Sydney jazz band DC3 and the Highflyers are headlining the second of Jam Orange’s Live Music Sunday Arvo Sessions at the Royal Hotel this weekend and bringing with them a little hometown flavour.

For DC3 and the Highflyers vocalist and saxophonist, Bella Fox, the afternoon gig on Sunday, February 19 will be a homecoming. Bella is an Orange local who began her musical journey at the Orange Regional Conservatorium at the age of five. She later made the move to Sydney to study saxophone performance at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music.

“I love Orange. I moved to learn more, and to eventually bring it back,” Bella said.

And while music has always been a significant part of Bella’s life, following her dream to the city has been bittersweet in part. Bella’s father, having been diagnosed with early-onset Parkinson’s Disease, has been unable to travel to Sydney to see her perform.

Bell said she cannot wait for the opportunity to play for him this weekend, and to play for all the friends that have supported her.

Joining Bella in DC3 and the Highflyers are Darryl Chute (piano), Mark Ko (bass), and John Honig (drums). While the band has jazz roots and continues to play a large jazz repertoire, Bella says they like to really experiment with their music.

“We don’t like to be really ‘full-on’ jazz performers, we want to be more accessible for everyone who comes to our performances. We like to keep it different, keep it more interesting for the everyday listener,” she said.

“And the saxophone can really be used in so many different genres. I’ve played in jazz bands, rock bands — I’ve even seen a friend play it in a metal band!”

Bella has previously performed in Orange doing pub-style songs and music but she’s looking forward to bringing a different style of music on Sunday and maybe more gigs in the future.

“I’m hoping by coming to Orange and letting people know I’m still playing, I can re-form old connections and hopefully we can come down more often,” Bella said

Catch DC3 and the Highflyers with local favourites Fig Jam at the Royal Hotel this Sunday, February 19 from 2pm.