WOW Australia Presents: Jazz Women of the World  International Women's Day Celebration 2026   

WOW - Women of the World Australia are thrilled to continue our partnership to celebrate International Women’s Day with the Brisbane Jazz Club, proudly presenting an extraordinary celebration of female artistry, showcasing 11 outstanding women in jazz across more than three generations, curated by Ingrid James. From emerging voices at the very start of their careers to a living legend whose professional journey began in 1955, this event honours the past, present and future of women in jazz.

Experience the fresh energy of Lizzy Harman, a 17-year-old saxophonist, composer and bandleader, joined by Sabrina Yong Gee (piano), Amelia Howell-Smith (bass), Mary O’Brien (drums) and special guest Orli Wachtel (trombone), performing jazz standards and original works by contemporary Australian women composers.

Also featured is proud Yuwibara and South Sea Island vocalist, Phoebe Ellison, whose rich operatic training meets jazz, R&B, folk and contemporary pop influences developed through the Aboriginal Centre for the Performing Arts.

Drummer, bandleader, singer and songwriter Grace King appears with Peta Wilson (piano), Helen Russell (bass) and Martha Baartz (sax), blending the vocal warmth of Karen Carpenter’s music with her own evocative originals and storytelling-driven jazz, pop and R&B.

Joining us from Sydney is our special guest, Sandie White - at 88 years young, Australia’s oldest actively performing jazz singer. Described as “not just a singer, she’s an experience,” Sandie’s remarkable career has spanned Europe, television and Australia’s great jazz stages. Expect blues, bossa nova and a little bit of bebop from the Great American Songbook in a truly unforgettable performance.

This event is supported by the Queensland Government, ACPA, 4EB and Griffith University.