Popping up in the heart of Byron Bay for the first two weeks of January, The Byron Speakeasy will present six evenings of entertainment inspired by the classic speakeasy nightclub vibe of days gone by - with incredible musical guests, dancing into the later hours, bespoke cocktails and an atmosphere steeped in the mystique of the prohibition era.

Tonight, we are thrilled to introduce our feature artist, Nicki Parrot. Having just returned home to Australia after 30 years of headlining in New York, Japan and Europe, international recording and touring artist Nicki Parrott can’t wait to share with you the joy and excitement of her latest album, Feelin’ Groovy, the songs of peace and love, from the Beatles to Sinatra… Nancy that is!

Joined by her Northern Rivers Band, Feelin’ Groovy is a big sound musical tribute presented in an intimate setting by a world-class ensemble. A fun, entertaining and memorable experience for all ages!

"Nicki Parrott could make anyone love jazz."  Cabaret Scene

“Nicki brings clear articulation, beautiful tone, a sense of rhythmic assuredness and a touch of allure to inventive arrangements.” Jazz Times

“She has that special gift you cannot buy in a music store.”  Les Paul

“...a rarity, a first-class bassist whose playing is as sublime as her vocals.” Limelight

Born in Newcastle, Australia, Nicki started her musical training at age four with the piano and flute. Nicki switched to double bass at the age of 15. After graduating high school she moved to Sydney to study jazz at the New South Wales Conservatorium of Music where she was granted funds by the Arts Council to study in New York with Rufus Reid.

Nicki was bassist and vocalist for the legendary Les Paul for over 10 years. As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney, Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel.

In addition, she performed in several Broadway shows and at most of the world's top jazz venues and festivals including The Jazz Cruise and sold-out performances at Birdland and Dizzy’s in NYC. Nicki has performed with such jazz greats as Clark Terry, Joe Wilder, Scott Hamilton, Bucky Pizzarelli, Dick Hyman, Michel Legrand, Houston Person and Arif Mardin, to name just a few.

Nicki recently returned home to Australia where she still tours the globe and records. Her forthcoming CD release, Feelin’ Groovy (Arbors), is a retrospective and reimagining of songs from the 60s and features an all-Australian band, a first for the label.

She has recorded over two dozen vocal records for Venus Records (Japan), Arbors Records (USA) and Ooroo Records (USA/AU).

Event Details:

‍7:00 pm - Theatre Doors open for pre-show drinks

8:00 pm - Nicki Parrott Trio - 60 minutes

9:00 pm - House band, DJ & Surprises