Devonport Jazz 2025 Artists
HUGH SHERIDAN
Following his graduation from NIDA, Hugh landed the role of Ben Rafter; in the highly acclaimed family drama “Packed to the Rafters” earning him three Silver Logie Awards for Most Popular Actor, among other nominations and accolades. Additionally, Hugh also starred in Channel 7’s two-part drama “Never Tear Us Apart – The Untold Story of INXS” and was a fan favourite on season 4 of The Masked Singer as “Rooster”.
Alongside his acting career, Hugh has pursued his passion for music, performing in multiple professional stage productions such as “Tick Tick Boom” and creating The California Crooners Club where they had a Las Vegas Residency and performed across multiple countries on major stages. Hugh recently released his first Jazz Album, ‘Something Big,’ which hit #2 on the ARIA Jazz charts.
Hugh and his band are thrilled to put on a once in a lifetime show for all those attending this incredible festival.
Hugh Sheridan – vocals
David Goodwin – piano
Milek Piochaud – bass
Christopher Neale – drums
Louise Blackwell – backing vocals
SWING’IT
Swing’It brings the Roaring Twenties back to life with style, swagger, and a whole lot of jazz. Founded by Norwegian bandleader Martin Jarl, this high-energy trad jazz band has become a sensation across Europe with their fresh take on vintage party music. From speakeasies and Gatsby glamour to flappers, bootleggers, and Prohibition tales, Swing’It delivers an unforgettable show packed with storytelling, showmanship, and toe-tapping tunes. With festival appearances, viral hits like Party Like It’s 1923, and a Eurovision bid under their belt, Swing’It is jazz – but not as you know it.
Martin Jarl Velsin – trumpet, vocals
Vebjørn Mamen – piano, vocals
Edvard Bondi Knowles – saxophone
Håvard Mathisen Tanner – bass
Håkon Kvam – drums
GROOVE CONGRESS
Get ready for pop hits like you’ve never heard them before! GrooVe Congress, a powerhouse 7-piece band led by Jon Magill, joins forces with Australian Idol’s Imogen Spendlove to transform iconic rock and pop anthems into slick, swinging jazz numbers. With stunning vocals and tight arrangements, the band reimagines tracks like Seven Nation Army, Smooth Criminal, and Bennie and the Jets in a style inspired by Postmodern Jukebox. It’s a fresh, feel-good show packed with groove, flair, and pure musical joy.
Imogen Spendlove – vocals
ade ishs – piano
David Gooey – guitar
Jon Magill – reeds
Antony Sutherland – trumpet
Stuart Collidge – trombone
Mike Zutenis – bass
Adam Donaldson – drums
PAUL WILLIAMSON
Paul Williamson, a saxophone player and singer from Melbourne, Australia, is known for his dynamic blend of jazz, soul, and blues. His performances often feature rich, expressive saxophone lines and soulful vocals, drawing on classic rhythm and blues influences while infusing them with contemporary jazz energy. Whether leading a band or collaborating with other artists, Williamson brings a distinctive, heartfelt style that resonates with both traditional and modern music lovers.
Paul Williamson – saxophone, vocals
ade ishs – piano
Nick Hart – bass
Bruce Innocent – drums
PETER GRIMDITCH & BAND
Peter Grimditch delivers a lively take on classic jazz, inspired by his love of soul, funk, and swing. Backed by top Tasmanian musicians—Peter Waddle, Michael Woods, Allison Cornish, and Matthew Ives – his performances feature upbeat jazz standards and danceable favourites. After standout shows with the Deloraine Jazz Club, Peter is focused on fast-paced tunes that get audiences moving. With fresh songs always on the horizon, Peter Grimditch & Band guarantee an engaging, toe-tapping jazz experience.
Peter Grimditch – vocals
Allison Cornish – piano
Peter Waddle – bass
Michael Woods – trumpet
Matthew Ives – drums
YESTERDAY’S GENTLEMEN
Yesterday’s Gentlemen have been swingin’ and jivin’ round Hobart town for over ten years and just like the music of yesteryear they take their inspiration from, they’re here to stay. They specialise in all the groovin’ Americana feels; from Jump-Jive, Jazz, Blues and the music of New Orleans. Combining the classics of the era with their own original takes on the period, the gents are all about forgetting your modern troubles. So, dust off that old suit or swing dress, chuck on your dancing shoes and step back into a bygone era with Yesterday’s Gentlemen.
