Misaki Umei & Cracked Suzies + Dorka
Witness the debut collaboration between two exciting new voices in contemporary music: Tokyo-based pianist, composer and electronic artist Misaki Umei and Eora/Sydney drummer, producer and sonic architect Cracked Suzies (Abby Constable).
Created exclusively for the festival, this world-premiere performance brings together two fearless artists whose shared passion for improvisation, electronic music and adventurous rhythm promises an unforgettable meeting of musical minds.
Hailed as one of Japan’s most exciting emerging artists, Misaki Umei effortlessly moves between acoustic jazz, chamber music and electronic production. Her acclaimed debut album Asleep Above Creatures earned her a nomination for the Apple Vinegar Award and recognition by Rolling Stone Japan as one of the country’s “Future of Music” artists. Following appearances at Fuji Rock Festival and collaborations with leading international musicians including Antonio Loureiro, Hiromi Uehara and Kendrick Scott, Umei arrives in Australia with a bold, genre-defying musical vision.
Joining her is Cracked Suzies, the boundary-pushing project of drummer and producer Abby Constable. Drawing on Afro-Latino rhythmic traditions, jazz improvisation and the raw energy of jungle and dubstep, Constable has become one of the driving forces behind Eora/Sydney’s thriving live electronic music scene. Her work with Slumba Party, Lux Trevis and a host of Australia’s leading improvisers has established her as a fearless musical innovator whose performances dissolve the boundaries between the dancefloor and the jazz stage.
This exclusive performance is a rare opportunity to witness a brand-new collaboration take shape live as these two visionary artists meet for the very first time.
DORKA FOSTER
Originally from Budapest and now based in Sydney, multi-instrumentalist, vocalist, and songwriter Dorka Foster presents her new solo project – a deeply personal exploration of contemporary jazz, art-pop, and groove-driven songwriting.
Having previously performed with acclaimed projects including Haztet Collective, Ferrari Party, Hakumba (Hungary), and Ari Tsugi (UK), Dorka has appeared on stages such as Glastonbury Festival, SXSW London, Brick Lane Jazz Festival, and numerous festivals and showcases across Europe.
Her music sits at the intersection of contemporary jazz, art-pop, and experimental songwriting, tracing a line from the harmonic freedom of jazz and European avant-garde music to the genre-defying work of artists such as Bruno Pernadas, Andy Shauf, Cécile McLorin Salvant and Nagy Emma Quintet.
Centred around expressive vocals, lush harmonic textures, intricate rhythms, and a strong sense of storytelling, her compositions invite listeners into a world where improvisation, emotional honesty, and playful musical exploration coexist.
Making its live debut at Jazzdoof IV, the project features Zigi Blau on keys and synthesizers, Ebony Tait on vocals, and Chloe Kim on drums. Together, they craft a warm yet adventurous sonic landscape where groove, vulnerability, and collective improvisation meet.