the Monash Art Ensemble as part of their 2025 Melbourne International Jazz Festival program. 
Bringing new tunes exploring love, loss, and identity, Greta will be joined by:
Benjamin Attiche - Guitar, 
Jordan Tarento - Bass, and 
Patrick Sarajew, Drums.  

Elly Blackham Quartet
Elly Blackham is an up-and-coming saxophonist based in Melbourne, Victoria. Her music stems from distinctly human emotions, experiences and love, with both her compositions and improvisations constantly in pursuit of this. In July of 2025 her quartet recorded her debut album 'Don't Push the River' which is set to be released later this year.

Elly has completed a Bachelor of Music (Jazz and Improvisation) at the University of Melbourne. She regularly performs in and around the Melbourne jazz scene and is a member of bands such as Woolgathering and Aftersun. She has performed at the Melbourne International Jazz Festival and the Melbourne Women's International Jazz Festival, as well as with artists such as Andrea Keller, Sandy Evans and Barney McAll.

Elly Blackham - Tenor Saxophone
Piano - Will Ellerton
Bass - Jack Smythe
Drums - Paddy Walter

Doors at 7.30pm music at 8pm

$25/$15

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Nick Haywood Trio + Sophie Marcheff Robbie Melville guitar duo
Mar
13
8:00 PM20:00

Nick Haywood Trio + Sophie Marcheff Robbie Melville guitar duo

8pm Robbie Melville/Sophie Marcheff guitar duo

Sophie Marcheff is a classically-trained guitarist whose practice spans contemporary/experimental classical music, popular Brazilian music, and chamber music (Melbourne Guitar Quartet). Sophie’s original compositions explore contrapuntal textures paired with an understated yet rich harmonic language.

Robbie Melville is a genre-bending guitarist and composer whose compositions incorporate influences of jazz, folk and classical. His latest albums 'Tangled Trails' and 'Music From The Village Square' successfully weave together such disparate elements into a unified, enchanting musical world.

Marcheff and Melville draw on their shared musical passions to present solos and duets, original compositions and free improvisations. 

9pm Nick Haywood Trio
Bass player composer Nick Haywood premier’s a new trio with longtime colleague Ronny Ferella on drums and one of Melbourne's bright new stars Abi Lee on piano.

The trio will perform both standards and originals but will mostly be focussed on group communication and conjuring the spirit of in the moment music making.

tix here
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Wayfinders meets The Invisibles
Jan
29
7:30 PM19:30

Wayfinders meets The Invisibles

Wayfinders meets The Invisibles

A repeat performance from this “two for one group” who last played at the Jazzlab in Jan 2025.  This upcoming performance will see the four musicians in various formats from solo through to the full quartet.  It is also a welcome to Melbourne to pianist Dave McEvoy who has recently relocated from Adelaide to his new home here in Melbourne 

Wayfinders is a completely improvising trio that allows all of the player’s musical experiences to influence the music at hand. The Invisibles is the flip side of the same project, a trio that performs American jazz & roots repertoire in the most simplest fashion they can muster. In a way, the same thing is happening in both trios. This Jazzlab set will test the idea.

Ronny Ferella (drums), Jon Hunt (woodwind) & Tom Lee (bass)
Featuring special guest Dave McEvoy (piano)

Wayfinders on  Bandcamp

Wayfinders on youtube

The Invisibles on Bandcamp

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Tom Lee Quartet + Gen & Claudia Kuner Duo
Jan
22
7:30 PM19:30

Tom Lee Quartet + Gen & Claudia Kuner Duo

7.30pm Gen & Claudia Kuner

Gen Kuner opens proceedings with her carefully crafted approach where

composition and improvisation intersect. One of the most interesting new voices in the Melbourne jazz/improv scene Gen is known for her patient and melodic musical world building. For this event Gen will team up with her sister Claudia Kuner on cello.

