Preview: WAYJO’s “Jazz Under the Stars: Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker”

Summer has come late this year. The chilly mornings and gloomy skies are usually long gone by now and with that in mind it seems odd that Christmas decorations are popping up all over Perth. It’s even odder to realise that Christmas is only six weeks away! Alarming, we know. Don’t be too alarmed though, The West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra has just the ticket for anyone who isn’t feeling the Christmas spirit quite yet.

 WAYJO’s “Jazz Under the Stars” night has been a jewel in their crown for years and on November 22nd and 23rd its coming back. This time focusing on a jazz legend with a festive twist.  The tunes of Duke Ellington’s Nutcracker will grace the Quarry Amphitheatre, as attendants lounge on picnic blankets experiencing probably one of Perth’s most romantic evenings in the music calendar. We attended last year and absolutely loved it. Just like a Perth Christmas, Ellington’s interpretation of the festive staple isn’t exactly traditional: it’s a little more relaxed and leaves you a tad hot under the collar.

 This event is the grand finale for WAYJO’s 2018 season and here’s hoping they go out with a bang (*cue the giant cymbal*). So if you like a little extra timbre with your tinsel you can grab tickets from Ticketmaster. If you can’t make it however, we’re sure to be there so keep an eye out for a live review in the coming weeks.