David Edmondson – guitar, vocals
Steve Young – keys, vocals
Oliver Plapp – double bass
Jack Lester – drums
NADIRA & FRIENDS
Get ready for a joyful jolt of jazz with Nadira & Friends! Led by the irrepressible Nadira, this ensemble delivers straight-ahead swing, jazz standards, and gems from the Great American Songbook with infectious energy and style. Influenced by legends like Carmen McRae, Nancy Wilson, and Ella Fitzgerald, Nadira brings a punchy, playful vocal style and a stage presence that’s as sharp as her wit. Petite in stature but mighty in voice, she lights up every room with pure jazz joy that keeps audiences laughing, swinging, and coming back for more.
Nadira Farid – vocals
Adam Rudegeair – piano
Seb Folvig – double bass
Matthew Ives – drums
BRUCE GOURLAY & SIMON DEETH
Tasmanian-born pianist Bruce Gourlay began performing professionally in 1952, developing a unique style influenced by Teddy Wilson, Errol Garner, Art Tatum, and Oscar Peterson. With 23 years in the Jazzmanians and numerous other groups, Bruce has become a respected figure in Australian jazz. He has performed at jazz festivals across the country and toured internationally with the Dixie Street Jazz Band.
Simon Deeth is a versatile bassist based in northern Tasmania, active across jazz, blues, and contemporary worship music. He has performed with blues outfit Fandango at major festivals including The Taste of Tasmania and Bruny Island Blues Festival and regularly collaborates with vocalist Karen Louise Baker. Simon brings a rich, expressive tone and deep musicality to every performance.
Together, Simon and Bruce will perform a duo set celebrating the elegant swing and timeless style of Teddy Wilson.
Bruce Gourlay – piano
Simon Deeth – double bass
FULL SWING AHEAD
Full Swing Ahead is a distinctive and dynamic trio delivering swing, blues, and groove with surprises and soul. Wendy’s rich mahogany voice and presence captivate, Nick’s masterful guitar drives the rhythm and melody, and Bruce’s precision percussion is tight and contagious. Together they entertain, they inspire — always tight, always polished.
Wendy Moles – vocals
Nick Hart – guitar
Bruce Innocent – djembe
THE CHROMOSOMES
The Chromosomes are a ten-piece, all girl, mini big-band, featuring a fabulous four-piece horn section along with two vocalists and full rhythm section.
The Chromosomes are known for their ability to entertain any crowd. Their performances featuring big-band hits alongside jazz and soul standards that will have your toes tapping and your feet leading you all the way to the dance floor. Whatever you are doing during Devonport Jazz, do yourself a favour and head out to a Chromosomes gig. Nothing beats a giggle with a gaggle of girls!
Allison Cornish – piano
Karlin Love – clarinet, guitar
Fiona Bye – tenor sax, flute
Ellie Baker – baritone, alto sax
Evelyn Beasley – trumpet
Fiona Mowat – trombone
Cath Kilner – double bass
Charlotte Cox – drums
Charlotte Wickham & Flora Piri Piri – vocals
ST JOE’S BIG BAND
Launceston’s St. Joe’s Big Band brings the timeless energy of classic big band jazz and swing to Devonport Jazz, showcasing their signature style with favourites from the golden age of Duke Ellington, Count Basie, and Glenn Miller. Known for their tight arrangements, vibrant brass section, and charismatic vocalists, the 18-piece ensemble captures the spirit of traditional swing while keeping the dancefloor alive. With a deep love for the genre and decades of experience, St. Joe’s Big Band promises a toe-tapping, high-energy set that celebrates the heart and soul of jazz.
HEAVY HEADS
The Heavy Heads are not a group presenting heavy noise but rather four heads heavy of immense musical knowledge, experience and chops on their axes. The Heavy Heads will deliver some blues and soul music decorated with lush jazz harmony and sensitivity of yesterday with a collective approach from today. The band’s influences include Dutch electronic blues trio My Baby, Jimi Hendrix, Miles Davis, John Coltrane, Robben Ford and the New Orleans group The Metres.
Nick Hart – guitar, vocals
Wayne Rand – guitar, vocals
Mark Cunningham – bass
Bruce Innocent – drums
THE SHOPLIFTERS
Meet The Shoplifters, Launceston’s hottest new barbershop quartet! This talented foursome – Aaron Beck (Lead), Thomas Wyly (Bass), Will Robertson (Tenor), and Nick Cronin (Baritone) – are on a mission to lift the profile of barbershop singing in Launceston and Tasmania, one harmony at a time. With their infectious energy, tight vocal blend, and playful camaraderie, they’re stealing the show wherever they perform. Get ready to be charmed by their smooth vocals, witty banter, and genuine friendship. Catch The Shoplifters live at the Devonport Jazz Festival’s Prohibition Party and experience the joy of barbershop music with a Tasmanian twist!
