Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues 2024 in Victoria

The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues is one of the main draws of the town of Wangaratta, which plays host to Victoria's prime jazz festival, held in late October or early November. This laid-back party set 161.6 miles (260 km) northeast of the state capital of Melbourne, rounds up 350 national and international musicians, and features 90 events yearly.

Schedule & Programme

The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues features a diverse array of performances across multiple venues. On Friday, the festivities start with the Mark Fitzgibbon Trio at The Railyard "Garden Bar" from 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm, followed by Glenn Skuthorpe and Nardia & Jimi Hocking at 8 pm. Saturday highlights include the Oxley Bush Market at 9 am, Wang's Big Record Fair at 10 am, and the Wangaratta Free Community Stage from 10 am to 4 pm. The day features jazz and blues performances by Mosaic, Solomon Sisay Quintet, High Society, and others, with evening shows including Joys Njambi's "Queens of Soul" and the Tarra Blues Festival 2.

On Sunday, the Jazz Mass with Bob Sedergreen at 10 am is a highlight, along with performances by Chain of Fools, Julien Wilson Quartet, and The Shuffle Club. The day concludes with sets by Hetty Kate Quintet, Ava McDermott Quartet, and the Wangaratta Symphony Orchestra featuring The Daisies. The festival wraps up on Monday with The Sugar Foot Ramblers at Milawa Cheese Company, Paul Williamson Hammond Combo at Henley's, and tHenley'sng party featuring CJ Commerford & The Supertones and Cookin' On 3 BuCookin't Brown Brothers.

Venues & Activities

The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues offers a vibrant range of concerts across various city venues, attracting jazz enthusiasts from near and far. Alongside the musical performances, the festival features the National Jazz Awards, Youth Jazz Workshops, and other events throughout the town and nearby wine regions. The Wangaratta community stage at The Wang Club will host free performances from 11 am to 4 pm, showcasing local talent with buskers and roaming performers. Additionally, the streets will come alive with markets and entertainment, ensuring a lively and engaging experience for all attendees.

Tickets

At the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues, individual concert tickets are priced between $30 and $60 per event. Concessions, seniors, students (16-25 years with valid ID), and children receive discounted rates.

History of Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues

Founded in 1990 by the City of Wangaratta and director Adrian Jackson, the festival was initially an annual event. It paused in 2018 and was on hiatus due to the pandemic until its return in 2022. Supported by Creative Victoria, Visit Victoria, Festivals Australia, and RISE, the festival has won a National Tourism Award since 1999 and is a member of the Victorian Tourism Hall of Fame. It has also been recognized as a Victorian Hallmark Event since 2000.