Astrid Jorgensen OAM is a choral conductor, composer, entertainer, and now author, who believes that everybody can sing: not well, but literally. Fresh from a sellout world tour of Pub Choir®, Jorgensen launches her powerful, funny, and deeply honest memoir Average at Best at Bondi Pavilion. 

Join Jorgensen in joyful conversation with interviewer Michaela Kalowski as they traverse the divide between confidence and doubt, performance and authenticity, and explore why embracing mediocrity can be the best way to get anything done.

Astrid Jorgensen OAM is the Founder and director of Pub Choir ® and its online adaptation Couch Choir, Astrid is a global leader in communal, accessible music-making. Her work has been praised by the likes of Mariah Carey, Kate Bush, KISS, Radiohead and Sir Barry Gibb. In June 2025 she wowed judge Simon Cowell when she appeared on America’s Got Talent. Under Astrid’s leadership, Pub Choir has raised more than $550,000 for local grassroots charities – a number that continues to climb. In 2020, she was a finalist for Queensland Young Australian of the Year, and in 2024 received the Medal of the Order of Australia for her service to the community as a musical director.

Michaela Kalowski is an interviewer, moderator & curator for writers and ideas festivals. Highlight interviews include Margaret Atwood, David Mitchell, Robbie Arnott, Markus Zusak & Stan Grant. She's also interviewed musicians such as Laura Marling, Jenny Lewis and Ryan Adams, and composers and conductors. From 2020 to 2024 she curated Big Weekend of Books, ABC RN’s annual on-air writers’ festival. She produces & hosts a monthly books conversation event for Petersham Bowling Club. Michaela has conducted radio interviews and presented programs across ABC radio & TV. She's co-presenter & co-writer of a two-part podcast for ABC RN, tracing part of her family’s history, called Laya’s Way Home.

Nab a book bundle and save!
Pre-purchase your copy of Average at Best when booking your ticket to save a bundle on the cover price. Offer applies to pre-purchased bundles only. Orders will be available for collection at the venue from the team at Gertrude & Alice Bookstore. 

Event information 
Refreshments will be available from the Theatre Bar from 5.30 pm. 
Theatre seating commences at 6.15pm.
Tickets are General Admission. Seats are not allocated.

Presented by Waverley Council and Gertrude & Alice Bookstore. With thanks to Simon & Schuster Australia.

Photo credit: Krista Wild

To book accessible seating, please complete the Accessibility Requirements section when registering for your ticket.