Join us at Tomaree Lodge Hall on the shores of Shoal Bay to enjoy a concert by Elysian Fields as the six musicians meld Scandinavian folk, classical and jazz influences into their own unique sound. Enjoy wine and cheese after the performance as we experience sunset in this iconic location.
ELYSIAN FIELDS
Elysian Fields exists at the crossroads of multiple musical worlds. Drawing inspiration from the jazz, baroque, classical, and world music backgrounds of group members, the ensemble's distinctive six-piece combination (voice/violin, saxophones, electric viola da gamba, piano, bass and drums) and singular repertoire has made them welcome guests across jazz, classical and folk festivals and venues.
The group is renowned for its exceptionally nuanced performances and arrangements which span from heartbreakingly vulnerable solos to the lyrical rush of the full band backing elite vocalist Susie Bishop.
Often engaging with founder Jenny Eriksson's Scandinavian heritage, their first two recordings, Fika and What Should I Say drew praise from jazz and classical critics in Australia and abroad. With the release of Swirling Flame (2025) on the progressive jazz label Earshift Music the band has deepened and broadened its sonic identity with a set of compelling original tracks featuring a spectrum of tone colours across combinations including solos, duos and the full band.
Says Eriksson "The band is at its best when each of us brings who we are to the table - our strengths, what we like, and how we prefer to play. Somehow, our diverse musical backgrounds and personalities fuse. There is a special vibe when we play, and I love it!
"Masterful musicians at play in the creation of new works and soundscapes ..." (Stuart Vandegraaf, Loudmouth Magazine, 2019)
"These are musicians at the top of their game blurring musical boundaries, bringing the past into the present and taking it back again ..." (Loretta Bernard, AustralianJazz.net, 2019)
TOMAREE HEADLAND SITE
Originally a military hospital dating back to the Second World War, then a facility for mental health patients, the Tomaree Headland site was set aside by the NSW Government for the exclusive use of the Port Stephens community in 2021. The heritage-listed site and buildings are now undergoing a period of transition to new community uses following release of the Master Plan for Tomaree Headland by the Department of Communities and Justice in July this year. The venue for this pilot series of concerts was originally the hospital refectory. It is hoped the pilot will help to identify improvements that can be made to make the building more suitable and adaptable for its future community uses.
TOMAREE CULTURAL DEVELOPMENT GROUP
The Tomaree Cultural Development Group is a community advocacy group committed to campaigning for a modern purpose-built theatre and cultural complex to be established in the Port Stephens local government area. Led by Kathie Barnes, the group has been active since 2021, commissioning an Economic Impact Assessment in 2024 and a Concept Plan for a new Performing Arts centre in 2025. Its activities recently resulted in Port Stephens Council officially committing to support the development of a cultural centre and it continues to advocate through its own cultural and awareness and fundraising initiatives.
All profits from the Tomaree Sunsets Spring concerts will go back to the TCDG to be put towards its continued advocacy for a Performing Arts Centre for Port Stephens. If you would like to make a donation towards the campaign, please see the donation option under ticket types.
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