For people with passion for music
The Adelaide Jazz Festival (AJF) is a weekend-long program of live performances leading up to UNESCO’s International Jazz Day on 30 April. Presenting a broad range of jazz genres across central venues at affordable prices, its aim is to surprise, inspire and delight audiences by discovering new musical experiences.
The Adelaide Jazz Festival acknowledges the Kaurna People as the traditional owners of the Adelaide Plains, Kaurna Yerta. We thank Elders past, present and emerging who care for this land and waters.
The Adelaide Jazz Festival (AJF) was founded and produced by Kaya Blum in 2023. The 2024 festival would not be possible without assistance from the Australian Government through Creative Australia, its principal arts investment and advisory body; and support from the City of Adelaide’s Art and Cultural grant.
Our creative partnership with Adelaide Festival Centre continues in 2024; and we are pleased to announce a new creative partner: the Elder Conservatorium of Music ('the Con'), The University of Adelaide.
We are blessed with an abundance of music talent in South Australia, which is nurtured and supported by organisations such as the Con, Helpmann Academy, Creative Original Music Adelaide (COMA), Jazz SA, Southern Jazz Club and Women In Jazz Adelaide (WIJA).
The AJF adds an important element to this creative ecosystem, supporting local talent and small live music venues by facilitating high profile performance opportunities and ensuring musicians are paid at least the Musicians Australia award minimum. The AJF creates distinct experiences for audiences, inviting them to discover the unique experience of live jazz - no two performances are ever the same.
The AJF is not just for jazz lovers, it's for people with passion for music.
Major supporters
Creative Partners
One of Australia’s commanding beat-masters, Alex possesses a finessed arsenal of groove, power, and expertise on the drums. Leading his band from the drum chair, Alex’s original music pushes a fresh rhythmic and dynamic realm of live dance music leaning on nu-jazz, deep-house, broken beat, DnB, UK Garage, and experimental sounds.
In 2020, Alex released his debut album Heartbeat (US label Stretch Music), followed by The Space Between in 2022. While touring Europe with 6x GRAMMY nominee Christian Scott aTunde Adjuah’s band, he recorded his third album Oscillate (Jakarta Records) in Berlin with an all-star line-up of Horatio Luna, Àbáse, and Paulo Cedraz, released in May 2023. He received the Robert Stigwood Fellowship and the prestigious Young Achiever Award at the Ruby Awards in 2023.
Alex is currently working on his fourth album, featuring Naarm/Melbourne-based flautist Erica Tucceri who has just been announced Melbourne International Jazz Festival’s 2024 Take Note Jazz Leader. Erica joins the line-up for this unmissable gig at The Lab, which will preview some of Alex’s new material. Be quick – limited capacity, tickets will sell out fast.
Guest DJ: Troy J Been spinning grooves before and after the gig
Live digital art: Miles Dunne
Witness not just one but two of South Australia’s finest vocalists as they celebrate the art of bebop and vocalese. Accompanied by a stellar line-up of jazz and bebop musicians, get ready for some toe-tappin’ fresh arrangements of classic standards and original compositions.
Lauren Henderson is a vocalist, composer, educator and a certified Estill Master Trainer. A versatile musician known for her eclectic tastes, Lauren has worked with internationally acclaimed artists such as Moonchild, Jazzmeia Horn, Joe Chindamo, Robyn Archer and The Lost and Found Orchestra (creators of STOMP!). In 2019, her band Boomskully released their debut EP. Lauren’s accolades include National Jazz Awards winner – voice (2020), finalist in the Theolonius Monk Competition for jazz voice (2015), Helpmann Academy Award for Voice winner (2013) and winner of the Downbeat Student Music Award (2013).
After completing the esteemed international Betty Carter’s Jazz Ahead program in 2015, Chelsea Lee garnered the distinguished Helpmann Academy Award for Voice before wrapping up her jazz performance degree from the Elder Con with First Class Honours in 2016. She spent several years in New York City where she performed and recorded three original jazz albums. In 2021, Chelsea was awarded best jazz artist in the SA Music Awards. She is currently the composer and vocalist for the experimental jazz-rock ensemble, Djawbreaker.
Don’t miss this rare opportunity to catch Chelsea Wilson, Melbourne/Naarm based vocalist, DJ and producer with a deep love of jazz, soul and disco. Her debut album I Hope You’ll Be Very Unhappy Without Me was lauded #2 Album of the Year on ABC Radio National and nominated for Best Soul Album at The Age Music Victoria Awards.
An internationally acclaimed live performer, Chelsea has performed in Japan, United States, United Arab Emirates, Indonesia, Thailand, France and the United Kingdom. She headlined the Arts Centre Melbourne stage at the Australasian World Music Expo and made her UK debut at Glastonbury Festival 2015, subsequently selling out the famous London Jazz Café. Her second album Chasing Gold, released in 2019, garnered a nomination for the prestigious Australian Music Prize.
After performing at this year’s Byron Bay Bluesfest leading Women of Soul, Chelsea appears exclusively for the Adelaide Jazz Festival with a South Australian band featuring Ciara Ferguson on piano, performing soulful originals and deep cuts from the vanguard and prestige era of jazz.
