Mia Barham Quintet + Ash and Her Mates

Mia Barham

With her lyrical melodies, sensitive compositions, and thoughtful approach to improvisation, Mia Barham is an exciting and versatile saxophonist and flautist from Melbourne, Australia. Mia has collaborated with acclaimed jazz artists from around the world, including Nduduzo Makhatini, Ingrid Jensen, and Andrea Keller. She has released two highly regarded albums, both of which have been featured on ABC Jazz and PBS, and have been performed at prominent Melbourne venues such as The Jazzlab and Tempo Rubato. As Des Cowley of Rhythms Magazine describes, “Barham has a light and airy alto that favours fluidity over fire, reminiscent of Lee Konitz. With Earth Songs, Barham boldly stakes her claim as a new and original voice.”

Band Lineup

Mia Barham - Alto Saxophone and Flute

Dean Kalaitzidis - Tenor Saxophone

Pat Jaffe - Piano

Claire Abougelis - Bass

Quinn Knight - Drums

Ash and Her Mates

"Ash and Her Mates" is a trio led by 20-year-old trombonist Ashling O’Farrell, who is currently in her second year at the Victorian College of the Arts, studying under Jordan Murray. Inspired by Kristin Berardi’s drumless album Our Songs, Not Songs (featuring Sam Anning and Andrea Keller), the group explores rhythmic freedom and experimentation. Without traditional percussion, they create musically rich moments while maintaining a sense of rhythm.