In the elegant courtyard of Treasury 1860, the warm glow of evening sets the perfect scene for After Hours, a show that celebrates some of the most iconic female voices of the twentieth century.

Led by local vocalist Grace Mensforth, the performance is both a tribute and a love letter to the artists who redefined music and femininity across generations. Backed by an accomplished band, Kallan Francis on guitar, James Ho on double and electric bass, Jackson Mack on drums and Edmund Black on piano, the group delivers a polished and engaging musical experience.

Framed by the striking backdrop of the historic Treasury building, the setting itself becomes part of the performance. As twilight settles over the courtyard, the sound of the double bass reverberates through the space, creating an atmosphere that feels intimate, timeless and unmistakably jazz.

Mensforth proves a compelling bandleader: confident, poised and vocally assured. Her strong, clear vocals carry the audience on a journey through decades of music history, with songs such as “Heard It Through the Grapevine” sitting comfortably alongside jazz standards and soulful classics.

The show also thoughtfully acknowledges that these songs are borrowed stories, part of a musical lineage that has paved the way for today’s artists. Throughout the evening, Mensforth pays tribute to trailblazing performers who reshaped expectations of women in music, including legends like Aretha Franklin, Sarah Vaughan, Nina Simone and Norah Jones.

The title After Hours comes from one of Mensforth’s favourite songs from the 1940s and 1950s, a fitting reference point for an evening that feels like stepping into a late-night jazz club, where stories are shared through melody and the music lingers long after the final note.

Ultimately, After Hours is a warm, stylish and heartfelt celebration of the women whose voices shaped jazz and soul music as we know it, brought to life by a talented ensemble and a vocalist who honours the legacy while making the songs her own.

Rating: ★★★★½ (4.5 stars)

Image Credits: svogt_photography