CONCERTS ACROSS THE LAWN - JAZZ IN JULY

Alec Watts brings a New Jazz Quartet to Wombarra

with an opening set by WollCon junior jazz combo

In our 2022 Series Emerging Artist Concert Series at Wollongong Arts Gallery, Alec's Jazz Trio was booked out! Throughout the performance, many toes were tapping.  Alec performed at Wombarra in 2021, leading to many private invitations to perform.  

Alec's Jazz Quartet are all studying in the highly esteemed Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Performance Program.  Alec is also studying composition. 

Meet Alec

Alec Watts is in his third year of studying a Bachelor of Performance Jazz at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music under the guidance of jazz greats such as David Theak, Kevin Hunt and Craig Scott. Alec has performed across Sydney, from small Jazz Bars to great fashion shows. Having gained the prestigious Bari Sax Chair in the ANJO Youth Big Band in 2022, he performed in Sydney, Wollongong and Perth, playing a set of original Australian compositions by Vanessa Perica.

"In 2022, Alec toured north-western NSW with the Barayagal Choir, run by YARN Australia, the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Open Academy Sydney Conservatorium of Music and directed by Yuwaalaraay songwriter Nardi Simpson. The experience informed his work for the December concert at the Gallery: "Utilising the broad palette of sound the woodwind instruments can produce, I aim to further understand the rich indigenous people's cultures of this land through composing music that draws on their culture." There were moments when many thought the sounds of a didgeridoo rather than a saxophone resonated through the Gallery." Read More About Alec's 2022 Jazz Performance in The Illawarra Flame'

MEET Katrina Todd has recently made the transition to jazz voice after a decade as a professional clarinettist, performing with ensembles ranging from the Sydney Symphony Orchestra to the Royal Australian Navy Band and Sydney Contemporary Orchestra. She is currently in her second year of Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, learning with Virna Sanzone, Cameron Undy and Jo Lawry.
Bringing a fresh approach to singing and composition, Katrina is fast developing a unique voice for herself in the Sydney jazz scene. Katrina also writes and performs regularly with her folk trio, Bower, and curates the monthly jazz series Jazz Upstairs.

Meet Sabine Tapia is a 20-year-old bassist in her second year studying Jazz Performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Sabine plays both double bass and electric bass, being taught by esteemed Sydney musicians Paul Laszlo, Steve Hunter and Brett Hirst. In addition to her studies, Sabine is also involved in various musical projects and collaborations, where she enjoys performing and recording original music. Sabine’s technical skill and unique style have earned her a reputation as a rising star in the Sydney jazz scene.

Meet Jack Rosenzweig is a 22-year-old drummer, composer and bandleader in his third year at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. He is an active performer in the Sydney jazz scene, enjoying multiple weekly residencies across the city and performing original music with his band Motion Quartet. Under the tutelage of jazz luminaries such as Will Vinson, Steve Barry and Simon Barker, Jack has developed a unique sound and approach to improvisation free from the boundaries of genre. Jack has received numerous awards and scholarships, including the Mike Stewart Memorial Prize (2017), Australian Art Orchestra Mentorship and the Henderson Travellers Scholarship.
Meet the Junior Jazz Quartet

Recently featured as the support act at WollCon Jazz night, they performed with style and confidence. Their talent perhaps encapsulates the 20-year commitment of Eric Dunan to building a jazz culture in Illawarra.  Read more about these amazing young jazz players in The Illawarra Flame.