When Travis Simmons and Zoe Jay took over Perth’s Ellington Jazz Club in April 2023, they wanted to add daytime weekend programming while preserving the venue’s established character. They applied for an extended trading permit to open from noon on Saturdays for matinee shows and from 6pm on Sundays. That was a proposal reported in 2023, not confirmation that those hours were approved or remain in place.
What the new owners proposed in 2023
PerthNow reported on May 12, 2023, that Simmons and Jay had bought the club the previous month and were seeking an extended trading permit. The application would allow Saturday trading from noon, supporting proposed 2pm matinee performances, and Sunday opening at 6pm instead of the 8pm opening then reported by the publication.
The club’s earlier Sunday 6pm permission had lapsed during the COVID-19 pandemic, according to that report. The owners’ application was therefore a request to change trading hours; the report does not establish that the permit was granted.
Why they wanted daytime shows and workshops
Simmons said matinees could make the club accessible to people who preferred not to visit Northbridge at night, including families. He told PerthNow: “Our Saturday extended trading permit will allow us to offer matinee shows during the day, which will appeal to families and other patrons who may not feel comfortable visiting the Northbridge entertainment precinct in the evening.”
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The owners also saw earlier Saturday trading as a way to create room for more programming and provide opportunities for emerging musicians. Jay described an interest in Saturday workshops and masterclasses for people of all ages. These were the owners’ stated aims in 2023; the report does not establish when or whether the proposed workshops began.
What the club lists now
As of October 8, 2026, the club’s official site lists Saturday matinees as part of its programming. Its Saturday information page says doors usually open at noon and the show starts at 1pm, while advising visitors to check the individual ticket for event-specific door times. This is current matinee information, distinct from the proposed 2pm start described in 2023.
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The official contact page lists general opening hours as 6pm to late, Monday through Sunday. That general listing does not confirm the proposed Sunday 6pm opening as a specific trading change. For an exact performance time or current schedule, use the club’s show listings and the event’s ticket details.
What the owners said about preserving the club
Alongside the proposed new programming, Simmons and Jay said they wanted to retain the venue’s existing “iconic vibe.” PerthNow reported that the owners described that character as having been around for 14 years. The 14-year figure reflects their account in 2023, rather than an independently verified history of the venue.
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The projected increase was an estimate, not a result
Simmons estimated that, if the Saturday permit were granted, it could enable about 10 per cent more programming over the year. That was a prospective owner estimate reported in 2023, not a measured increase or evidence that the permit was approved.
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Ellington Jazz Club is at 193 Beaufort Street, Perth WA 6000. Check the club’s current calendar and the specific event listing before travelling, as show dates, door times and start times can vary. The club’s contact page provides its current details and general hours.
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