Friends and colleagues of Mike Stewart are hosting a concert in honour of the beloved Adelaide jazz identity, who died suddenly last week at the age of 41.
Friends and colleagues of Mike Stewart are hosting a concert in honour of the beloved Adelaide jazz identity, who died suddenly last week at the age of 41. Stewart performed with The Mike Stewart Big Band and The Airbenders, and was also well known for his work in many schools through South Australia. Rob Chenoworth, a friend of Stewart’s since the early ‘90s, tells Rip It Up that “he was a friend to many”. “He was involved in so many different areas, not just in the music community, but educationally and through all the schools. He was often called in to guest-direct and conduct ensembles in schools state-wide. He was actually booked for the cabaret festival and last year he was playing for Molly Ringwald as her number one man leading her small quartet. He moved in a lot of different circles and he was highly respected in every circle that he was involved in.” Chenoworth says he was encouraged to put on the tribute show by Stewart’s partner Lizzie Gregory. “I knew Lizzie was pushing to do something and traditionally on the first Thursday of every month we perform as The Mike Stewart Big Band. So then I contacted The Gov, who’ve been very supportive and offered the venue for free.” The tribute concert will feature The Dave McEvoy Trio, The Mike Stewart Big Band, The Airbenders, as well as a sit-in, “where all of Mike’s friends will sit in with a rhythm section which will rotate.” A Tribute To Mike Stewart takes place at The Governor Hindmarsh next Thursday June 5. Tickets on sale now through The Gov. All proceeds from the night will go towards a student awards program being set up by Gregory.
