The “Society Seven” (otherwise known as the ‘Prahran Market Jazz Band’) are a very special institution in the Melbourne musical scene.

Formed by well-known jazz musician and founder of the high profile “Society Syncopators”, (Chris Ludowyk), he was asked by the Prahran Market to put a band together to play for four Saturday mornings before Christmas 1977. Their termination at the market after 24 years due to cost cutting signalled the end to a record tenure for an Australian jazz group. The band was featured on Channel 7’s ‘Today Tonight’ program and has performed at the popular “Zoo Twilights” and annually at the “Fosters Melbourne Cup” Hospitality Marquee.

The band was also featured prominently on the front cover of the 1999 L-Z White Pages Directory, a first for any jazz band (or any band for that matter) in Australia.

Chris has assembled the cream of Melbourne’s jazz musicians for this unique band, who are known for their ability to entertain as well as play excellent toe-tapping jazz. A feature of the group is its ability to play in both roving and concert situations., with songs and jazz from the vibrant and musical 20’s and 30’s that put a smile on the faces of most listeners.

The group has played at many Jazz Festivals and Jazz Clubs and in-numerable private and Corporate Functions. They have contributed to the arts programmes of many councils including the popular “Jazz in Canterbury Gardens” public concerts. All members of the band have had overseas concert experience.

A feather in the cap was the band’s performance at the opening night party of the hit musical “Showboat” at the Regent Theatre.