What is the seventh planet from

2022 GIJ Improvised bringing star power to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage

It looms as one of the most star-studded live concerts ever to grace the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage and it stacks up against any of the Generations in Jazz live performances as the reimagined jazz event still has a bill with the who’s who of jazz and performing arts in Australia.

In a nod to the past, inaugural GIJ Vocal Scholarship winner Megan Washington is part of the June 16 line-up, 18 years after she claimed the prize and with a swag of industry accolades, across the genres or jazz, indie pop and alternative rock to her name.

She has released three studio albums achieving top five spots on the ARIA Album Chart and claiming three ARIA Music Awards. The 36-year-old also has two APRAs and an Australian Jazz Bell award for best Australian Jazz Vocal Album.

Now performing as Washington, she is just one of a group of Generations in Jazz alumni set to take the stage, with two finalists from the 1989 event – Darren Percival and John Foreman – also set to reacquaint themselves with the GIJ vibe.

For most Australians, Darren’s resume started with his stint finishing runner up on the inaugural season of The Voice Australia in 2012 but his performance resume runs much deeper than that and he boasts a gold album, is a gifted musician, dynamic radio presenter and respected vocal coach.

While John has been the brains and creative director of some of Australia’s most beloved events, from the Schools Spectacular to the iconic Carols by Candlelight – the way so many Australians spend Christmas Eve – he has been on the small screen for many a year and is a composer and pianist that has worked with some of the best musicians and performers nationwide.

In keeping with the theme of returning Generations family members, Phil Stack, the 1997 James Morrison Jazz Scholarship winner, and a familiar face on the streets of Mount Gambier through his work at the James Morrison Academy of Music, will also be part of the live concert.

A winner of the 2008 National Jazz Award, a founding member of Thirsty Merc and a regular on tour with James Morrison, the bassist is a giant of the Australian jazz scene.

And another doyen of the Australian jazz scene, Nicki Parrott, is also bringing her talents to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre stage. The bassist and vocalist for the legendary Les Paul for more than a decade, Nicki became a jazz scene mainstay performing globally at some of the world’s top jazz venues and festivals and now she is bringing her talents to Mount Gambier.

With almost 20 years as a cultural performer working locally, nationally and internationally, David Williams (Wukka Wukka) rounds out thew June 16 bill as he uses creativity as an effective tool of 21st century cultural communication. David has a unique capability to walk in two worlds, influencing in the boardrooms nationally and internationally with the same ease as he connects with community and he is part of the June 16 live concert as musical director James Morrison brings together a diverse group of quality performers to the stage as the GIJ Alumni Big Band help make it a night to remember.

The announcement of the James Morrison Jazz Scholarship and GIJ Vocal Scholarship winners will also form part of the June 16 program so head to the Sir Robert Helpmann Theatre website to book your tickets for this live jazz extravaganza with virtual performances from Swedish vocal super group The Real Group and the Clayton-Hamilton Jazz Orchestra.

LIVE & LOUD: (Above from left) James Morrison & Washington and (below from left) Nicki Parrott, Phil Stack, Darren Percival, John Foreman & David Williams.

Branding the new Coonawarra Rail Trail

As the Coonawarra Rail Trail continues to take shape, Wattle Range Council is turning its attention to developing quality branding for the directional and interpretive signage to be installed along the way.

Two great concepts have been developed by design consultants Cato Brand Partners, and council officials would love your help in selecting a preferred option.

Both concepts have a very similar colour palette, inspired by the deep ruby colour of cabernet sauvignon and the rich gold colour of chardonnay, and are very well suited to the region.

To view a detailed depiction of how the two concepts are each envisioned to be used along the trail, visit www. wattlerange.sa.gov.au/ haveyoursay

Don’t forget to vote with feedback open until 5pm on June 9.

RAIL TRAIL LOGO OPTIONS: Option A (right)

‘The Cabernet Connection’ is inspired by the natural structure of the cabernet sauvignon leaf, with the stem (and veins) of the leaf having a similar structure to a plan view of the way the roads cross the central line of the railway tracks. When viewed from afar you will see the iconic cabernet leaf and as you look closer, the history and future of the Coonawarra Rail Trail unfolds.

Option B (left)

‘Reflecting the Landscape’ tells the stories of the past and future uses of the Coonawarra Rail Trail using the landscape of the Coonawarra as inspiration.