Catherine Summers has been presenting her ‘raffle’ concerts for years, and it remains a winning formula. The audience has the thrill of ‘winning’ when their number is called, and their chosen song is performed on stage. Even the raffle draw becomes an interactive moment, with the bucket passed around and playful jokes about the temptation to call out one’s own number.

Unlike a traditional concert set, Summers has limited control over the sequence of songs, which might ideally alternate between styles. On this occasion, jazz, as declared in the title and fitting for the venue, provided a loose framework. The extensive song list ensured plenty of variety and the comfort of familiar favourites, contributing to a pleasant experience for the audience, along with the element of spectacle.

Stage talk was kept to a minimum, largely limited to introducing the three musicians (possibly the perfect number) and acknowledging them during their solo moments. Brief song introductions allowed for suitably ‘acted’ performances, including a comical gesturing for the gory elements of Mack the Knife. A chair made a necessary appearance for Life is a Cabaret, inevitably evoking its film and theatre associations. Though not the easiest prop to lie down on, the humour involved was certainly part of the plan.

One small regret came at the end, when the usual announcement of a last song was missing. Instead, the singing ended rather abruptly, followed by a mention of her upcoming performance on a barge. Even so, Catherine Summers brings good looks, a fine voice, skill and experience to the stage. Her presence on the Perth musical scene is always enjoyable and appreciated.

Which number will come up next?