Leigh Barker and The New Sheiks Featuring Heather Stewart

Winners of the 2011 Bell Award for Best Traditional Jazz Album, Leigh Barker & The New Sheiks are widely recognised as one of the most engaging and entertaining groups performing in the Australian Jazz Scene.  After a massive year performing at venues around the country, the band is putting on one final show for the year, on Sunday the 16th of December. With special Sydney guests Geoff Bull & The Finer Cuts jetting in, it promises to be a fantastic Summer afternoon for jazz lovers Melbourne-wide.

Known for their amazing range, Leigh Barker & The New Sheiks offer audiences an engaging mix of Jazz that spans from deep, dark Delta blues, New Orleans classics, or just a 21st century take on anything from the great Jazz canon.  With award winning vocalist and violinist Heather Stewart, the horn section of Eamon McNelis and Don Stewart, Steve Grant on the piano, Leigh on the double bass and Sam Young on the drums, Leigh Barker & The New Sheiks play with a spontaneity and breadth of repertoire rarely matched in contemporary Jazz.

Joining them for this special event are the hottest new group to come out of Sydney; Geoff Bull & The Finer Cuts.  Led by veteran trumpeter Geoff Bull, this group of young upstarts brings incredible new energy and fire to the traditional Jazz repertoire.  With Justin Fermino on reeds, Grant Arthur on trombone, Ben Panucci on guitar, Sam Dobson on bass and prodigal pianist Harry Sutherland, they are ready, willing and able to fill the dance floor at the drop of a hat!

This exciting (and rare) double bill is a chance to hear some of the finest musicians in Australia on a sultry Summer's eve. Playing from 3pm, it's a Sunday session like no other and the perfect chance to laugh, dance and soak up the exciting selection of national jazz artists on offer.