Gen on Bandcamp Bandcamp

8.30pm Tom Lee Quartet

After more than two decades of being the backbone of many Melbourne jazz

ensembles, double bassist Tom Lee has put together a first-class group of musicians

to perform a selection of his own compositions. Supported by the lush sounds of

Hugh Stuckey and Fran Swinn on guitars and the highly versatile James McLean on drums, the group will perform new pieces inspired by landscapes, love, friendship and conflict. Tom has established himself as a much sought-after bassist on the Melbourne music scene, well known for his collaborative style and sensitive accompaniment. Many years in the making, this new band will deliver an exciting and engaging evening of fresh sounds.

Tom Lee acoustic bass/compositions

Hugh Stuckey guitar

Fran Swinn guitar

James McLean drums

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SAXOPHONE SOCIAL CLUB! ANTON DELECCA QUINTET FIREFLY SAXOPHONE QUARTET
Jan
16
7:30 PM19:30

SAXOPHONE SOCIAL CLUB! ANTON DELECCA QUINTET FIREFLY SAXOPHONE QUARTET

ANTON DELECCA QUINTET
FIREFLY SAXOPHONE QUARTET

A special performance featuring Merri-bek City Band’s Firefly Saxophone Quartet followed by the Anton Delecca Quintet

Anton Delecca Quintet features Anton Delecca - tenor saxophone, Carl Mackay - alto saxophone, Darrin Archer - piano, James Shortland - bass and Darryn Farrugia drums

$20, doors at 7pm, music 7:30
Cross Street Music Hall 16-22 Cross St East Brunswick

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Music Fundraiser for Kids in Gaza
Dec
6
2:00 PM14:00

Music Fundraiser for Kids in Gaza

Presented by Noisy Youth, this event will be an afternoon full of music performed by some Melbourne's brightest musical sparks. Funk-Jazz-Roots-& singer songwriters over four hours at the “people’s venue” Cross Street Music Hall.

Featuring:

Tiana Khasi with Ryo
Finn Milne
Jag
Jerry
Marley del Prete
Nikodimos
Ryotora with OjiAji
The Payback

all tix $10 at the door or here
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Shrishti/सृष्टि and Ensemble Mania present TBC
Nov
28
8:00 PM20:00

Shrishti/सृष्टि and Ensemble Mania present TBC

Shrishti is to the promotion of diverse experimental music, embracing improvised, notated, and electronic approaches to music-making. Ensemble Mania brings a focus on platforming music that might otherwise remain unheard, including works by living, local, and otherwise underrepresented artists. This concert brings our two groups together for the first time! 

In this concert, we celebrate the 80th birthday of the trailblazing Korean composer, Younghi Pagh-Paan. Alongside four pieces from across her career, we present work from her student, Palestinian composer Samir Odeh-Tamimi, plus other East Asian music by Pagh-Paan's contemporaries and the younger generation.

DOORS | 7.30pm
come and enjoy a drink, snack, and a chat!

SET 1 | 8pm
Samir ODEH-TAMIMI Eine Erinnerung für das Vergessen (2006)
Tona SCHERCHEN-HSIAO Yun-Yu (1972) [selected movements]
Akemi NAITO Secret Song (1979)
Samir ODEH-TAMIMI Challom Kattan (2008)
Tsz Kiu PANG JKF (2015)

SET 2 | 9pm
Younghi PAGH-PAAN TA-RYONG IV (1991)
Younghi PAGH-PAAN Dreisam-Nore (1975)
Younghi PAGH-PAAN PA-MUN (1971)
Younghi PAGH-PAAN Hang-Sang I (1993)

Aditya Ryan Bhat | percussion
Dominic Flynn | Ensemble Mania artistic direction
Sophie Marcheff | guitar
Leo Nguyen | piano
Gianni Posadas-Sen | flute
Yona Su | viola

tix and more info
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Potentially Interesting Jazz Music – Album Launch Happening
Nov
22
4:00 PM16:00

Potentially Interesting Jazz Music – Album Launch Happening

To celebrate the release of their third studio album, Potentially Interesting Jazz Music, IHTLP are hosting a surrealist happening. Expect grungy durational performance, psychedelic ambience, unhinged funk, butoh, magic, and (of course) some potentially interesting Jazz music.

