High Society Jazz Orchestra Authentic, comprehensive experience of the Golden Big Band Era of Jazz

Based in Australia

Melbourne, Victoria
Main band photo

LOCATION
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia

TRAVEL
up to 300 miles

PRICE
from $2000 (AUD)

RATED
10 / 10 from 4 reviews

Watch / Listen

Gallery

Price Guide

Description Price
2 x 45 minute sets over 2 hours$2000 (AUD)
1 x 45 minute set$1000 (AUD)
Prices include all fees and taxes. Direct Deposit preferred (payment is due within 30 days), or cash at performance.

About / Biography

Enjoy an authentic, immersive journey into the Golden Big Band Era of Jazz, brought to life by our dynamic 11-piece Jazz Orchestra. Featuring male and female vocalists alongside seasoned multi-instrumentalists, we perform music from the 1920s to 1940s with a fresh perspective that reimagines what a big band can be.

Drawing inspiration from jazz’s earlier, more exploratory roots, our sound moves beyond the standard lineup to embrace varied instrumentation, rich tonal colours, and a vibrant, spontaneous ensemble feel. The result is a performance that is both historically grounded and excitingly alive — a refreshing rediscovery of jazz before it settled into convention.

Variety takes centre stage with a vibrant show, featuring an exciting mix of instruments, novelty tunes, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable vocal performances. Rob delivers a richly authentic tribute to the great male vocalists of the golden era, drawing inspiration from legends like Rudy Vallée and Bing Crosby, alongside the smooth stylings of later icons such as Dean Martin and Frank Sinatra.

Linda, a professional singer-songwriter and accomplished musical theatre performer, brings warmth and sophistication to the stage with her interpretations of classics made famous by Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, and Peggy Lee.

Regular favourites at the Castlemaine and Wangaratta Jazz Festivals, we have also delighted audiences at the Grampians and Wagga Jazz Festivals, as well as the Victorian Jazz Club.

Dressed to impress in glittering gowns and dapper suits, we invite you to join in the fun and embrace the glamour of the Jazz Age. Don your finest attire—gowns, spats, and fedoras—and prepare for an evening full of style, charm, and delightful surprises.

Reviews (4)

There are currently 4 user ratings for High Society Jazz Orchestra

AVERAGE RATING

10 / 101

Location

Based in Australia

Melbourne, Victoria
Travels up to 300 miles
green circle = areas covered (up to 300 miles)
pink circle = free travel (up to 250 miles)
Travel areas on the map are approximate (distances may vary) free quote

There are literally hundreds to choose from! Here is a just a sample:

Bugle Call Rag

Rent Party Blues

Jazz Baby

Do Something

Midnight with the Stars and You

Stampede

Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man

Honeysuckle Rose

All Through a Glass of Champagne

Zing Went the Strings of My Heart

Amy

There’s Too Many Eyes

Puttin’ on the Ritz

When You’re Smiling

(I’m) Sitting on Top of the World

South American Joe

Alexander’s Ragtime Band (Hylton version)

What a Day!

Me Minus You

All the Cats Join in

Chicago

It’s Been a Long, Long Time

Chinatown, My Chinatown

Button Up Your Overcoat

Between the Devil and the Deep Blue Sea

She Shall Have Music

Too Darn Hot

Egyptian Ella

Why Don’t You Do Right?

Sway

Blue Skies Around the Corner

Any Old Time

Life Begins at Oxford Circus

Anything Goes

Me Minus You

All the Cats Join in

Moonglow

New Orleans Twist

Blue Skies Around the Corner

Sway

Sing Me a Swing Song

Mack the Knife

Lullaby Broadway

Can’t Help Lovin’ Dat Man

Saxophobia

What is This Thing Called Love?

I’ve Got You Under My Skin

I’ll See You in My Dreams

China Town

All I Do Is Dream of You

Moten Stomp

Boulevard Dreams

Song of India

The Mooch

Moanin’

Big Noise from Winnetka

Let’s Misbehave

Oh, If I Only Had

Technical Info

What are your basic technical requirements?

