After sell-out shows in 2023, the Adelaide Jazz Festival is back from April 26-30 with another weekend-long program of live performances celebrating the city's UNESCO City of Music status.
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This year's program showcases some of South Australia's finest emerging and established musicians, with some exclusive guest performances leading up to UNESCO International Jazz Day on April 30.
The festival's new creative partner Elder Conservatorium of Music at The University of Adelaide presents New York-based alumni, pianist Matthew Sheens in an exclusive concert at Elder Hall.
And fresh from playing two shows at Byron Bay Bluesfest with Women of Soul Collective, Naarm/Melbourne-based soul-jazz vocalist, songwriter and producer Chelsea Wilson heads to Adelaide for one show only.
The local line-up features rising star, drummer and bandleader Alexander Flood.
In the past few years, Flood has performed across Australia and Europe, bopping heads and moving feet with his original compositions and infectious rhythms.
He'll be joined by Naarm/Melbourne-based flautist Erica Tucceri who has just been announced Melbourne International Jazz Festival's 2024 Take Note Jazz Leader.
Festival creative partner Adelaide Festival Centre again present their UNESCO International Jazz Day Concert, this year featuring the Thomas Voss Big Band supported by the Enne R. Project.
And there's plenty more on the AJF line-up for this year.
"I'm so excited about the diversity in this year's program," said festival founder and creative producer Kaya Blum.
"We've got big band, we've got nu-jazz/dance, we've got bebop, trad, soul, Latin jazz, modern jazz, funky vibes and even a second line, which I hope will get plenty of people dancing through Rundle Mall."
The traditional New Orleans-style second line will be led by the fabulous Atlantic Street Band. This free event kicks off from the Mall at King William Street from noon on Saturday.
Some new live music venues join the program this year, including The Lab, Hal's Hall and the intimate Ern Malley Bar.
The Jade and the Grace Emily are back, with the Grace again hosting the late night jazz jam which drew a full house last year.
"We want to support small live music venues as well as our local musicians," Ms Blum said.
"This is a community-focused festival aimed at supporting the local jazz community and providing audiences with a unique live music experience that's financially accessible, especially in these challenging times."
"We're incredibly grateful to Creative Australia and the City of Adelaide for making this year's festival possible," she adds.
- For more details on the AJF program, head to adelaidejazzfestival.com
Therese Murray
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
Wordsmith. Senior journalist. Editor. I have a proven track record in helping people and communities solve their problems. My career is all about telling stories.