"as if the Muppets wandered into a Sun Ra rehearsal and never left"

Doors – 3:30pm
Kiki and Zuki Puppet Show – 4pm
Yumi Umiumare – 4:45pm
Tariro Mavondo – 5:30pm
IHTLP – 6pm
"Potentially Interesting Jazz Music feels like a deliberate act of resistance.” — paris-move.com
Reuben Lewis – trumpet, pedals, synths
Emily Bennett – synth, voice, electronics
Adam Halliwell – guitar, bass
Ronny Ferella – drums

Tix & More Info Here
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Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country (Copy) (Copy)
Oct
24
8:00 PM20:00

Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country (Copy) (Copy)

Melbourne bass player /composer Stephen Hornby presents a mini series with an incredible lineup of creative music, energy and exploration.

2 bands every night- music from 8pm

Fridays at Creooss Street

10/10 - Koi Kingdom with Meatshell

17/10 - The Faraway Trio with The Saraswati-Benzaiten Quartet 

24/10 - Rustik Chairs Album Launch with Dale Gorfinkel

7/11 - +F:rst Sunn+ with Ashes

$15/$25

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Come here, Go Away- Melbourne Italian Festa
Oct
19
3:00 PM15:00

Come here, Go Away- Melbourne Italian Festa

Half Price tickets available- just email small space music

Through jazz, folk, and childhood songs, Ronny Ferella creates a moving musical journey of migration, belonging, and the stories that shape us.

TICKET INCLUDES A GLASS OF WINE.

Ronny Ferella, drums/percussion/compositions, - Carlo Barbaro, tenor sax - Ash Ballat, trumpet - Grant Arthur, tuba/trombone/guitar - Tom Lee, Bass

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more info
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Carr/Mackintosh/Plumb Album Launch
Oct
18
7:00 PM19:00

Carr/Mackintosh/Plumb Album Launch

Carr/MacKintosh/Plumb - Album: More Splendid Notions

https://lukeplumbmusic1.bandcamp.com/.../more-splendid...

15 years in the plotting, these virtuosic musicians, known for their gleeful boundary pushing and exploration with traditional musics are finally working on new music together. Promoting an album recorded in live takes in Sweden in 2024, this is edge of the seat traditional and traditional inspired melodies pushed by the freedom to listen and improvise from three masters of their craft.

Luke Plumb is a world respected mandolinist based back in Tasmania after almost two decades spent performing, recording, teaching and gathering music from around the world. While primarily known for his work with musicians in the Celtic world (Shooglenifty, Andy Irvine), since returning home he has formed active collaborations with musicians from Greece, Slovenia and Afghanistan and continues to write and produce new and original music. Working as a musician at MONA, on frequent new projects with Van Diemen’s Band and producing adventurous recording for other artists, he is constantly in demand for his unique ear and musical instincts.

James MacKintosh is a world renowned drummer/percussionist best known for his work in the band Shooglenifty and in the last decade the Transatlantic Sessions. He is a respected tutor and originator of the reframing of drum kit playing for traditional melody accompaniment as evidenced by his sizeable discography with artists from around the globe. Luke’s first solo album of simply mandolin and James on drum kit, "A Splendid Notion" was shortlisted for the Songlines traditional album of the year (2009), this trio is the unofficial follow up and equally as adventurous and musically unexpected.

Ian Carr is an English guitarist who has been living in the Dalarna region of Sweden for the last 28 years. Drawn there because of his love of the traditional folk music specific to the area, he has become one of Sweden's best known traditional accompanists and folk record producers. His complete lack of filter between imagination and technical facility on the instrument has evolved into a style that is often imitated but nothing compares to the original. His discography and collaborations going back to his professional beginnings in the 1980’s is vast and a who’s who of innovators to have come from the traditional music scene in Britain.

Tix & More Info
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Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country (Copy)
Oct
17
8:00 PM20:00

Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country (Copy)

Melbourne bass player /composer Stephen Hornby presents a mini series with an incredible lineup of creative music, energy and exploration.

