MAIN ROOM / FREE SHOW

James Shortland Trio featuring Tiana Young — Live at The Retreat Hotel Celebrate the release of Tiana Young’s debut album Serendipity (14 September) with a night of fresh, soulful jazz at The Retreat Hotel. Bassist and composer James Shortland has recently relocated from Sydney to Melbourne, bringing with him a strong foundation in the jazz tradition and a passion for original music.

Having studied and performed with some of Australia’s most respected musicians — including Warwick Alder, Dale Barlow, Andrew Dickeson, Kevin Hunt, Jex Saarelaht, and Phil Noy — James now leads his trio with a dynamic mix of original compositions and inventive arrangements of jazz standards.

Joining him is Australian/Canadian vocalist Tiana Young (she/her), a versatile artist whose musical background spans jazz, musical theatre, and classical training. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium and current Masters of Music Therapy student at the University of Melbourne, Tiana has performed professionally since the age of 14 across Australia, Germany, and Brazil. With influences ranging from Ella Fitzgerald and Sarah Vaughan to contemporary voices like Emma Pask and Samara Joy, her artistry blends tradition with a modern sensibility. Fresh from the release of her debut album Serendipity, Tiana brings an emotive delivery, technical finesse, and spirited improvisation that are sure to delight. Together, the James Shortland Trio featuring Tiana Young promise an evening of original jazz, reimagined standards, and heartfelt storytelling, weaving timeless tradition with a contemporary edge.

The Retreat Hotel would like to acknowledge the Wurundjeri People of the Kulin Nation, the traditional custodians of the land on which The Retreat now stands, and pay our respects to all elders past, present and emerging. We acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded and that our venue operates on stolen land.