Channing Jazz Evening – Wednesday 25th March 2026

The end of last term was marked in style with the 17th Jazz Channing Evening—an unforgettable celebration of live music held in the ever-vibrant Arundel Centre Jazz Club. The evening sparkled from start to finish, expertly led by Mr Theo Travis and his outstanding professional quartet, featuring the brilliant Alan Brown on drums, the ever-grooving Alex Keen on bass, and the wonderfully expressive Andrea Vicari on piano.

The quartet set the tone with a lively and confident rendition of the jazz classic All of Me, immediately drawing the audience into the spirit of the night. This was followed by the Brass Ensemble, who delivered an energetic and stylish interpretation of Say a Little Prayer, bursting with character and musical flair.

A highlight of the first half was a series of vocal performances, each singer bringing their own unique charm and confidence to the stage alongside the professional quartet. Susie D opened with a smooth and assured take on Don’t Get Around Much Anymore. Bea McN followed with a beautifully poised Lullaby of Birdland, full of warmth and control. Bella K brought a sense of fun and sophistication to Just One of Those Things, while Eve C captivated the audience with a heartfelt and moving rendition of Moon River. Closing the first half, Maya C delivered I Wish You Love with elegance and emotional depth.

After the interval, Chacapella took to the stage with a polished and engaging arrangement of Must Be Love, performed with confidence and real flair. Anna G then impressed with a rich and expressive version of Besame Mucho, showcasing both vocal control and style.

The Theo Travis Quartet returned with a vibrant and dynamic performance of Tenor Madness, reminding everyone of their exceptional musicianship and tight ensemble playing.

The final vocalists of the evening continued the high standard: Juliet B brought charisma and attitude to The Lady Is a Tramp, while Mei-Xing LeC delivered a wonderfully atmospheric and distinctive take on Spooky.

To close the evening, the Jazz Band themselves lit up the stage with an exhilarating set. From the swinging St Kilda Shuffle and the high-energy Going for Broke, to a beautifully rendered A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square and the crowd-pleasing Miller Magic Medley, their performance was a true showcase of talent and dedication.

The night ended on a high with a fantastic encore of Pick Up the Pieces, leaving the audience buzzing.

All in all, it was a truly memorable evening—full of outstanding performances, infectious energy, and the magic of jazz at its very best. Do watch the video of the night’s performance!