The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues is back with a thrilling list of high calibre artists making their way across Australia and the world to the regional city that’s synonymous with legendary Jazz and Blues. The Festival program continues to evolve with new venues and a slew of local and international acts to join the party.
In a stellar four-day program taking place across 11 local venues, headline acts include some of the country’s most exciting voices across genres and styles including Australian vocalist Emma Pask, First Nations saxophonist Marlene Cummins, Black Jesus Experience, Nicki Parrott Trio and Jeff Lang. International guests include saxophonist Alexander ‘the Hurricane’ Beets, violinist Luca Ciarla, guitarist Tom Ollendorff, Paris-based Leigh Barker and jazz artist Nana Koizumi.
Also on the program, the 35th National Jazz Awards in 2025 will feature Brass and be held in a new venue for the Festival, The Institute (at TAFE). The Tiny Jazz Series returns after its successful launch last year in the Old Baptist Church, and due to popular demand, the Community stage and Festival Hub now runs for two days in the Cathedral District headlined by dance floor stars Gusto Gusto, and old favourites The Blues Brothers 3677.
”This truly is a wonderful weekend of live Jazz and Blues, and we are thrilled to be presenting a diverse and eclectic program for the 35th WJBF” says Festival Director, Serge Carnovale.
Friday 31 October – The Railyard Wangaratta
The festival launches with a high energy opening night kicking off with Mark Fitzgibbon and special guests, then the party continues with internationally acclaimed singer songwriter and Hammond organ virtuoso, Clayton Doley & the Flashy Dashbacks.
Friday 31 October – Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre
Catch the Emma Pask Quartet at Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre where she will be joined by Kevin Hunt, Gorden Rytmeister and Ben Robertson. Emma is regarded as one of Australia’s favourite jazz vocalists and is well known for her collaborative works with James Morrison. Expect timeless swinging jazz standards, upbeat Latin rhythms, tender ballads and some raucous blues.
Saturday 1 November – St Patrick’s Hall
Followed by Melbourne-based Ethio-jazz ensemble, Black Jesus Experience, a festival favourite across Australia, who will bring their ten-piece ensemble to Wangaratta with guest Bob Sedergreen.
Saturday 1 November – Old Baptist Church
Dale Barlow is one of Australia’s most accomplished saxophonists and internationally recognised jazz artists having played with some stellar American musicians. Dale will be featured with jazz guitarist Chris Johnstone and special guests. Followed by amazing Melbourne based jazz ensemble Speedball featuring jazz heavy weights, Matt Jodrell, Sam Anning, Grant Arthur, Carl Mackey and Daniel Susnjar.
Saturday 1 November – St Patrick’s Hall
Punters can be part of an upcoming documentary paying tribute to First Nations female jazz singers, when Indigenous blues saxophonist/vocalist and proud Guguyelandji and Woppaburra woman Marlene Cummins takes over the stage with her blues line up Rex Goh, Clayton Doley, Lauren White and Calvin Welch.
Saturday 1 November – The Institute
The 35th National Jazz Awards this year will feature Brass. With the backing band consisting of Mark Fitzgibbon, Ben Robertson and Danny Fischer and six finalists battling out $12k prize money, a show not to be missed. Judges for this event will be Matt Jodrell and Jordan Murray.
Saturday 1 November – Old Baptist Church, Tiny Jazz Series
International artists are joining the festival this year in a treat for jazz fans, including Dutch-born Alexander ‘the Hurricane’ Beets one of Europe’s leading jazz saxophonists and a regular festival act all over the world, making his debut performance in Australia. Italian violinist Luca Ciarla with his solo Orchestra will take guests on a mesmerizing musical journey where he sings, whistles, plays instruments and adds improvisations in this imaginative musical landscape.
Sunday 2 November – St Patrick’s Hall
Blues virtuoso and three-time ARIA winner Jeff Lang, known for his startling, intricate, gutsy, melodic music, will also be headlining with Danny McKenna on drums. Bassist and vocalist, Nicki Parrott performs tunes from her latest Feeling Groovy album and more. After many years in NYC performing with world renowned artists, Nicki has recently returned to Australia from the US. This collaboration will feature Mark Fitzgibbon and Danny Fischer.
Sunday 2 November – The Institute
London guitarist Tom Ollendorff joined by drummer JK Kim and bassist Conor Chaplin, is one of the standout voices in UK jazz, and one of the best-known young musicians on the international jazz scene. Paris-based Trad Jazz artist, Leigh Barker reunites with his Melbourne band, featuring violinist/vocalist Heather Stewart, to celebrate the new album Cross Street (2025) and this rare opportunity to show their take on classic jazz.
Sunday 2 November – Old Baptist Church, Tiny Jazz Series
Japanese-born global jazz artist Nana Koizumi, known for her rare style as “singing trumpeter,” made her Australian debut on International Jazz Day 2023, performing to sold-out audiences. Now Sydney-based, Nana will play her recent mini album By Your Side.
With more to be announced, it’s clear the Wangaratta Jazz & Blues Festival is a boon for music lovers. Moreover, the event brings so many benefits to the region’s economy through tourism, community engagement and cultural capital.
Wangaratta Festival of Jazz & Blues runs 31 October – 3 November 2025. For more information and full program, visit: www.wangjazzblues.com.au for details.
Image: Emma Pask (supplied)