Returning to Elder Hall from New York to help celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, Matthew Sheens is one of the Con’s most successful jazz graduates. He completed his Bachelor of Music in 2008 (with Honours) and was awarded the Adelaide University Medal for Excellence in the Humanities. Sheens later completed a Masters in Music Performance at Boston’s New England Conservatory on scholarship in 2010 then made New York City his home. He has performed at festivals across the globe and received accolades such as Australian Jazz Work of the Year at the APRA Art Awards. His works have been performed by the Adelaide Symphony Orchestra and the Czech National Symphony, Prague.
At the Elder Hall concert, Sheens will explore new original compositions, as well as some off-the-beaten path standards in a solo piano format.
Tradelaide is a six-piece traditional jazz ensemble that was formed in 2017 by a group of friends for a high school research project. From these humble beginnings, they have now grown to regularly perform their joyful reimaginings of both classic tunes and hidden gems at the Southern Jazz Club and the South Coast Jazz Festival. Members of Tradelaide have recently played at WOMADelaide, and with artists including Tina Arena, Vanessa Perica and Paul Grabowsky; two are in the 2024 Australian National Jazz Orchestra; and all are regular performers in the Adelaide jazz and original music scene.
They’ll be presenting two sets of trad favourites for your toe-tappin’ pleasure!
Latin Jazz Ensemble
Led by pianist, composer and educator Mark Simeon Ferguson, this years’ ensemble features students from all years at the Elder Con in a full big band setting of more than 20 musicians (saxes, trumpets, trombones, rhythm section) plus a Latin percussion section with occasional vocals.
They’ll be playing mambo, cha-cha, bolero and guaracha with tunes from the pens of Dizzy Gillespie, Ray Barretto, Tito Puente and Mark Simeon Ferguson.
Note: the venue has a fully sprung dance floor and there will be dancing! That means seating is limited. Please book early.
Thomas Voss, a distinguished trombonist and composer from Adelaide, has made notable contributions to jazz as an educator and performer. Since graduating from the Elder Conservatorium, he’s led his big band, collaborated with artists like Vanessa Perica and Kate Ceberano, and graced stages at major jazz festivals across Australia. Recognised for his talent, Thomas was the first Australian to win the International Trombone Association’s Carl Fontana Jazz Competition in 2017, received nominations for the 2022 Freedman Jazz Fellowship, and was a finalist for a South Australian Music Award. As a sought-after composer, he’s been involved with Creative Original Music Adelaide, the West Australian Youth Jazz Orchestra, and JazzSA, showcasing his significant impact on the jazz community.
Ciara Louise Ferguson presents ethereal, folky jazz inspired by the beauty of the natural world: two sets of original music intertwined with unique arrangements of traditional Scottish songs. Ciara recently recorded River Walks, which has been featured on ABC Jazz’s ‘The Dinner Set’ with Monica Trapaga, who described it as “beautiful… a stunning album”. She also recorded with Soylent Green, with whom she performed at Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues in 2022; and the ABC Jazz Commission Where Emus Roam the Streets. She has been a pianist, backing vocalist, and/or vibraphonist for artists including Tina Arena, Lior, Paul Grabowsky, Thando and Wendy Matthews; and performed at WOMAdelaide 2024 as a backing vocalist for AURUS. Ciara graduated with First Class Honours in Jazz Performance (Piano) from the University of Adelaide in 2021, where she also won the 2019 Helpmann Academy Award for Top Piano Undergraduate.
Note: this gig has limited seating capacity – please book early.
SELLING FAST
Supporting the Thomas Voss Big Band for the UNESCO International Jazz Day Concert, the Enne R. Project stands out in Adelaide’s jazz scene, earning accolades like the 2023 COMA Emerging Artist Award. Their rich experience includes touring with the James Morrison Academy Big Band and learning at institutions like Juilliard and the Herbie Hancock Institute of Jazz Fellows. Known for dynamic Adelaide Fringe shows and an upcoming album launch, Enne’s journey blends global insights with local influence, showcasing their profound musical exploration and talent.
Sauce Code utilises the influences of jazz, hip-hop, funk and other forms of contemporary and beat-based music to craft a unique sonic identity.
Formed to showcase their original music through the Creative Original Music Adelaide (COMA) Emerging Artist Program in 2021, Sauce Code is a South Australian group dedicated to celebrating the confluence of inter-genre explorations and musical experiences provided by each of their members to form a new take on contemporary music.
Note: this gig is standing only, but seating is available in other areas of the venue.
We have a fresh line-up of Adelaide’s finest muso’s hosting this year’s Late Night Jazz Jam.
This event sold out fast last year and was an absolute banger of an evening, so be quick to snag a ticket!
Note: this gig is standing only, but seating is available in other areas of the venue.
Prepare for an energetic evening of funky, melodic original music on the vibraphone!
Solomon Young has been performing, composing and arranging since 2021. He has featured in a variety of local bands such as Fuja, The 6ft Pelicans and Autumn District; and led his own band, Duck Soup.
