Women, Jazz, Today

SYDNEY -- A two-day festival celebrating women composers, leaders and improvisers in contemporary jazz is to take place on November 14 and 15. It is being organised by the Sydney Improvised Music Association (SIMA) and supported by Women's Australian Contemporary Music (WACM).

The festival is not just about redressing the balance for women bands, explain the organisers, but is primarily about showcasing the talent of some of Australia's finest musicians who also happen to be women. Despite jazz remaining a male-dominated music, over the last decade increasing numbers of women jazz musicians have broken through to public notice all over the world.

With the Women, Jazz, Today festival, SIMA hopes to create a space for Australia's leading women musicians to join together and share the excitement of performance. The festival will be held at the Harbourside Brasserie, performances beginning at 9.30 p.m.

Special guests will be Melbourne band Wild Dog, playing on November 14. They will be joined by Sydney group Melody Rhythm Ensemble and the Cathy Harley Trio. On November 15, vocalist Kate Swadling will lead her group, Any Woman's Blues; two of this country's most important jazz musicians, pianist Judy Bailey and saxophonist Sandy Evans, will perform a duo that promises to be memorable. The final night will close with funky drummer Fiona Undy's Primal Voices.

For more information about the festival, SIMA or WACM phone (02) 938 2180.

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