I am a Creative Consultant for Doo-Bop Jazz Bar in Brisbane, which also means I book artists for both upstairs in the Piano Bar and downstairs in the Jazz Bar. I am also a jazz singer, voice teacher, artistic director of the Brisbane Vocal Jazz Festival and producer and host of the Jazz Singers’ Jam Night (in its 17th year now).
Why do you do it?
I love contributing to a sense of community and inclusiveness, but I also want to join others such as James Stevens, the owner and the team at Doo-Bop in helping create a jazz venue of international standard in Brisbane. I love teaching as well and sharing knowledge, seeing people grow as creative practitioners. I’m also learning as I teach. My philosophy is that you never stop learning as a musician or in life.
What do you love about the city you live in?
I love the weather, the accessibility, the proximity to the wonderful, natural environments of the coast and hinterland and the warmth of the people and the strong sense of community.
Where did you go for your last holiday?
On a jazz cruise from the States to Mexico and back.
What's your favourite item of clothing?
A scarf…in case I get cold, which I invariably do when I’m indoors. Not a fan of air-con.
What was your favourite TV show when you were a kid? (If you've got kids, what's your favourite show to watch with them?)
We love watching 'Hayao Miyazaki' films together and now eagerly await the next instalments from his proteges.
If you could travel back in time for a day, where would you go?
Back to the '50s, so I could watch the greats in action in their prime, like Miles, Parker, Ella, Carmen McRae, Sarah, Chet…
If we were coming over to your place, what would you cook us?
An Italian minestrone with lots of garlic and olive oil and some crusty sourdough topped by some flavoursome parmesan, followed by baked fish and vegies. I like fresh produce made from scratch. I also love baking. Trying to perfect a creme brulee at the moment, but am pretty good at chocolate ganache now.
What's the best lesson you've ever learned?
Never to judge a person on first meeting.
Tell us one thing about yourself that nobody else knows...
I left a promising career in television production at the ABC to have a family and to sing (and I used to be a keen sailor with my husband and kids).
Are you happy with your work/ life balance?
I work way too hard and long. I try and squeeze way too many things into a day. Just ask my husband.
How do you define success?
Keeping the family united, healthy and strong. Always being inquisitive, open to learning as well as being empathetic in life.
What's your spirit animal?
A dog, because I relate to their sense of loyalty and consistency.
