A Night to Remember: We Call it Jazz at Brunswick Ballroom
If you’re after a night out in Melbourne that’s equal parts stylish, social, and soul-stirring, We Call it Jazz: A Journey to the Heart of New Orleans at the Brunswick Ballroom is well worth a look.
We head along and have such a good time I have to share how it all works—especially if you’re thinking of booking a night out with friends or a partner.
We Call It Jazz Melbourne: What to Expect
Held in the intimate, old-world charm of the Brunswick Ballroom on Sydney Road, this show captures the true spirit of New Orleans jazz—joyful, unexpected, and brimming with energy.
Depending on the night, you’ll either be treated to the golden-era tunes of The Syncopators featuring the velvet vocals of Yvette Johansson, or the smoky, soul-infused sounds of Cannonball, fronted by powerhouse Chantal Mitvalsky.
We book Premium tickets and arrive as doors opened, a full hour before the show starts. Highly recommend doing the same! Seating is first come, first served within your section, and being early means we are given a fantastic table in the second row.
The layout is casual cabaret-style—seated tables of six—so unless you’re booking as a group, you’ll likely share. We ended up with two lovely couples and ended up having a great chat between sets. It gives the evening a relaxed, almost supper-club feel.
Food, Drinks and Atmosphere
If you’re in the Premium section, you’ll enjoy table service throughout the show. That means you can sit back and soak up the music while sipping wine and nibbling from the full Brunswick Ballroom menu (yes, the truffle arancini is as good as it sounds).
B section ticket holders can still order food and drinks from the bar—just be aware that service is at the bar only, and seating’s a little further back.
The venue itself is a stunner—moody lighting, velvet curtains, and a warm buzz that hits you the moment you step inside.
The Music: We Call It Jazz
Now to the heart of the evening: the music.
Whether you’re a lifelong jazz fan or just dipping your toe in, We Call It Jazz is wonderfully accessible. The mix of familiar favourites—Fly Me to the Moon, Summertime, All of Me—alongside playful improvisation means there’s always something to hum along to or be surprised by.
We are lucky enough to see The Syncopators on our night out—and what a treat. These seasoned performers aren’t just skilled musicians; they’re masters of their craft, with decades of experience between them.
Most of the band members are 60+, and honestly, you can hear that lived-in rhythm and musical intuition in every note they play.
About the Band: The Syncopaters
Formed in the early 1980s, The Syncopators are one of Australia’s premier classic jazz bands, known for their vibrant stage presence, tight arrangements, and signature blend of New Orleans-style jazz, swing, and ragtime. They’ve toured extensively across Australia and Europe, performing everywhere from local jazz clubs to international festivals.
Their show is both polished and playful, with moments of brilliant improvisation that make it feel like each performance is being created just for that night. On the evening we attend, highlights include a heartfelt Georgia on My Mind and a lively When the Saints Go Marching In that has the whole room clapping along.
Led by trombonist Chris Ludowyk, the lineup also features an ensemble of respected jazz veterans: Peter Gaudion on trumpet, Steve Grant on piano, Rod Gilbert on drums, James Clark on bass, and Richard Miller on reeds.
And with the incredibly talented Yvette Johansson on vocals, you’ve got a show that balances musical excellence with warmth and charm.
Good to Know
Shows run just over an hour and start at either 6:30pm or 9pm, depending on your chosen session. Doors open early (one hour or 45 minutes prior), and I really recommend arriving then to get the best spot.
The venue is wheelchair accessible via a chairlift, though it’s not suitable for motorised chairs.
The crowd is mixed—groups of friends, couples on dates, and plenty of people aged 50+, which made it feel welcoming and laid-back.
We Call It Jazz Gets Our Tick of Approval
If you’re looking for a night of live music that’s both classy and full of heart, We Call It Jazz is a gem. It’s got all the right ingredients: great atmosphere, friendly crowd, delicious food and drink, and music that’ll leave you tapping your toes all the way home.
For dates, ticket info and FAQs, head here.
Brunswick Ballroom, 314 Sydney Rd, Brunswick VIC
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