Melbourne International Jazz Festival has unveiled six world-class artists ahead of its full program launch.
The festival’s second major announcement includes Grammy Award-winning vocalist Samara Joy making her Australian debut, influential Panamanian pianist Danilo Pérez, legendary saxophonist Gary Bartz, and powerhouse bassist-composer Linda May Han Oh presenting a bold new commission. The lineup also features an underground club night with jazz pioneers Melanie Charles and WhoAllGonBeThere, plus a six-show residency from masterful guitarist Bill Frisell.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival returns from 17-26 October with performances across venues including Hamer Hall, Melbourne Recital Centre, 170 Russell, JazzLab and Max Watts. The announcement offers an exciting glimpse of what audiences can expect when the full program launches in August.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival
- When: 17-26 October, 2025
- Where: Various venues across Melbourne
- Pre-sale tickets: 2 July
- General tickets: 3 July
- Full program launch: August 2025
Jazz Fest lineup
- Gregory Porter
- Hiromi with PUBLIQuartet
- LETTUCE
- Samara Joy
- Danilo Pérez
- Gary Bartz
- Linda May Han Oh
- Bill Frisell
- Melanie Charles and WhoAllGonBeThere
Check out our gig guide here.
Samara Joy headlines the festival’s closing day at Hamer Hall on 26 October. At 25 years old, the vocalist has already secured five Grammy Awards, including Best New Artist in 2023 and Best Jazz Vocal Album in 2025. Her Australian debut performance marks a significant moment for local jazz enthusiasts, with her timeless voice drawing comparisons to Sarah Vaughan, Ella Fitzgerald and Billie Holiday.
The festival opens with Danilo Pérez delivering a rare solo performance at Melbourne Recital Centre on 18 October. The Grammy-winning maestro and UNESCO Artist for Peace brings decades of collaboration experience with jazz legends including Dizzy Gillespie, Wayne Shorter and Wynton Marsalis. His Panamanian heritage, combined with African and European influences, creates deeply expressive improvisation showcasing virtuosic technique.
Revolutionary saxophonist Gary Bartz presents a late-night show at 170 Russell on 22 October, joined by Melbourne’s own Barney McAll. The 84-year-old musician brings six decades of career experience, including groundbreaking work with Miles Davis, Art Blakey and Charles Mingus, plus recent collaborations with A Tribe Called Quest members and Hiatus Kaiyote.
For more information, head here.
