The “Cuban Fire Suite” is the landmark work originally performed by Stan Kenton Orchestra. Combining forces are South East Region Jazz Orchestra (SERJO) and Transplanted Rhythms to deliver this seminal Latin Jazz work. Augmenting the classic Big Band line-up are 2 French Horns, Tuba, Timpani and a barrage of Cuban percussion. Leading the charge is Cuban percussion specialist Tanja Hafenstein along with Randal Scheerle on Timbales, and Pete Neville on Drums.

This could well be the Australian premiere of all seven movements being staged at a single concert! A not to be missed event for lovers of highest calibre Big Band jazz and the fire of Cuban style percussion!

SERJO (South East Region Jazz Orchestra) are a collective of passionate musicians based in the greater Brisbane area. Founded in 2023 and directed by Dave Kemp (Vibes/Percussion), the group are committed to presenting modern big band repertoire and champion the work of local composers and arrangers. During the debut performance at the Brisbane Jazz Club SERJO featured the works of Brisbane based composer Andrew Garton alongside the compositions of Allan Gilliland, a Canadian compatriot of the band’s pianist Mel Ro. Also in the repertoire are works by Marian McPartland, Paquito D’Riviera, Michel Camilo, Dave Samuels, Miles Davis and Matt Harris.

Transplanted Rhythms are local experts who journey through the diversity of percussion and its ubiquity across global musical cultures. This phenomenal ensemble play music inspired by disparate influences, showcasing the depth of musical heritages in which percussion instruments are fundamental. Founded and directed by Dave Kemp (Lecturer – Qld Conservatorium) they regularly join forces to deliver an aurally and visually stunning performance and were the opening concert for BEMAC Live in 2024.

The Brisbane International Jazz Festival has grown out of the pioneering work by Lynette Irwin who established Jazz Queensland in 1983. It brings to Brisbane audiences world renowned performers (Herbie Hancock in 2024) along with providing amazing opportunities for local and interstate musicians to stage their musical projects.

As Queensland’s most dynamic producer of multicultural arts, BEMAC has been successfully staging ground-breaking productions that fuel the diverse practice of artists from a variety of different cultural backgrounds for almost four decades. Established in 1987 by a group of passionate advocates and artists inspired to bring the creative work of a new generation of diverse artists into the spotlight, BEMAC has grown to become the state’s leading multicultural arts producer, presenter and artistic development organisation.

Sunday 13 October 7-9pm

Queensland Multicultural Centre, 102 Main Street, Kangaroo Point