jasondownes.com - live music

Welcome to another newsletter from Jason Downes Entertainment. THURSDAY MAY 6 is the date. Yes, the big news is that the Red Hot Rhythmakers have found a venue and are launching their first regular gig in a little over a week. Yay! THURSDAY MAY 6 is the date.

1. "Hop Off" in Brunswick West
2. Late Hour Boys CD Launch - Late May/Early June
3. Musician Profile - Leigh Barker
4. Forward to a friend

"Hop Off" in Brunswick West

As you all know since the CBD jazz venue Manchester Lane closed their doors last year, Michael McQuaid's Red Hot Rhythmakers have been seeking a new gig. Well that gig is here and it's called "Hop Off".

JDE in conjunction with 'Swing Patrol' and the Rhythmakers are beginning a regular monthly Thursday gig in Brunswick and we need your support. The venue is amazing - a 1920's picture theatre with a large dance floor, plenty of seating (and excellent views of the band) and a cheap bar. What more could you ask for? Here's what:

Starting with a beginners dance class from 7:00pm, this regular night will be a social dance and an evening of roaring Hot Jazz.

Ever wanted to dance? Here's your chance to learn with some of Australia's best swing dance teachers and one of the best 1920's hot jazz bands in the country. This gig is running on a trial basis and we need supporters of live music and swing dancing to come out and keep this one going. FULL DETAILS HERE

Late Hour Boys CD Launch

The Late Hour Boys are heading to Europe in June and July and to celebrate the occasion they have just recorded their very first CD, "Hustlin' and Bustlin'".

Mark Elton, Ian Smith, Mike McQuaid, Jason Downes and John Scurry will be launching the CD from a venue somewhere in Melbourne this May/June. Watch this space for more info soon! Prior to leaving for Europe, you can also catch the Late Hour Boys (and buy their CD!) at the PJC on 2nd May or the Noosa Jazz Club on 15th May.

Musician Profile - Leigh Barker

Bassist, composer and bandleader Leigh Barker was born and raised in Canberra. Leigh is considered one of Melbourne, if not Australia's premier jazz bassists with an impressive list of accomplishments to his name. His move to Melbourne in 2003 provided much professional experience, with Leigh proving to be a popular accompanist for the cream of the traditional and contemporary Jazz scenes, frequently appearing with The Sheiks, Jamie Oehlers, Scott Tinkler, Julien Wilson, Julie O’Hara, Peter Baylor, the Bennetts Lane Big Band, The Band Who Knew Too Much, Heather Stewart and many others.

In January 2004 Leigh travelled to the US for five weeks, where he pursued formal studies with bassists Ben Wolfe, Eric Revis and Reginald Veal, as well as spending valuable time with mentors Branford Marsalis and guitarist Doug Wamble. In 2006 Leigh collaborated with celebrated pianist Tom Vincent on the soundtrack for the hit ABC television program ‘The Collectors’, which airs on Friday nights culminating in a six-week tour early in 2006 with the Tom Vincent Trio.

In 2007 Leigh took his Quintet on the road around Australia performing more than 25 concerts of his original music, to promote the release of his second CD, “Off to Moruya” which was recorded for the ABC ‘Jazztrack’ program (Leigh's CDs for sale). In March 2008 Leigh performed in two concerts with American Tenor Saxophonist Ned Goold, who is the musical director of the Harry Connick Jr. Big Band and in March this year experienced one of the highs of his career supporting The Branford Marsalis Quartet tour of Australia! If you'd like to know where Leigh is playing, check out his website: www.leighbarker.com or contact Jason directly

Forward to a friend...

We hope you've enjoyed this newsletter from Jason Downes Entertainment. Our aim is to promote and provide live music and we'd love you to help us do this. Please feel free to forward this to friends you think would appreciate it.

I hope to see you out and about...

Jason