NIMA - Newcastle Improvised Music Association

30/01/2025

It’s JAZZ JAM THURSDAY. This week’s host is the fabulously talented Jeremy Borthwick. Come jam with some of the best muso’s in town. The Grand Hotel Underground. 8pm to 11pm. $10 or FREE FOR JAMMERS!

26/01/2025

This Tuesday night at NIMA: The Ben Lerner Quartet.
Ben Lerner is an outstanding young artist who has quickly established himself as one of the emerging voices in Jazz and on the Alto Saxophone in Australia. Since moving to Sydney from Auckland in 2020, Ben has received the Sydney Conservatorium of Music Scholarship, the Henderson Global Mobility Scholarship, the Ernest Heine Family Foundation Scholarship, and has played with the likes of Mike Nock, Matt McMahon, Laurence Pike, Steve Barry, Jonathan Crayford, and many other greats.
Ben has honed his craft under the tutelage of artists such as George Garzone, Immanuel Wilkins, Dr Roger Manins, Will Vinson, Mike Rivett, Dr Simon Barker, Dr Jo Lawry and many more.
After forming the Ben Lerner Quartet in early 2021 as an outlet to workshop and perform his original compositions, Ben has quickly found his feet as a band leader. This has culminated in performing as a part of SIMA’s Jazz:NOW summer festival, a seven–gig tour of New Zealand, the Inner West Jazz Fest, and various appearances in venues and festivals around Sydney.
Ben performs frequently as a freelancing musician around Sydney, and is an in demand sideman.
The Ben Lerner Quartet will perform a selection of Ben’s compositions.

Ben Lerner - Alto Sax
Max Alduca - Bass
Alex Young - Drums
Steve Barry- Piano

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/ben-lerner-quartet

22/01/2025

Next Tuesday, 28th January at NIMA: THE OHH BEE THREE.
The Ohh Bee Three is a dynamic jazz trio comprising award-winning talents from Australia’s vibrant music scene.
Aaron “Baz” Flower, renowned for his virtuosic guitar skills and prolific compositions, brings his expertise from projects like Danaides and his critically acclaimed solo endeavor, “AKA BAZ.” Matthew Lamb, a versatile bassist with a deep-rooted musical education from Sydney Conservatorium, adds his double and electric bass prowess honed over years performing with diverse acts across several genres. Completing the trio is Toby Hall, a highly regarded drummer celebrated for his contributions to over 30 Australian CDs and collaborations with jazz luminaries like Mike Nock and Vince Jones. Toby’s international experience includes performances at prestigious festivals such as Montreal Jazz Festival and New York’s Knitting Factory.

Aaron “Baz” Flower - Guitar
Matthew Lamb - Double Bass
Toby Hall - Drum kit

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/ohh-bee-three

21/01/2025

It’s almost Jazz Jam Thursday again!! We’re starting 2025 in a similar fashion to the way we farewelled 2024 -HUGE!!
This week’s host & his band will be right behind anyone who’s wants to get up and jam. 8pm - 11pm. Get in early if you want a seat as the jam fills up quickly! $10 entry or FREE if you’re jamming!!

15/01/2025

NIMA is BACK & we’re opening up 2025 with local band Zenith PopFunk this Tuesday, 21st of January!
Zenith PopFunk are a fun-loving group of Newcastle musicians creating their own funk arrangements of modern pop songs. Using brass to bring fresh new groove to songs you’ll recognise as well as some sneaky originals, Zenith re-imagine pop music through the lens of funk. The Zenith collective includes talented Newcastle Conservatorium graduates and creative types who love to entertain!

