Talkin’ Jazz is a community music program hosted and supported by the Brisbane Jazz Club, providing young musicians with opportunities to meet, learn and perform. Designed for high school students with an interest in jazz and improvisation, the program connects like-minded players from across Brisbane and beyond. The Talkin’ Jazz Big Band was formed in response to student demand and has quickly become a cornerstone of the program, bringing students together with professional musicians to rehearse and perform. The band develops ensemble skills, improvisation and a deep appreciation of classic big band repertoire in a supportive, real-world performance setting.
The Unladylike Big Band showcases, encourages and empowers women in the jazz community. With fewer than a quarter of professional jazz musicians worldwide identifying as female, Queensland’s only professional all-women, women-led big band challenges long-standing stereotypes. The name “unladylike” reclaims a history where women were discouraged from playing jazz – particularly brass and rhythm section instruments – once considered improper or unfeminine.
This dynamic 17-piece ensemble performs music by women composers past and present, including Australians Gemma Farrell, Kristin Berardi, Louise Denson, Judy Bailey, and Unladylike band members. Featuring some of Queensland’s finest musicians, Unladylike Big Band delivers bold, contemporary big band jazz with purpose and power.
GIG DETAILS:
Thursday 28th May 2026
$20 Entry (+GST & BF)
Doors open from 7pm
Music starts at 7:30pm
ALL AGES (people under 18 need to be accompanied by a guardian)
LICENSED BAR
Head to our Humanitix to purchase limited seated tickets
How do I purchase a ticket?
Tickets are being sold through Humanitix. Purchase limited seated tickets here. Due to JMI Live being an intimate space, we have a maximum number of guests allowed in the venue. We highly recommend it is best to get in early before tickets sell out.
What is JMI Live?
JMI Live presents live jazz in Brisbane every Thursday night from 8pm and a jam session after each gig. JMI Live is renowned for its intimate setting, providing the best opportunity to listen to live jazz in Brisbane. Just like a jazz club in New York, this venue is the ideal location for great jazz music, acoustics and atmosphere.
Location
JMI Live is located at 10 Exhibition Street, Bowen Hills.
Live streaming
All JMI Live concerts are live streamed to JMI’s YouTube account. Subscribe to our YouTube channel to access our free live streams.
Ticket Refund Policy
If you are experiencing flu-like symptoms and are unable to attend after having purchased a ticket, please contact the JMI office (07 3216 1110 or email play@jazz.qld.edu.au) as soon as possible during business hours (10AM-4PM) to let us know you won’t be able to attend. A full refund will be given if we are contacted prior to a performance. Refunds will not be processed if we are contacted after the gig.