2 bands every night- music from 8pm

Fridays at Creooss Street

10/10 - Koi Kingdom with Meatshell

17/10 - The Faraway Trio with The Saraswati-Benzaiten Quartet 

24/10 - Rustik Chairs Album Launch with Dale Gorfinkel

7/11 - +F:rst Sunn+ with Ashes

$15/$25

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Art Music Art
Oct
12
3:00 PM15:00

Art Music Art

An afternoon of live music-live painting- art exhibition-graphic score performances-live poetry.
Featuring a host of Melbourne musicians, painters, artists & poets.
This is an opportunity to get all your art needs sorted in one sitting. Cross Street Music Hall will transform to an exhibition space showing off artworks from artists and performers alike.
Music & Works by:
Richard Granville Smith, Nellie Gibson, Marcos Villalta, Gemma Horbury, Nick Haywood, Ronny Ferella

Tix & More Info
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Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country
Oct
10
8:00 PM20:00

Stephen Hornby presents-Maybe We Should Move to The Country

Melbourne bass player /composer Stephen Hornby presents a mini series with an incredible lineup of creative music, energy and exploration.

2 bands every night- music from 8pm

Fridays at Creooss Street

10/10 - Koi Kingdom with Meatshell

17/10 - The Faraway Trio with The Saraswati-Benzaiten Quartet 

24/10 - Rustik Chairs Album Launch with Dale Gorfinkel

7/11 - +F:rst Sunn+ with Ashes

$15/$25

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Tom Lee Quartet
Oct
8
8:00 PM20:00

Tom Lee Quartet

After over two decades of being the backbone of many of Melbourne’s most successful jazz ensembles, double bassist Tom Lee has put together a first-class group of musicians to perform a selection of his own compositions for the first time. Supported by the lush sounds of Hugh Stuckey and Fran Swinn on guitars and James McLean on the drums, the group will perform original material inspired by landscapes, love and conflict, reflecting their love of jazz and improvised music. Many years in the making, the debut of this line-up is an exciting prospect!

Tix & More Info here
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Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (Syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square
Oct
5
5:00 PM17:00

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (Syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters launch their energetic new album 'Sensemaker', released on the prolific Australian jazz label Earshift Music!

COURSED WATERS

Sam Gill - alto & soprano saxophone
Novak Manojlovic - piano
Jacques Emery - double bass
James McLean - drums
Doors 4:30pm
Show 5:00pm
Tickets: $15 Student / $25 General Admission

Coursed Waters features four of Australia's most creative improvising musicians, led by saxophonist & composer Sam Gill and featuring Melbourne-based drummer James McLean alongside Sydney’s Novak Manojlovic on piano and Jacques Emery on bass.

3 SIDED SQUARE
Gen Kuner alto sax/effects
Sofia Carbonara vibraphone/404
Ronny Ferella drumset/effects

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The Subprimes Meets The Trio That Shall Not Be Named
Oct
2
8:00 PM20:00

The Subprimes Meets The Trio That Shall Not Be Named

A one-off performance featuring Melbourne musicians Ronny Ferella & Carl Mackey collaborating with an interstate touring trio who for contract reasons- cannot be named.
The Subprimes is a group that plays African groove inspired music. Bringing the dance back to jazz.
Ronny Ferella drums/percussion
Carl Mackey saxophones
Special Guest 1 drums
Special Guest 1 bass
Special Guest 1 guitar

FREE GIG

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Come Here Go Away
Oct
1
8:00 PM20:00

Come Here Go Away

Through the medium of folk song, spoken word and foggy memory; glued together by the magic of jazz, Come here Go Away is personal reflection of the Italian/Australian migrant experience. This 60 minute suite combines early musical memories, observations and lived experience of growing up as a New Australian. Come Here Go Away celebrates and interrogates what it is to be accepted and belong in this Country.
Ronny Ferellla drumset/percussion
Carlo Barbaro saxophones
Ash Ballat trumpet
Grant Arthur tuba/banjo
Tom Lee bass

Tix & More Info
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Shrishti/सृष्टि presents HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY
Sep
26
8:00 PM20:00

Shrishti/सृष्टि presents HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY

Shrishti/सृष्टि presents HUNGRY HUNGRY HUNGRY @ Cross St Music Hall, Friday 26th September 2025.

