
...NEWCASTLE IMPROVISED MUSIC ASSOCIATION PRESENTS...

Gigs are happening every Tuesday night at The Underground at the Grand Hotel, Newcastle
Doors open at 7:30pm. Band plays from 8:00-10:00pm including a 20min interval.
Bar open until midnight.
Under 18's must be accompanied by an adult over 25yrs.
This is a listening event.
Scroll down to see all upcoming events

Half Nelson
26 May 2026
Half Nelson are Newcastle's vibrant & long standing six-piece jazz ensemble blending traditional and mainstream styles across the swinging eras.
Sheriden Nelson – Vocals
Jason Nelson – Trombone & Vocals
Mat Woodcock – Trumpet
Carter Smyth – Piano
Marcus Holdsworth – Double Bass
Tim Evans – Drums

The Steve Hunter Band
2 June 2026
Bass virtuoso brings his all originals Sydney qrt influenced by Corea & Davis. Their sound is bold, charged with the fire of Spain, the pulse of Africa, the sway of Latin America, and the grit of funk.
Steve Hunter – Electric Bass
Matt McMahon – Keys
Ben Hauptmann – Guitar
Gordon Rytmeister – Drums

Michael Avgenicos: “Eudaemons”
16 June 2026
Local saxophonist Michael Avgenicos leads long‑standing qrt “Eudaemons” - performing all originals inspired by Greek myth/philosophy, mixing heroism, tragedy and both meditative and high‑energy improv.
Michael Avgenicos – Sax
Peter Koopman – Guitar
Max Alduca – Double Bass
Tim Geldens – Drums

Kalakuta Republic
7 July 2026
Be uplifted with the sounds of Nigerian Afrobeat, Tizita (Ethiopia), Kwela (South Africa), and originals.
Rebecca Parkes – Vocals/percussion
Ben Ewald & Erik Flett & Kim Pink – Saxes
Jake Kennedy & Connor Ferguson-Tait – Guitars
Jim Chapman – Bass
Fode Mane – Congas
Aiden Ferguson-Tait – Drums

Damon Poppleton Quartet
14 July 2026
Sydney saxophonist and composer Damon Poppleton presents his take on the state of contemporary jazz, performing original music alongside selected tunes from the jazz canon.
Damon Poppleton – Saxophone
Thomas Odell – Piano
Sabine Tapia – Double Bass
Elliott Carter – Drums

Steph Russell Band
21 July 2026
Newcastle powerhouse vocalist & songwriter celebrates the release of her new album, showcasing a unique blend of soul, folk & contemporary jazz.
Steph Russell –Vox
Dave Thompson-Trumpet
Ned Olive –Alto sax
Felix Lalanne –Guitar
Matt Thomson – Keys
Brendan Clark – Bass
Ryan Mooney – Drums

Stefano Rocco Quartet
28 July 2026
Sydney-based Italian guitarist and composer Stefano Rocco leads this dynamic modern jazz quartet, taking audiences on a journey through introspective, cinematic soundscapes.
Stefano Rocco – Guitar/composer
Nick Southcott – Piano
Nate Griffin – Drums
Winston Weng – Double bass









