Mussel & Jazz Festival Program

Noria and the Parisians

Acclaimed French chanteuse Noria Letts brings the verve, swing and excitement of a Parisian jazz club every time she hits the stage. Totally authentic with a rich soulful voice, Noria has performed in clubs across France, Canada and NYC and is now based in Melbourne.

Noria grew up in the heart of France’s Burgundy region. Having left Dijon’s Conservatoire de Jazz, Noria was more focused on mastering the great US jazz songbook as well as the flute and tenor sax. More recently though, Noria has shifted her focus back to her first love, French song and in particular a vibrant take on Parisian street music.

With her band The Parisians, Noria delves into classics from one the great epochs of modern music - the likes of Piaf & Brel, through the 60’s “Ye Ye” hits and some rare modern gems – and reworks them into a contemporary manouche vibe.

She regularly performs to sell out audiences at leading music venues such as Bird’s Basement and the Paris Cat in Melbourne and Sydney’s Foundry 616. She has headed the bill at festivals including the Bastille Day French Festival and the OZ Manouche Festival in Brisbane.

Jennifer Sailsbury Trio

An enchanting singer with a natural sense of swing, Australian vocalist Jennifer Salisbury has made a name for herself with her breezy but contemporary renditions of American Songbook classics. She channels the great voices of the ‘40s and ‘50s guiding her audience in a time-traveling roller-coaster of emotions.

Miss Lizzy & The Night Owls

Miss Lizzy & The Night Owls are a booty-shaking powerhouse inspired by vintage Rock, Blues and Soul with a serving of Pop on the side. Led by the superb talent of Miss Lizzy on the vocals, this funky band of musicians fill dancefloors with infectious grooves, soaring melodies and heartfelt lyrics. By blending their love of various styles of music dating all the way back to the early 1900’s piano-driven boogie woogie, Miss Lizzy and her Night Owls captivate audiences with original music that uplifts and nourishes the spirit. Truly an experience not to be missed!

JoysSoul Live Band

Kenyan Born singer Joys has roots stemming from Gospel singing as a child. Her soulful voice has seen her perform original music, live large events, television shows, large corporate and even more private events locally and abroad.  Joys is a captivating and effectual performer who will move you to the dance floor. Joys is joined by her 6 piece Gal Gang band for some sweet fun soul music you’ll enjoy singing and dancing to.

Special Guest - ELVIS

If you are ready for a wild ride and a great time to the tunes of “The King” make sure you join Rohan Hammit and his live band for his stage performance, We Love Elvis!

It's rock ‘n’ roll without prejudice, and a Mussel & Jazz Festival favourite!  Rohan guarantees a high energy show that gets audiences up and dancing and always wanting more!

The Jackson Combo - Jazz Quartet (Featuring The Mussel Horns)

Swingin' Grooves, Big Brassy Tunes and Cool Blues.

This Hammond organ-based combo explore and interpret the songs of some of the greats like Mel Torme’, Lou Rawls, Nat King Cole, Joe Williams and Ella Fitzgerald among others. All performed in their own Hammond based style with a mix of swing, be bop, cool blues and Latin rhythms. Plus, for the 2024 Port Phillip – Mussel & Jazz Festival, The big brassy sounds of the ‘Mussel Horns’. Marty West – Baritone Sax (Grand Wazoo) and Dave Hedges - Trumpet will join the band’s Jeff Mead on Sax.

Hoodoo Mayhem

Hoodoo Mayhem play dirty and groove hard! Heavily seduced by New Orleans funk and brass, it’s a horn blowin’ beat party as good as they come. Featuring Melbourne’s hottest horn players and stick technicians with special guests at every performance. The band boasts a creative and organic repertoire of original music and is proud of their unique Melbourne sound. The Hoodoo crew have been working up a big new sound with the perfect blend of sassy soul, funkin grooves and dirty blues.

The Bluetone Assembly

The Bluetone Assembly source the best old school rhythm and blues, soul, blues and swingin' jazz from past to present, adding their own soulful twist to this tasty mix of roots tunes.

Delivering the message direct from the legends of soul and blues including Etta James, Aretha Franklin, Nina Simone and Amy Winehouse.

An all-star band, united by a love of "authentic" and passionate rhythm and blues music, blending musical elements to create a high energy and very groovy cocktail that is impossible not to dance to.

The Bluetone Assembly performs with the energy, honesty and respect, that real roots music deserves. Engaging and involving the audience in a bonafide musical journey; reigniting the soulful flame for all to enjoy.

Margie Lou Dyer 

Steve Sedergreen Trio

Talented and charismatic jazz pianist, improviser and educator, Steve Sedergreen has made a vital and indelible imprint on the Melbourne jazz scene for over 30 years. He possesses an exceptional improvisational sensibility that is true to the spirit of jazz.

Steve has performed with both Australian and internationally renowned artists as well as leading his own outfits, most notably the APRA nominated Mistaken Identity.

Adam Rudegeair

Adam Rudegeair, a prolific musician since completing his Diploma of Music Performance from NMIT in 2003, is a unique talent deeply influenced by Minneapolis funk, Thelonius Monk, Sun Ra, New Orleans piano styling, and Medeski Martin and Wood. Studying jazz piano under renowned mentors like Steve and Bob Sedergreen, Andy Milne, Mark Soskin, and Laurence Hopgood, Adam's musical journey has been diverse.

Having released Bayou Tapestry in 2011, Adam's global performances span Europe, the UK, and the USA. Notable projects include his Jazz Trio and collaboration with Jen Kingwell, Neon Bogart. A former PBS106.7FM radio DJ, he presented the jazz show Black Wax. Adam served as musical director for the sold-out Etta James tribute, Heart of a Woman, and A Soul Séance at fortyfivedownstairs, a soulful revue.

Adam Rudegeair's trio offers a dynamic blend of fresh, sharp, and brilliant jazz, delivering a moving and lyrical experience.