Duke Bannister Duke, born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin arrived in Australia in 1973. In the U.S. he was a student of jazz (trumpet, guitar and vocals) from a very young age. Close to Chicago, he would “obtain” questionable ID and sneak into the jazz clubs on the Southside. He began playing professionally (with the same ID) at the age of 17. He has played in some of the most famous and infamous juke joints and clubs in the U.S.A., the Hotel Nationale in Havana and the Hot Boom Boom Room in Acapulco. In Australia he is well known for his leading role in light operas, featured vocalist for several big bands and jazz ensembles. He has sung with the Decahedron Big Band, Chancellor Big Band, Guest Artist for the Gold Coast Convention Centre opening celebration at Swing Street, some of the boys from Galapagos Duck, Nick Burrell Big band. He “wowed ‘em” at the Gold Coast Arts Centre’s First “ Big Band Night” in aid of “ Friends of Cancer Research” and later with his “Quintessential Big Band” at the Brisbane City Hall His passion and talent for music transcend his “reading of the dots” and his voice is unique yet reminiscent of the great jazz singers and crooners of the 50’s. Hearing Duke sing “Georgia”, “Birth of the Blues” and a cascade of other numbers, is a tingling, nostalgic yet new experience. His moving arrangement (John Pieri, Arranger) of “Old Man River” and various Jazz and Swing numbers are frequently played on 94.1 FM. In addition, to his music he is a well-known actor in the Australian film industry in television, films and radio. His face is unfortunately well remembered as the “Texan” in Hungry Jacks advertisements. He has featured in many Australian dramas and (with his wife Shashanna) appeared in Paul Hogan’s last film – Crocodile Dundee in L.A. Watch for “Quintessential”, the new jazz group!