Formed over 15 years ago, the Low Down Big Band are stalwarts of the Melbourne Big Band Scene.

They’ve played festivals in Castlemaine, Halls Gap, and have been part of the headline act of the Stonnington Jazz Festival, as well as the Falls Festival. The band has had residencies throughout the years at the Rising Sun Hotel, The Retreat Hotel, and Swamplands.

The band prides itself on its  high-energy party atmosphere, playing hits from Basie, Ellington, and modern masters such as Gordon Goodwin and Maria Schneider. You may even catch an original tune or two!

The Melbourne Karaoke Big Band are back, but like, did we ever really go away? No, we just went on winter break whilst everyone focused on State School Spectacular and band members various other musical projects too varied and numerous to mention.

So here we are again, back at the Retreat.

It’s all live karaoke, where you, yes you, get up on stage and belt out a tune backed by an all live 20 piece big band complete with backing singers. Seriously, it’s a frickin free public service. In terms of facing your fears, it’s right up there with swimming with sharks, wingsuiting, or giving a wedding speech with 5 minutes notice. But this is free. And with backing singers in a very supportive environment, you are guaranteed to slay. Everyone who has a crack walks out of the Retreat looking ten years younger with a new swagger in their walk.