THE East Coast tour of Leigh Barker and the New Sheiks lands at Teatro Vivaldi tomorrow night.

The band’s live show, which celebrates its sixth release, “Australiana,”  is described as “an intoxicating mix of fresh interpretations of traditional jazz, deep ‘gutbucket’ blues and joyful swing”—everything from 19th century American folk songs to 21st century Australian music. Improvisation is their forte, so  no two shows are ever alike.

Band leader Leigh Barker has toured Australia extensively both with his own band and with artists like Tom Vincent, and the Hot Jazz Alliance (USA). In 2010 he toured the country as support act for jazz superstar Branford Marsalis.

The New Sheik’s touring band features Barker on the double bass, Heather Stewart on lead vocals and violin, Eamon McNelis on trumpet, Don Stewart on trombone, Matt Boden, piano and piano accordion and Sam Young on drums.

Leigh Barker and the New Sheiks,  at Teatro Vivaldi, Wednesday, December 4, Dinner from 7pm, Show commences 8.30pm, prices depend on where you are seated

Bookings to 6257 2718.