Alice Palmer - Vocals
Chad Penfold - Guitar
Alex Brollo - Bass
Tyson Hilder - Dums
Oliver Doyle - Trumpet
Naomi Blanch - Saxophone

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/zenith-pop-funk

20/12/2024

Well that’s a wrap for 2024 folks! It’s been an amazing year of great music and fun times. Tuesday nights have continued to showcase a diverse array of phenomenal touring and local bands, and our Thursday night Jazz Jams have exploded in popularity resulting in the discovery of a whole heap of new, young talent. We’re going to take a few weeks off but will be back around mid January 2025. Keep an eye on our socials for our upcoming acts and dates.
Thanks so much to Lukas & his amazing staff at the Grand Hotel, Katie & the NIMA committee & volunteers, our talented performers and lastly to you, our audience. Please have a safe and Merry Christmas/New Year break. See you in 2025!!!

18/12/2024

It’s the last Thursday Night Jazz Jam of the year so get along & help us send off 2024 in style!
Our final hit out will be hosted by Tom Avgenicos and he’ll be joined by Daryl Aberhart, Andrew Wallace & Tyson Hilder. The fun starts at 8pm, get in early to grab a seat - first in, best dressed!! $10 or FREE FOR JAMMERS!

14/12/2024

This Tuesday night at NIMA; Come get amongst the funk with

Get your brass injected New Orleans second line funk fix from one of Newcastle’s hottest bands.

Dave Thompson - Trumpet/Vocals
Paul Isaacs - Tenor Sax/Vocals
Jeremy Borthwick - Trombone
Graeme Reynolds -Trumpet Leigh Sherringharn - Sousaphone
James Wyatt - Guitar/Vocals
David Tracey - Drums/Vocals

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/nima-christmas-bash

10/12/2024

The Melaleuca orchestra laying down some sweet standards.

03/12/2024

We’re so excited to have Steph Russell at the wheel of this Thursday night’s Jazz Jam. Another musician raised in Newcastle that’s killing it on the National stage and here’s a chance to jam with her! will be joined by and .
You can also check out the amazing food/drinks menu at that perfectly compliments the entertainment. The show is 8pm to 11pm. $10 entry or FREE for JAMMERS!

03/12/2024

https://creators.spotify.com/pod/show/nima-newcastle/episodes/13--The-Nightfly-with-Steve-Gaul---Nic-Cecire-December-2024-e2rqc8h

Join Steve this month for a chat with Nic Cecire before he graces the NIMA stage with the The Melaleuca Jazz Orchestra on the 10th December2024

30/11/2024

SOLD OUT! SORRY PEEPS :)

This Tuesday, NIMA is thrilled to be hosting FARIN’S FUSION QUARTET. Grab your ticket and join us for an unforgettable night of musical exploration, led by local artist Farin Siddique, whose vocal prowess and storytelling through song captivates audiences.
Farin Siddique - Voice
Heather Price - Bass
Terence Koo - Piano
Ben Barnes - Drums

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/fauna-alex-raupach-1

27/11/2024

Thursday night Jazz Jam is almost upon us again. This week’s host will be on hand to keep the night as fun and swinging as it always is!
The show starts at 8pm though the room fills up quickly, so get in early. $10 entry or FREE FOR JAMMERS!!

22/11/2024

This Tuesday night at NIMA: Fauna & Flora.
Raupach’s compositions form the backdrop for a flourishing musical dreamscape that will invite you back to the garden.
Alex Raupach - Trumpet (ACT)
Wilbur Whitta - Piano (SYD)
Jonathan Zwartz - Bass (SYD)
Jack Rosenzweig - Drums (SYD)
Plus special guest artist Flora Carbo - Alto Saxophone (MEL)

Tickets: https://www.nima.org.au/event-details/fauna

20/11/2024

Thursday night jazz jam is almost upon us! Come join the Adam Ferrier house band on stage at the for one of the best nights out in Newcastle.
$10 or free for jammers. 8pm to 11pm. We’ll see you there!!

18/11/2024

Tuesday the 19th of November at NIMA: Adam Miller Trio.
Often compared to Charlie Hunter, Tuck Andress, Julian Lage and Tommy Emmanuel... The jazz harmony is there, but worked seamlessly into pieces that could almost be considered closer to instrumental pop.” - Jazz Guitar Today.
Adam Miller - Guitar
Jono Burgess - Bass
James Edge - Drums