We are dedicated to the promotion of diverse experimental music, embracing improvised, notated, and electronic approaches to music-making. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nation on whose lands we live, make, and share music. Sovereignty was never ceded; these lands, waters and skies always were and always will be

Doors @ 7.30pm

Tix & more info here
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Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square
Sep
24
5:00 PM17:00

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters launch their energetic new album 'Sensemaker', released on the prolific Australian jazz label Earshift Music!
Doors 4:30pm
Show 5:00pm
Tickets: $15 Student / $25 General Admission

COURSED WATERS
Sam Gill - alto & soprano saxophone
Novak Manojlovic - piano
Jacques Emery - double bass
James McLean - drums

Coursed Waters features four of Australia's most creative improvising musicians, led by saxophonist & composer Sam Gill and featuring Melbourne-based drummer James McLean alongside Sydney’s Novak Manojlovic on piano and Jacques Emery on bass.

3 SIDED SQUARE
Gen Kuner alto sax/effects
Sofia Carbonara vibraphone/404
Ronny Ferella drumset/effects

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Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (Syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square
Sep
24
5:00 PM17:00

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters Album Launch (Syd/Melb) + 3 Sided Square

Sam Gill's Coursed Waters launch their energetic new album 'Sensemaker', released on the prolific Australian jazz label Earshift Music!
Doors 4:30pm
Show 5:00pm
Tickets: $15 Student / $25 General Admission

COURSED WATERS

Sam Gill - alto & soprano saxophone
Novak Manojlovic - piano
Jacques Emery - double bass
James McLean - drums

Coursed Waters features four of Australia's most creative improvising musicians, led by saxophonist & composer Sam Gill and featuring Melbourne-based drummer James McLean alongside Sydney’s Novak Manojlovic on piano and Jacques Emery on bass.

3 Sided Square
3 SIDED SQUARE
Gen Kuner alto sax/effects
Sofia Carbonara vibraphone/404
Ronny Ferella drumset/effects

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Art Music Art
Sep
24
3:00 PM15:00

Art Music Art

An afternoon of live music-live painting- art exhibition-graphic score performances-live poetry.
Featuring a host of Melbourne musicians, painters, artists & poets.
This is an opportunity to get all your art needs sorted in one sitting. Cross Street Music Hall will transform to an exhibition space showing off artworks from artists and performers alike.
Music & Works by:
Richard Granville Smith, Nellie Gibson, Marcos Villalta, Gemma Horbury, Nick Haywood, Ronny Ferella

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Art MUsic Art
Sep
12
3:00 PM15:00

Art MUsic Art

An afternoon of live music-live painting- art exhibition-graphic score performances-live poetry.
Featuring a host of Melbourne musicians, painters, artists & poets.
This is an opportunity to get all your art needs sorted in one sitting. Cross Street Music Hall will transform to an exhibition space showing off artworks from artists and performers alike.
Music & Works by:
Richard Granville Smith, Nellie Gibson, Marcos Villalta, Gemma Horbury, Nick Haywood, Ronny Ferella

Tix & More Info
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Michelle Nicolle & Friends @ The Brunswick Green 18th Birthday Party
Jul
17
8:00 PM20:00
The Brunswick Green

Michelle Nicolle & Friends @ The Brunswick Green 18th Birthday Party

Since 2007 Michelle has been playing the gorgeous front room of the 'Brunny Green' every Thursday night, singing and reimagining your jazz requests. The Melbourne Jazz scene is alive and as amazing as ever. Michelle is spoilt for choice of incredible musicians and each week she features a different line-up.

Some of Australia's finest and most creative musicians will join Michelle and they’ll be bouncing off classic tunes/not-so-classic tunes, some requests and most importantly off each other!

