READ UP ON SOME OUR OUR MOST MEMORABLE PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS!
Since our inception in 2007, The Graduates have performed at hundreds of events. From weddings to corporate functions, birthdays, graduations, anniversaries, public concerts and more, we have been there for some of life’s most celebrated and important occasions. Looking back over the past decade, we have come up with a short list, in no particular order, of some of our most memorable gigs to date.
Macquarie University Graduation Ceremonies (2008-2014)
This was our first ever gig and where the name ‘The Graduates’ originated from. From 2008 to 2014, we were the resident band for the biannual graduation ceremonies held at Macquarie University. We would perform every morning and afternoon for two weeks for the graduation receptions, which then led to us being hired for many other university functions as well. Two of the staff from the Graduations Department, Molly and Amelia, even booked us for their weddings. It was through these gigs that we formed not only a musical connection, but also developed great friendships that are still thriving. This is truly the point of difference with The Graduates – when you book us, you are not just booking fantastic musicians, but great mates as well, which comes across in the music!
AUDI Australia Corporate Event (2018)
Back in July 2018 we got a call to perform for a series of training events by luxury car brand AUDI. The event was hosted at the stunning Headlands Hotel at Austinmer Beach. Little did we know that the purpose of the event was to provide staff training in relation to the launch of a brand new luxury vehicle, the AUDI A8, which was top of the range and featured onsite for the event. Rob, the training specialist, took to our band so much throughout the course of the event that he not only ended up singing the Nina Simone classic ‘Feelin’ Good’ with us one night, but even let our singer Nic take the brand new A8 for a spin. Talk about fringe benefits!
‘Soldier On’ Fundraising Ball (2018)
This was a fantastic event we performed at back in May 2018 for a very worthy cause, the Australian charity ‘Soldier On’. The charity provides support to veterans and their families, including those who have served and continue to serve in the Australian Defence Force. The event was held at the iconic Sydney Town Hall and featured guest speaker and former Australian Prime Minister, the Hon. John Howard OM, AC. We felt privileged and honoured to be asked to perform at such a worthy and special event.
Weekly residency at Palmer & Co (2012-2014)
Back in the early days, The Graduates had a weekly residency at the Sydney CBD Prohibition-themed cocktail bar ‘Palmer & Co.’. It was on this gig that we really learnt to “cut our teeth”, so to speak. We performed every Friday night to a packed house of cocktail-drinking and Great Gatsby-loving fans who would cheer us on for the full four hours. We were under strict instructions from management to keep the music upbeat and energetic, which meant no ballads or slow tempos. This was quite a challenge, not just in terms of having enough fast repertoire, but getting through four hours of blistering tempos on a physical instrument like double bass! Still, we loved every minute of these gigs, and it was wonderful to have a weekly residency where future bridal couples and corporate clients could come and see us perform.
Figtree Community Carols (2017)
In December 2017, The Graduates performed down in Wollongong for the annual Figtree Community Carols. As some of you may have already seen from our Christmas Promo Video, we are not only experts in jazz repertoire, but have also performed jazz carols at many Christmas themed events over the years. Headed by our carolling king, Nic Jeffries, this was a fun, family-oriented public concert where we performed to a few thousand people in a community end-of-year celebration. The concert also featured some fantastic other local bands and artists.
These are just five of the many memorable gigs and events we have performed at over the years. With no sign of slowing down, The Graduates are now truly established as one of Sydney’s best jazz bands. We hope your next event will be as special to you as so many have been to us over the years. We look forward to helping you celebrate your next special occasion and creating memories that will last!
Michael Walder (Manager)