WHAT'S ON
SPECIAL EVENTS
THE HOME OF JAZZ IN NEWCASTLE
LIVE MUSIC! Every TUESDAY & THURSDAY in THE UNDERGROUND
Thursday Jazz Jam
Zenith Pop Funk
TUESDAY, 05 MaY 2026
Local band will perform infectious & funky pop arrangements and improvisation led by the soulful vocals of Alice Palmer.
Alice Palmer – Vocals
Tavis McLennan – Trumpet
Zachary Donoghoe – Sax
Julian Grant – Guitar
Connor Ferguson-Tait – Bass
Sophie Hawthorne – Drums
Half Nelson
TUESDAY, 26 May 2026
Half Nelson are Newcastle's vibrant & long standing six-piece jazz ensemble blending traditional and mainstream styles across the swinging eras.
Sheriden Nelson – Vocals
Jason Nelson – Trombone & Vocals
Mat Woodcock – Trumpet
Carter Smyth – Piano
Marcus Holdsworth – Double Bass
Tim Evans – Drums
The Steve Hunter Band
TUESDAY, 2 JUNE 2026
Bass virtuoso brings his all originals Sydney qrt influenced by Corea & Davis. Their sound is bold, charged with the fire of Spain, the pulse of Africa, the sway of Latin America, and the grit of funk.
Steve Hunter – Electric Bass
Ben Hauptmann – Guitar
Matt McMahon – Keys
Gordon Rytmeister – Drums
Michael Avgenicos: “Eudaemons”
TUESDAY, 16 JUNE 2026
Local saxophonist Michael Avgenicos leads long‑standing qrt “Eudaemons” - performing all originals inspired by Greek myth/philosophy, mixing heroism, tragedy and both meditative and high‑energy improv.
Michael Avgenicos – Sax
Peter Koopman – Guitar
Max Alduca – Double Bass
Tim Geldens – Drums
Ben Hauptmann Trio ft. Magdalena Mira
TUESDAY, 30 JUNE 2026
Experience bold reimaginings and creative interpretations of the American Songbook as this dynamic ensemble produce a fresh spin to timeless classic melodies.
Magdalena Mira – Vocals
Ben Hauptmann – Guitar
Lauren White – Bass
James Hauptmann – Drums
Kalakuta Republic
TUESDAY, 7 July 2026
Be uplifted with the sounds of Nigerian Afrobeat, Tizita (Ethiopia), Kwela (South Africa), and originals.
Rebecca Parkes – Vocals/percussion
Ben Ewald & Erik Flett & Kim Pink – Saxes
Jake Kennedy & Connor Ferguson-Tait – Guitars
Jim Chapman – Bass
Fode Mane – Congas
Aiden Ferguson-Tait – Drums
Damon Poppleton Quartet
TUESDAY, 14 July 2026
Sydney saxophonist and composer Damon Poppleton presents his take on the state of contemporary jazz, performing original music alongside selected tunes from the jazz canon.
Damon Poppleton – Saxophone
Thomas Odell – Piano
Sabine Tapia – Double Bass
Elliott Carter – Drums
Damon Poppleton Quartet
TUESDAY, 14 July 2026
Sydney saxophonist and composer Damon Poppleton presents his take on the state of contemporary jazz, performing original music alongside selected tunes from the jazz canon.
Damon Poppleton – Saxophone
Thomas Odell – Piano
Sabine Tapia – Double Bass
Elliott Carter – Drums
Steph Russell Band
TUESDAY, 21 July 2026
Newcastle powerhouse vocalist & songwriter celebrates the release of her new album, showcasing a unique blend of soul, folk & contemporary jazz.
Steph Russell –Vox
Dave Thompson-Trumpet
Ned Olive –Alto sax
Felix Lalanne –Guitar
Matt Thomson – Keys
Brendan Clark – Bass
Ryan Mooney – Drums
Stefano Rocco Quartet
TUESDAY, 28 July 2026
Sydney-based Italian guitarist and composer Stefano Rocco leads this dynamic modern jazz quartet, taking audiences on a journey through introspective, cinematic soundscapes.
Stefano Rocco – Guitar/composer
Nick Southcott – Piano
Nate Griffin – Drums
Winston Weng – Double bass
WEEKLY EVENTS
