With 2023 being dubbed “The Last Hurrah”, the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues has been resurrected and is making a triumphant return this November with an impressive lineup of heavyweight performers and brand-new programs.
At the heart of regional Victoria, the city of Wangaratta is proving that jazz and blues are alive and well. Celebrating its 34th anniversary, following concerns that the festival might not continue after last year, the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues is back, bigger and better than ever.
Taking place across thirteen beloved venues around Wangaratta and the surrounding region from November 1 to 4, this year’s program offers an eclectic array of veteran performers, emerging musicians, new additions, free events and the prestigious National Jazz Awards. Under the artistic direction of Serge Carnovale, founder of the Paris Cat Jazz Club, this year’s Wangaratta Jazz and Blues Festival is set to be one for the history books.
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues
- November 1 to 4
- 13 venues around the Wangaratta region
- Full program here
Keep up with the latest music news, features, festivals, interviews and reviews here.
With its fresh reiteration, it’s only fitting that the festival returns with a vibrant new event. For the first time ever, Milawa Monday will feature a jam-packed day of music to get you grooving around Milawa town on Monday November 4, culminating in an epic send off at Brown Brothers Winery. Iconic funk trio Cookin’ on 3 Burners will close the festival with Stella Angelico and Raleigh Williams, alongside supports from rising soul stars CJ Commerford and the Supertones.
Jazz fans are in for a treat with an epic roster of legendary artists that will be hitting the Wangaratta stage for the festival. Vince Jones, a legacy jazz musician, will be bringing his signature sound to the Wangaratta Performing Arts and Convention Centre on Saturday November 2. The unmissable award-winning performer Nina Ferro, accompanied by The Jack Earle Big Band, will also grace the stage at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre on Sunday November 3.
Vince Jones
True to the innovative spirit of jazz and blues, the Wangaratta Festival continues to push boundaries with experimental takes on tradition. Ethio-jazz saxophonist Solomon Sisay will captivate audiences at the Old Baptist Church on Saturday November 2 with a performance that pays homage to Ethiopia’s rich musical heritage.
Another standout event is The Hetty Kate Quintet: Bass2, hitting the stage at Holy Trinity Cathedral on Sunday November 3. This exciting ensemble, led by Hetty and featuring two guitars and two double basses, expands the limits and stretches the horizons of what jazz can sound like.
On the blues side of things, the festival will showcase some of the genre’s best names across its venues. Jimi Hocking will light up the stage at The Railyard Wangaratta on Friday November 1 with Nardia and Glenn Skuthorpe, in a celebration of BB King and Etta James. Saturday November 2 will be a massive day for blues music with Checkerboard Lounge, the Joel Havea Trio and the Kellie Santin Band all playing at the Bowls Blue Stage at the Wangaratta Club.
Joel Havea Trio
The festival will also host the 34th National Jazz Award Final, featuring six of Australia’s best saxophonists under the age of 36 as they compete for the prestigious title and significant prize money. Judged by Angela Davis, John Mackey and Julien Wilson – who he himself won the award in 1994 – this promises to be an epic showdown of rising jazz legends on Saturday November 2 at the Alpine MDF Theatre.
National Jazz Awards
World-class musicians and groundbreaking performances are just the beginning at the Wangaratta Festival. With a wealth of events to celebrate music and the cultural community that surrounds it, there’s something for everyone on the festival’s program. There are several markets happening around town – like the Oxley Bush Market and the Cathedral Market – as well as the King Valley Art Show, and even a free day of music at the Wangaratta Community Stage.
Wang’s Big Record Fair, taking place over Saturday November 2 to Sunday November 3 at The Centre, will be your one-stop shop this festival weekend for all your vinyl music needs. DJ Stu and DJ Dan Brunswick will be spinning tunes as you browse the selection of sellers and shop from the 20,000 records on offer.
Whether you’re a jazz and blues aficionado or simply love local community spirit, Wangaratta’s Festival of Jazz and Blues is an event not to be missed.
Check out the full program for Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues here.
This article was made in partnership with Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues.