We require enough space for 11 musicians to fit comfortably with multiple instruments arrayed around them including:
Drum Kit and seat
Keyboard, amplifier and seat
Guitar amp and chair
Bass Guitar Amp
6 extra chairs
10 Music stands
3 Vocal Microphones with stands


What information do you require about a venue?

Directions to venue, parking and where to load in equipment. What tech will be available and whether a technician is supplied. Whether there will be Dressing Room/Change Room facilities/area for costume changes.
Festivals - whether the following backline can be supplied, or if we need to bring our own.
Drum Kit and seat
Keyboard, amplifier and seat
Guitar amp and chair
Bass Guitar Amp
6 extra chairs
10 Music stands
3 Vocal Microphones with stands


Do you provide sound and lighting equipment?

Basic sound equipment if venue doesn't supply.


Can you provide a Spotify/DJ service before and between your sets?

Can play music from Spotify between our sets.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best gig you've ever done and the best venue you've ever worked at?

We perform an annual 'Christmas In July' showcase in an intimate setting with the most enthusiastic and appreciative audiences who just LOVE what we do!


What's your favourite type of event?

Jazz Festivals and intimate Showcases


What's your previous experience and how did you start gigging?

Audience favourites High Society Jazz Orchestra (HSJO) formed in 2007 and perform a range of music from the 1920s to 1940s with a repertoire best described as a combination of hot, sweet and novelty.  Festival regulars for both Castlemaine and Wangaratta Festivals of Jazz, they have also played the Grampians and Wagga Jazz Festivals and Victorian Jazz Club.


Which artists have you been most influenced by, who is your favourite artist and what is the greatest song of all time?

The band draws on a range of highly skilled musicians from Melbourne and North East Victoria playing a mix of instrumental and vocal numbers with influences such as Jack Hylton, Benny Goodman, Duke Ellington, Glenn Miller, Rudy Vallee, Bing Crosby, Dean Martin, Frank Sinatra, Billie Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald & Peggy Lee. Couldn't possibly name just ONE song!

Performance Info

What are your typical setup and performance times?

We normally arrive 1-2 hours before the performance to set up. We normally perform 2 x 45 minutes or 2 x 60 minute sets. We’re happy to play a bit longer or shorter but we’ve found that these set times suit us and our audiences best.


Are you happy to perform outside?

If not too hot, because we're hot enough, we're happy to play outside but we ask for shade, a flat level surface and a power supply close to the performance area.


Do the clients have a say in what you play or is it a set repertoire list only?

Clients are welcome to pick a set list from our extensive repertoire or let us choose the music for them.


How do previous clients most commonly describe your performances?

Some commonly repeated phrases from new fans are:
“This band is FABULOUS! A performance not to miss!”
“What a show! Thoroughly entertained from start to finish!”
“THE perfect band for Swing Dancing, Lindy Hop, Balboa and more!”
“What an amazing sound! I was dancing in my seat all night!”
“The music was so joyful and uplifting! I’ve had the best night!”
“I knew so many of your numbers from old Hollywood movies and musical theatre – I had no idea that was Jazz!”
“I didn’t think I liked Jazz, but I LOVED what you guys played”.

Recent Clients

High Society Jazz Orchestra has performed for these clients:

Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues 2025 and each year from Festival commencement

The Vine Hotel Wangaratta - annually for 'Christmas In July' Showcase

Venues

High Society Jazz Orchestra has performed at these venues:

Wangaratta Festival Of Jazz & Blues

Castlemaine Jazz Festival

Wagga Jazz Festival

Grampians Jazz Festival

Victorian Jazz Club

Weddings

More Info

Events types:

Wedding

Birthday Party

Private Event

Corporate Event

Hotel / Restaurant Event

Bar / Venue Event

Concert

Christmas Party

New Year's Eve

Genres:

1920s Music

1930s Music

1940s Music

Jazz

Swing

Features:

Instrumental

Male & female vocalists

Female vocalist

Male vocalist

Contact

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