Geelong Jazz Soirées

A music series celebrating Geelong's strong jazz culture in concerts featuring some of the regions best established and emerging talents.

This event will feature local jazz vocalist Michelle Benjamin accompanied by Callum Watson at the piano. 

Michelle is a renowned jazz singer with 30 years experience performing solo and in several combos across Victoria. She studied a Diploma of Music as part of The Gordon's former jazz program moving on to become a key tutor for the course. Michelle actively teaches jazz voice in her private studio in Southwest Victoria mentoring future Victorian jazz talents.

Callum Watson is an ambassador for young Australian jazz and classical talent, a well-established pianist and composer, and a prolific producer spanning across jazz, classical and theatre.

In addition to winning the Margaret Schofield Scholarship for composition, Watson has won a variety of awards including from Melbourne Fringe Festival, state and local governments and internationally from orkest de ereprijs (NL).

As a composer, Callum has written original scores for nine theatre productions including one musical and also has a diverse portfolio of concert works which have been played by ensembles internationally.

Critics see Callum “as one of Australia’s most exciting composers and pianists”.

Personnel:

Shandelle Cooke - Vocals

Wayne Jury - Vocals/Guitar

Michelle Benjamin - Vocals

Callum Watson - Piano

Jacob West - Guitar

Rob Gador - Bass

Sean Loughran - Drums

Michael Tinta - Alto Saxophone