Connor Sharpe Quartet ft Iz Wilson hosted by Toowoomba Jazz Society

Connor Sharpe is a Toowoomba raised, Brisbane based saxophonist and is a graduate of the Queensland Conservatorium of Music. His musical influences include, but not limited to, Melissa Aldana, Julien Wilson, Seamus Blake, Joe Henderson, Walter Smith III, Joshua Redman, amongst many more. Connor is part of many ensembles such as Valtozash, which is a heavy metal big band, and Idio which currently holds a residency at The Press Club; also performing at Palazzo Versace in the Gold Coast. Making an appearance on ABC’s The Recording Studio as part of a bigger story, also finishing work with SAE students in Brisbane in filming and recording a documentary Riverside Blues alongside various great musicians in Brisbane.

Luke Stapleton is a Gold Coast based jazz guitarist, composer, and educator who frequently performs, writes, and records in a range of styles and settings. Luke can be found anywhere from Brisbane to Melbourne working for jazz big bands, festivals, small jazz ensembles, through to musical theatre productions. Luke holds degrees from the University of Massachusetts and Southern Cross University alongside a masters from The QLD Conservatorium. While, currently running instrumental music programs for Education QLD, he continues to write and perform with his ensemble ‘The Essential
Collective’.

Joshua’s passion for the drum-set can be seen within Brisbane’s nationally recognized venues such as Doo-Bop, The Brisbane Jazz Club, and in many other locations throughout Brisbane city. From humble beginnings, the “consistently exciting and engaging”- (James Sandon) contemporary jazz drummer is rapidly establishing himself as a skilled freelancer, and educator within Brisbane. Throughout his studies, the driven jazz drummer has had the great fortune of being mentored by some of Australia’s finest national, and international jazz musicians; such as the illustrious Darryn Farrugia (Drum-set Educator), John Parker (Trichotomy), Paul Hudson (Drum-set Lecture, QCGU), Dr. James Whiting (Professor, UNLV), Dr. Steven Newcomb (Head of Jazz, QCGU), and the legendary John Hoffman (Woody Herman / Buddy Rich Orchestra). Joshua has also had the great fortune of workshopping with the prodigious minds of Vincent Gardner and Dan Nimmer of the Jazz at Lincoln Center Orchestra, at the Queensland Performing Arts Center. Through continuing his studies at the esteemed Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Joshua has had a busy calendar year, with numerous performances with the Conservatorium’s premier Big band- The Con Artists, Conservatorium Big Band, as well as frequently performing with the up-and-coming talent of Brisbane. To further satisfy his hunger for new learning, Joshua is preparing himself to travel to New York, where he will continue his jazz education with a Masters of Music Performance, at the Manhattan School of Music, under the tutelage of master jazz drummer, Mr. John Riley.

Bede Prince is in his third year of studies at the Queensland Conservatorium of Music studying Jazz Bass. Inspired by a wide range of musicians like Chet Baker, Clifford Brown, Ray Brown and Eddie Gomez, Bede seek influence from these players while trying to create his own sound. A regular performer at Brisbane’s Doo-Bop Jazz Bar and Brisbane Jazz Club, Bede has a passion for performing and entertaining. Bede has learned from Patrick Farrel, Sam Vincent and Pete Walters.

Emerging Jazz Musician Iz Wilson is bursting into the Brisbane music scene with a sultry voice, and a fiery determination. Currently in their third year of a Bachelor of Music at the Queensland Conservatorium Griffith University, Iz has had the opportunity to be guided under the tutelage of prominent Australian Jazz Musicians Associate Professor Irene Bartlett, Dave Spicer, and Kristin Berardi. Following in their Father's footsteps, Iz has been singing and playing guitar for nearly a
decade, developing a bone deep connection with music, performing a wide range of genres including Jazz, Rock, Pop, Funk, and Fusion. Iz currently sings in the Con Fusion Griffith Ensemble, directed by Jose Mclaughlin, a former member of the world-famous group Gerry and the Pacemakers. Iz aspires to further pursue making a name for themselves within the music scene and hopes to continue to perform a variety of music around Brisbane with further aspirations reaching towards recording and writing.

Also joining us on the night will be the St Mary's College Concert band! What a great opportunity for them to showcase their talent. It certainly will be a night for the young to shine! Hope to see you join for this exciting night!.

YOU WILL NEED TO BOOK FOR JAZZ. To do this please text Michele Alroe AFTER 28TH APRIL and she will ring you back and confirm your booking for your group. Phone Number: 0408 282 007

COST: Non-members $20, Jazz society members $15.
Bring your City Golf Club social member card for member prices at the bar and Bistro.

BISTRO: See the delicious Bistro menu below for Rink 46 – open from 5.30pm! (Wok not currently available)
https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=551095927060784&set=a.347304730773239

PARKING: Access the car park off Gipps Street or there are parks in front of the bowling green in Ball Street and access via the gate.

ENTRANCE: Up the steps from the car park on the southern side of the building or from the bowling green side. Disabled access ramp on the Western side (Gipps Street) and through the bar.

Out of respect for the musicians and your fellow patrons, please keep conversations at low volume during the performance. Many thanks