PRESIDENT’S UPDATE July 2025

Join us for a very special afternoon as Jazz League proudly presents three rising stars with
Jazz League Scholarships at our upcoming gig on Sunday, July 6.

Meet our outstanding awardees:

• Elise Leonard – A captivating vocalist, regularly featured with the Dennis Walsh Big Band.

• Sophie Hawthorne – A dynamic 19-year-old drummer powering the Newcastle band Half Nelson.

• Dominic Chehade – A gifted young trumpeter performing with the Tuggerah Lakes Show Band

These talented performers will have the unique opportunity to sit in with the renowned New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra, led by multi-instrumentalist and filmmaker Greg Englert.

We are also thrilled to announce that Greg will be formally welcomed as Jazz League’s newest Patron, joining a distinguished list of jazz supporters. Our President, Bob Brooks, will present Greg with a framed certificate to mark the occasion.

Greg will then present scholarship certificates to our three recipients. In addition to recognition, each award includes a financial contribution to support their jazz education—the scholarship amounts will be revealed on the day.

The orchestra will entertain with the sounds of the 1920s, ’30s, and ’40s, featuring a full ensemble of brass, saxophones, strings, piano, bass, and drums. Whether you want to dance or simply relax and enjoy, this promises to be a memorable afternoon.

Don’t miss this celebration of jazz, talent, and community!