The Jazz & Blues Collective presents:

Gold Coast Big Band

Sunday 3rd May

The roar of a swinging big band in full flight is one of the most thrilling sounds in jazz history — a sonic engine of rhythm, brass and pulse that can lift a room in seconds.

Big bands first emerged in the 1920s and ’30s, built to satisfy Lindy hoppers and dancers hungry for energy and release. By the 1940s, swing was hot, jazz was cool, and audiences dressed up for nights where rich harmonies, driving rhythms and soaring horns made the world feel lighter — even in uncertain times. From the golden eras of Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Tommy Dorsey through to the present day, the big band tradition has remained jazz’s orchestral powerhouse.

Keeping that vibrant tradition alive, the Gold Coast Big Band brings the timeless excitement of large-ensemble jazz to audiences across South-East Queensland and beyond. This 15-piece ensemble of seasoned professional musicians has been playing together for many years, honing a sound that blends precision, power and pure joy.

With performances at the Gold Coast Jazz & Blues Club, HOTA, Tweed Valley Jazz Club, Gold Coast City Jazz Club, South Tweed Sport Club and Brisbane’s annual Big Band Festival, the band has built a strong following — testament to both the enduring popularity of swing and the quality of their musicianship.

Their repertoire spans more than eighty years of big band history, from classic swing standards to contemporary compositions. Swing, pop, rock, jive and Latin rhythms all feature in their dynamic sets, brought vividly to life by outstanding vocalists and electrifying instrumental solos. Audiences can expect tight ensemble passages, explosive horn sections, lush ballads and the thrilling moment when individual players step forward to let their voices soar.

Big bands are loved for their vibrant, layered sound — rich harmonies, rhythmic drive and the unmistakable thrill of many musicians moving as one. The Gold Coast Big Band captures that magic: music that makes you tap your feet, lift your spirits and, if the mood strikes, get up and dance.

Event Details
Venue: Millwell Road Community Centre, 11 Millwell Rd East, Maroochydore
Time: Music from 1:30pm–4:00pm (Doors open 1:00pm)
Coffee van on site from 12:30pm
BYO food and drinks
Tickets:
$28.50 | Seniors $27.50 (incl. booking fee)
KEEPING LIVE JAZZ & BLUES ALIVE IN MAROOCHYDORE