About

Iconic Australian jazz artist Monica Trapaga -  a Weaver of Stories, a Swinger of Songs, has a contagious energy and wit. Monica will be accompanied by some of her favourite musicians Todd Hardy, (trumpet NSW); Steve Russell, (piano NSW); Helen Russell, (bass, QLD; and Dave Sanders (drums, NSW). An afternoon with Monica is an intimate experience of a passionate artist, sharing her favourite tunes and tales of a life well lived. Don’t miss it! 

Monica Trapaga was born to a family of entertainers and has spent most of her life singing, acting, writing and generally creating mayhem in the Australian entertainment industry. Her television credits go way back to regular performances on The Midday Show, Roy and HG’s Club Buggery, all the various Late Night shows, Good Morning Australia, a six year stint on Better Homes and Gardens while maintaining a favourite spot in every pre-schooler’s life.

Monica was involved in Children’s Television for over twenty years with Play School, Playhouse Disney and more recently starring in the Sydney Opera House’s production of the Mad Hatter’s Tea Party and The Boy Who was Born With a Moustache. This family production has played at all the major children’s festivals. 

Monica’s true love however is Jazz. From her 1985 debut with her infamous brother Ignatius Jones in ’Pardon Me Boys’ to her own very successful award winning band ‘Monica and the Moochers, she has performed and recorded with her own Cuban Bands, Big Bands, and various Jazz Quartets and Trios. Her first national tour was with James Morrison, Don Burrows and Bob Bernard which launched her career in the jazz world where she continues to be in her element. 
​
In 2019 Monica graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The National Art School in Sydney. During this time she managed to keep her foot in the jazz door performing regular gigs with her favourite musicians. She has written and hosted The Dinner Set, which has aired every Friday night on ABC Jazz since 2018. In January 2020, Monica and her band, The Guardians of Groove, were guests at the Havana International Jazz Festival just before the pandemic curtailed her work. 

In 2019 Monica graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts from The National Art School in Sydney, during which she managed to keep her foot in the jazz door performing regular gigs with her favourite musicians. She has written and hosted The Dinner Set, which airs every Friday night on ABC Jazz since 2018. In January 2020, Monica and her band, The Guardians of Groove, were guests at the Havana International Jazz Festival just before the pandemic curtailed her work. 

 

Location

MALENY COMMUNITY CENTRE
23 Maple Street, Maleny QLD 4552

Contact Event Organiser