Aaron Beck – Lead
Will Robertson – Tenor
Nick Cronin – Baritone
Thomas Wyly – Bass
IAN CHIA’S JOY FROM THIN AIR / BREATH
Be mesmerised by Breath, a 100 cubic metre kinetic sculpture of undulating silk and video projections, controlled by choreographed fans. The Joy from Thin Air trio will respond to the billowing installation in real time, with an initial hour long performance of blissful, ecstatic improvisation, recording the soundtrack for the rest of Breath’s run during the Devonport Jazz Festival. At the RANT Arts church building, video will float and dance across luminescent silk to the band’s soundtrack as they explore the multi-cultural and mysterious significance of breath, spirit, wind, and the numinous.
Breath is an artwork by Ian Chia and Darryl Rogers, with support from Junction Arts Festival, RANT Arts and the Regional Arts Fund.
Ian Chia – piano, synths
Spike Mason – saxophones, flutes
Bruce Innocent – drums, percussion
THE RUDY KELLY SITUATION
The Rudy Kelly Situation is where cool sophistication meets raw, unfiltered groove, blurring the line between tradition and innovation. They are a collection of year 11 and 12 students from Elizabeth College, who formed at the beginning of 2025. They stem from many different musical backgrounds, united by a shared love for jazz and improvisation.
Noah Davies – tenor saxophone
Lachie Monk – trombone
Tab Newman – keys
Xander Roberts – guitar
Rudy Kelly – drums
SOPHIE LESLIE & ADE ISHS
Jazz vocalist Sophie Leslie, trained under Vince Jones at ANU, has become a standout in North-West Tasmania’s jazz scene. By day a speech pathologist, she blends traditional jazz with modern standards.
Indonesian-born pianist ade ishs brings global experience from collaborations and performances at top festivals including Melbourne, Ubud Village, and Wangaratta.
Together, Sophie and ade deliver a captivating fusion of vocals and instrumental brilliance, offering a unique blend of artistry and cultural flair.
Sophie Leslie – vocals
ade ishs – keyboard
WENDY MOLES & NICK HART
Wendy Moles & Nick Hart are an entertaining duo six years strong, performing at festivals and unique venues with style and heart. Wendy’s mahogany voice and Nick’s masterful guitar celebrate jazz in all its glorious varieties — from 1920s classics to fresh, spice-laced originals. They live to swing and love to prove that jazz, like cuisine, is bursting with flavours, styles, and soul.
Wendy Moles – vocals
Nick Hart – guitar, vocals
THE PROJEKT
BLUSH Nº 5
Launceston based Blush N° 5 present timeless smooth jazz featuring adored standards from the 30’s through to the 60’s, plus a few scintillating original works by front woman Edwina Blush. Always captivating, the velvet voiced Miss Blush is a delicious cocktail of warmth, glamour and humour guaranteed to raise your spirits and intoxicate your ears. Cut the rug with an extremely danceable selection of Swing and a sprinkling of old school Latin.
Edwina Blush – vocals
Jason Whatley – keys
Damon Warner – sax
Peter Waddle – bass
Beau Thomas – drums
THE RICHARD STEELE TRIO
The Richard Steele Trio is a vibrant and dynamic trio creating interesting and often unexpected improvisations, dipping into jazz and western swing influences. Their performances are exciting and fresh and thoroughly entertaining.
Richard Steele – guitar
Roger Tattersall – bass
Gary Evans – drums
THE OPPORTUNISTS UNPLUGGED
Performers from the group The Opportunists play the jazz end of their repertoire in duo and trio formation covering such artists as Tom Waits, Madeleine Peyroux, George Benson and Faye Adams, featuring guitar, vocals, woodwinds and percussion. Expect crooners, ballads and a little bit of funk.
Peter Jones – vocals, congas
Kurt Smith – guitar
Teresa Beck-Swindale – sax, flute
DELORAINE BIG BAND
The Deloraine Big Band are the only country based Big Band in Tasmania situated in the Meander Valley region and are approaching 45 years.
The Big Band have a unique vocal trio featuring harmonies from the 40s and 50s e.g. Andrew’s sister style.
The Big Band under the leadership of Cameron Scott, will be featuring guitarist Nick Hart at the Devonport Jazz’s Musos in the Mall.
GODDESS BURLESQUE
Goddess Burlesque Co was founded in 2021 by Miss Jessy G and Kitty La Creme as a way to celebrate and taking ownership of perfectly imperfect bodies and reviving the lost art form of this sensual, empowering movement. goddess Burlesque is an all-inclusive safe space for growth, community and kindness. They’ve had sold out shows around the state, including their Famous Mount Gnomon Farm shows, and the ever-popular Tarantino show.
Follow Goddess Burlesque Co on socials to keep up to date with all their escapades!