In 2023, he received the Helpmann Academy award for Outstanding Multi-Instrumentalist, (supported by DankPods) and performed on stage with the amazing vocalist Jazzmeia Horn at the awards concert.
Inspired by artists such as Joel Ross and Alfa Mist, Young’s original compositions for vibraphone feature harmonically-rich writing and exhilarating melodic playing, delivering a fresh sound to contemporary jazz in Adelaide.
Note: this gig is standing only, but seating is available in other areas of the venue.
Come join in the fun at this free event: a New Orleans-style second line parade. The first line, or main line is the brass band; the ‘second line’ is anyone who wants to follow the music, dance and create some community spirit.
Atlantic Street Band love a second line and are set to get the crowd dancing as they perform through Rundle Mall. This group of seasoned musicians blend the energetic sound of traditional Dixieland jazz with an eclectic mix of styles.
With a sound rooted deep in soul and jazz music, Troy’s selections encompass everything from hip hop to house, Brazilian, disco and broken beats. The busiest DJ in the city, Troy has played alongside some of electronic music’s most influential names.
In addition to DJing, Troy has released music as The Sweet Fantastic, was General Manager of electronic music radio station Fresh 92.7 for 10 years, Chair of the Music Industry Council and Director of Music SA.
Troy supports Alexander Flood at The Lab, spinning grooves before and after the live performance.
Miles has worked across digital mediums, sculpture, installation and live performance in the first five years of his professional career.
His practice primarily explores the interactions between digital programming and forms of artmaking, with physical space, through sculpture, light, and sound.
Often inspired by his experience of rapid technological advancements in his formative years, he recontextualizes the use of technologies to explore the augmentation and mutation of physical objects and surroundings.
Miles has created new work for the digital screens at The Lab and will be presenting them live during Alexander Flood’s. performance..
King William St, Adelaide
Adelaide Festival Centre has hosted an annual UNESCO International Jazz Day concert since 2017. This year, another exciting concert will be held at the Dunstan Playhouse.
Wheelchair accessible.
Hearing loop in selected seats – contact venue when booking.
The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide
Elder Hall is one of Australia’s finest concert halls. Located in the heart of Adelaide in the grounds of the University of Adelaide on North Terrace and part of the celebrated ‘boulevard of culture and learning’ along-side the Art Gallery, the South Australian Museum and the State Library.
Renowned as a concert and performance venue, the hall is the primary performance space of the Elder Conservatorium of Music, which presents the Lunchtime Concert Series on Friday afternoons, as well as the new-for-2024 Elder After Hours series.
Wheelchair accessible.
137 Magill Rd, Stepney
Located on the city’s north-eastern fringe, Ern Malley bar has been hosting live music every Friday night for a little over 80 years (give or take 80). With a splendid outdoor courtyard and an intimate interior featuring an upright piano, it has become the secret bar that everyone is talking about.
Wheelchair accessible through rear courtyard.
Off Gate 14, Kintore Avenue – The University of Adelaide, North Terrace, Adelaide
Since April 2023, the jazz department at the University of Adelaide has been presenting concerts in the Madley Rehearsal Studio, also known as “Hal’s Hall”. The concerts – programmed and run by Dr Lyndon Gray and the Jazz Students Union (JSA) with the generous support of the Elder Conservatorium – have already showcased a wide array of high-profile international and interstate acts (Matthew Sheens, Michelle Nicolle, Barney McAll) as well as up and coming local performers. The name is a tribute to the late Hal Hall, a beloved jazz lecturer who was integral to setting up the jazz course in the early days and an iconic presence around campus for many decades. The venue boasts an excellent centralised location and a grand piano which suits acoustic-focused jazz projects.
Directions: Madley Rehearsal Studio, located at The University of Adelaide – enter through Gate 14 on Kintore Avenue.
To receive notifications of upcoming gigs, email [email protected] to get on the mailing list.
232 Waymouth Street, Adelaide
The AJF’s festival ‘hub’, the Grace is a live music icon in Adelaide. The Grace has supported weekly jazz jams on Wednesday nights for many years.
142-160 Flinders Street, Adelaide
This intimate live music venue is located in the Rectory adjoining the historic St Pauls Anglican Church, built in 1863. Entrance to The Jade is via Flinders Street.
Wheelchair accessible.
Corner of Playhouse Lane (off Light Square) and Gilles Arcade, Adelaide
Wheelchair accessible.
63 Light Square, Adelaide
Wheelchair accessible via the lift in Aurora restaurant.
Program is correct at the time of publishing, but may be subject to change.
Updates will be published on the website and through our social media platforms when possible.
Adelaide Festival Centre’s International Jazz Day Concert will be held on Tuesday 30 April – book here.
SECOND LINE: Atlantic Street Band
Venue: Rundle Mall (starting at King William Street end)
Start: 12pm
Tradelaide
Venue: The Jade
Doors: 1.30pm
Band: 2pm
Matthew Sheens
Venue: Elder Hall
Door ticket sales: 5.45pm
Band: 6.30pm
Alexander Flood
Venue: The Lab
Doors: 8pm
Band: 9pm
Late Night Jazz Jam
Venue: The Grace Emily
Doors: 9pm
Band: 9.30pm
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