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I Hold The Lion's Paw + guests
Jul
16
8:00 PM20:00

I Hold The Lion's Paw + guests

A too rare Melbourne gig for the Lion’s Paw to help prepare for their next studio recording and to touch base with old musical friends. Special guests TBA

Rueben Lewis trumpet/synth
Emily Bennett vox/text/synth
Adam Halliwell bass/flute
Ronny Ferella drums

“a beguiling stew of afro-beat, jazz-rock-inflected postbop, and electro-acoustic noise.”— The Wire

“More likely was the feeling of having stumbled into someone else’s LSD trip”

— Sydney Morning Herald


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Michelle Nicolle Quintet: Songs in The Key of W + Wayfinders meets The Invisibles
Jul
9
7:30 PM19:30

Michelle Nicolle Quintet: Songs in The Key of W + Wayfinders meets The Invisibles

8pm Michelle Nicolle Quintet:Songs in The Key of W
Well known jazz vocalist/arranger Michelle Nicolle presents her original compositions alongside her favourite song discoveries all composed by women – including Abbey Lincoln, Bernice Petkere and Irene Higginbotham – spanning over 100 years of the great jazz tradition.

More on Michelle Nicolle here

Michelle Nicolle vocals
Angela Davis alto sax
Jon Hunt tenor/clarinet
Tom lee bass
Ronny Ferella drums

 

9pm Wayfinders meets The Invisibles
Ronny Ferella drums
Jon Hunt woodwind
Tom Lee Bass
Special guest Dave McEvoy piano

An ongoing project conceived of by Melbourne drummer/composer Ronny Ferella.  Wayfinders is a completely improvising trio that allows all of the player’s musical experiences to influence the music at hand. 
The Invisibles is the flip side of the same project, a trio that performs American jazz & roots repertoire in the most simplest fashion they can muster.  In a way, the same thing is happening in both trios.  This Jazzlab set will test the idea. 

Wayfinders video here

Wayfinders on bandcamp Left Hand Path

The Invisibles on bandcamp here


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The Divide + Kuner/Ferella/Anderson
Jul
2
8:00 PM20:00

The Divide + Kuner/Ferella/Anderson

8pm Kuner/Ferella/Anderson

A new trio aiming to sit right in the middle of the
song & improvisation-the groove & space

9pm The Divide play original compositions from all three members. It is a collective musical spirit in all ways.

Gen Kuner sax/effects
Jethro Anderson bass
Ronny Ferella drums

The Divide
Stephen Magnusson guitar
Carlo Barbaro sax
Ronny Ferella drums


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Shrishti presents "French Chips"
Jun
27
7:30 PM19:30

Shrishti presents "French Chips"

We are dedicated to the promotion of diverse experimental music, embracing improvised, notated, and electronic approaches to music-making. 

We acknowledge the Wurundjeri Woi-wurrung people of the Eastern Kulin Nation on whose lands we live, make, and share music. Sovereignty was never ceded; these lands, waters and skies always were and always will be Aboriginal Country. 

We will take a short break of 15-20 minutes in the middle of the show, according to the following schedule:

DOORS | 7.30pm
come and enjoy a drink, snack, and a chat!

SET 1 | 8pm
Lilijana MATIČEVSKA Duet

Nicolas RAMIREZ-GUEVARA solo

SET 2 | 9pm
Interpretation of scores by Iran SANADZADEH

Aditya Ryan Bhat | synthesiser, electronics
Lilijana Matičevska | piano, melodica, composition
Nicolas Ramirez-Guevara | guitar, electronics
Yona Su | viola, electronics

Please consider donating to our Australian Cultural Fund campaign to help support our activities: https://artists.australiancult...

Cross St Music Hall is located at 16-22 Cross St, Brunswick East just behind the Brunswick Bowls Club and next to Fleming Park. It's a short walk from the number 1 and 6 trams at Lygon and Albert Streets; and there is plenty of on-site parking for both cars and bicycles.

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