Allan Browne presents most Monday nights at Bennetts Lane in his own poetic, magic and musical way (1st Monday of the month is for the Bennetts Lane BIG Band). Monday's are his platform for life, love and common (and not so common) psychological and philosophical quandries and the poeticism which forms in the eddies of music and the crevicesof spiritual hearts. He has a number of award winning projects that he presents but tonight is his larger ensemble - the mighty sextet featuring:

Allan has worked with over 35 International Jazz icons including Milt Jackson, Jay Mc Shann, Herb Ellis, Phil Woods, Al Cohn, Plas Johnson, Jimmy Witherspoon, Art Hodes, Barney Kessel, Urbie Green, Buddy Tate, Joe Newman, Mal.Waldren, Johnny Griffin, Scott Hamilton, Wild Bill Davidson, Urbie Green, Ronnie Scott, Charlie Bird, Ralph Sutton, Sheilah Jordan, Red Holloway, Emily Remla and Richie Cole. Many of these performers have left lasting impressions upon him and it is through the sexet that he lets us revisit with him just some of his most cherished musical memories. The project is a kind of jazz autobiography with only the juicy bits told first hand, and with collaborators who deeply understand his psyche. This is an opportunity to see history in the making as they move closer to their next recording and the launch of Allan's poetic works during the Melbourne International Jazz Festival.

Students from the Contemporary Music Performance stream present two performances of original works and arrangements for small ensembles.

Three of the best ensembles go through to the final on Tuesday 30 April for their chance to win a session in the Sound Research Studio at the VCA to record and mix their original compositions.

Special guest, contemporary pianist and composer Andrea Keller will join the selection panel and will give a feature performance on the second evening of the Series.