In a marriage of strange bedfellows come together two very different acts for a night of exceptional musicality, entertainment and variety. Highly acclaimed indie-folk Sydney songstress and pianist Rachel Collis along with her trio will join forces with virtuoso jazz clarinetist Jack Wiard and his trio in a celebration of collaboration and diversity.

Rachel is no stranger to variety. Since stepping into the musical spotlight in 2012, she has gathered quite the reputation for her unforgettable live performances, drawing comparisons as diverse as songwriting legend Joni Mitchell and funny man Tim Minchin. Rachel moves seamlessly between earnest folk storytelling and humour, showcasing her exceptional versatility as a songwriter, her fine ear for melody, and her poetic lyrical talent. She has performed at the Sydney (2012, 2013) and Adelaide Fringe Festivals (2013, 2014) and to sell out audiences at the prestigious Riverside Theatres in Parramatta. Her second album “Nightlight” was launched in October 2014 at Foundry 616.

Jack Wiard moved to Sydney from California in 1971. After five years of teaching, he joined the Ray Price Quintet, travelling extensively around Australia and New Zealand giving jazz concerts in schools. From 1979 until 2004 Jack was a member of the Graeme Bell Allstars Jazz Band. He has played with the Robbers Dogs Jazz Band, Mike Hallams Hot Six, Geoff Powers Classic Jazz Band, and the Sydney-Zenith Jazz Band, doing nine European tours with them. Jack also performed on the track “A Duck Named Sybil” from Rachel’s latest album. His YouTube Channel is viral.

Jack and Rachel will be joined on stage by some of Sydney’s finest jazz musicians. Rachel’s trio comprises Michael Galeazzi on bass (The Java Quartet, Karma County) and Mike Quigley on drums (The Java Quartet, Palaces). Jack’s trio members have worked together for over 20 years. He will be joined by John Conley on double bass (Galapagos Duck) and Cliff Parsons on banjo (The Robbers Dogs Jazz Band).