The Melbourne Jazz Co-Op
The Melbourne Jazz Co-operative is a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to supporting and promoting original live jazz performance by established and emerging artists in Melbourne.
Since 1983 our objectives have been to increase the exposure of contemporary jazz performance by making it accessible to audiences, and to provide award waged performance opportunities for emerging and established artists. Read more about how we are funded.
UPCOMING GIGS
Event tickets are $30 ($25 concession) unless indicated in the event description
Please note venues will have Covid-safe requirements. When booking tickets please make sure you understand the measures in place.
Events
Mintzis & Williamson Quintet feat. Grabowsky, Anderson and Zakaria
The Jazzlab 27 Leslie Street (off Brunswick Street), Brunswick, Victoria, AustraliaPaul Williamson (trumpet) and Callum Mintzis (trombone) bring together a new project featuring the dynamic Paul Grabowsky (piano), Umar Zakaria (bass) and Kyrie Anderson (drums). The project features compositions from all members, with an emphasis on character and interaction. Drawing on the diversity of musical backgrounds in the group, this project has been a long-awaited opportunity for Williamson and Mintzis to continue developing music together.
$25 – $30
Joe O’Connor’s ‘Full Circle’ – Debut
The Jazzlab 27 Leslie Street (off Brunswick Street), Brunswick, Victoria, AustraliaIn this special performance for the Melbourne Jazz Coop, Joe revives his formative collaboration with James McLean (drums) and Ben Robertson (double bass) with a new set of tunes that combine his trademark preference for multilayered intricacy with an embrace of the particular and the intimate. This music draws more deeply on Joe's love of singing line and expressive gesture than his trio compositions of the 2010s, though the music is still held taught by a cerebral undercurrent that occasionally breaches the surface.
$25 – $30
Saarelaht Quintent – Premiere
The Jazzlab 27 Leslie Street (off Brunswick Street), Brunswick, Victoria, AustraliaFor one night only, the Esto-Cubist Jazz Festival 2026 sees auto-didact pianist/composer Jex Saarelaht, perennial of the Melbourne musical landscape, joined by four outstanding musicians – Scott Tinkler (trumpet), Julien Wilson (tenor and soprano saxophones), Ben Hanlon (double bass), and Felix Bloxsom (drums); continuing to present his own distinctive compositions, along with less-travelled pieces by jazz composers including Geri Allen and Andrew Hill.
$25 – $30
Adrian Sherriff’s Kalachakra – Afro-Cuban Crossings – Debut
The Jazzlab 27 Leslie Street (off Brunswick Street), Brunswick, Victoria, AustraliaLed by composer and multi-instrumentalist Adrian Sherriff, Kalachakra moves between traditional repertoire and transformed compositions, celebrating the creative possibilities that emerge when musical traditions encounter one another—where rhythms intersect, identities evolve, and the wheel of time continues to turn.
$25 – $30
Omid Shayan, Andrea Keller and the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra: “Safar” – Premiere
75 Reid St Fitzroy North 75 Reid St, Fitzroy North, Victoria, AustraliaComposed by Omid Shayan and blending Iranian melodies and rhythms with Classical orchestration and Jazz improvisation, Safar is a suite for symphony orchestra and jazz quartet. Featuring Andrea Keller (piano), Omid Shayan (tenor saxophone), Tamara Murphy (double bass), Ronny Ferella (drum), and the Victorian Youth Symphony Orchestra.
$20 – $30
Mia Barham’s “Amber” + Elly Blackham Quartet – Album launch
The Jazzlab 27 Leslie Street (off Brunswick Street), Brunswick, Victoria, AustraliaOpening set presents the debut performance of Amber, a new ambient quartet formed by saxophonist/flautist Mia Barham (Lumina 2025 award recipient). Featuring Mia Barham (flute, alto saxophone and Synths); Ben Ingvarson (percussion); Dan Waddingham (guitar); and, Oscar Lenain (bass and Synths).
Second set: Saxophonist and composer Elly Blackham launches her debut album, Don’t Push The River. Featuring Elly Blackham (tenor saxophone); Mia Barham (alto saxophone & flute); Pat Jaffe (piano); Jack Smythe (double bass); and Pat Skarajew (drums).
Calendar powered by The Events Calendar
This project has been assisted by the Australian Government through Music Australia and Creative Australia, its arts funding and advisory body.
The 3PBS-FM Recording Project has been financially supported by Vorticity Music
Supporting artists in these interesting times
As concert performances slowly return, you can also support Australian artists by purchasing any of the steady stream of recently released albums. Bandcamp is recommended by many musicians because of its reasonable fee structure, and generous Bandcamp Fridays when they waive their revenue share.
And don’t neglect the rich array of past releases, or important classic albums, such as the late Mark Simmonds’ 1995 ARIA winner, Fire.
Keep up to date with news on the Melbourne and national jazz scenes via our Facebook, Twitter, or our regular eNewsletter.
News
MJC Newsletter editorial – January 2024
Funding update, concerts, a fundraiser and Vale Steve Dagg
2023 Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival – 25th anniversary
Founded by the Melbourne Jazz Co-operative in 1997, this year marks the 25th. Anniversary of the Melbourne Women’s International Jazz Festival
MJC Editorial
This is a particularly bitter sweet weekend for jazz supporters, with “The Last Hurrah” of the slowly fading Wangaratta Festival, following the truly great success of the
MIJF.
SUPPORT THE MJC
The MJC is funded not only through state and federal programs, but also by contributions garnered through membership.
In addition, we use our membership numbers to demonstrate to funding and governing bodies that live, original jazz performance is an important and valued artform.