Samara Joy: Five-time Grammy winner makes Perth debut at Regal Theatre for Perth International Jazz Festival

Having performed on some of the world’s biggest stages like New York’s Carnegie Hall and London’s Royal Albert Hall, 25-year-old jazz musician Samara Joy is now bringing her soulful sounds to Perth’s western suburbs. Joy will be a drawcard of this year’s Perth International Jazz Festival, set to perform songs from her latest album Portrait at Subiaco’s Regal Theatre with her seven-piece band for support. Festival Director Mace Francis said her inclusion is both a coup for Perth and a testament to the festival’s growing global reputation. “To have an artist of Samara Joy’s calibre on our stage is extraordinary,” Ms Francis said. “She’s not just a phenomenal vocalist… she’s a once-in-a-generation talent whose artistry resonates across cultures, ages, and musical tastes. Bringing her to Perth gives our audiences the rare chance to experience the future of jazz, right here at home.” Joy has become a rising star in the world of jazz, having already claimed five Grammy awards, including Best New Artist, two consecutive Best Jazz Vocal Album wins (2023 & 2025) and back-to-back Best Jazz Performance honours (2024 & 2025). The 2025 Perth International Jazz Festival takes place across the city from October 18 to November 2. Joining Joy will be two more fellow American musicians Gregory Porter and Bill Frisell, as well as Japanese jazz composer Hiromi. “In the past five years, PIJF has grown in scale, audience, and ambition,” Ms Francis added. Selling out both Gregory Porter shows months in advance, and now seeing the huge early demand for Samara Joy, tells us there’s an incredible appetite for world-class jazz experiences in Perth.” Tickets and more information are available at PIJF’s website here.