ABOUT
Showcasing South Australia’s jazz scene
We have an abundance of talented jazz musicians in South Australia, nurtured and supported by organisations such as the Elder Conservatorium of Music (‘the Con’) at The University of Adelaide, Helpmann Academy, Creative Original Music Adelaide (COMA), Jazz SA, Southern Jazz Club and the newly formed Adelaide Jazz Club.
Founded by Kaya Blum in 2022, the Adelaide Jazz Festival (AJF) contributes to this cultural ecosystem by providing an annual showcase of local jazz talent and suppoting local venues.
The inaugural AJF was held in April 2023, leading up to UNESCO International Jazz Day. The AJF returned in April 2024, delivering the joy of jazz to the streets, pubs and halls of Adelaide. Watch the highlights reel.
In 2025, the AJF celebrated the 10 year anniversary of Adelaide’s UNESCO City of Music Designation with an extended festival program to recognise the venues supporting live jazz on a regular basis.
Our purpose is to unite, enrich and inspire South Australians through sharing the joy of jazz.
Our vision is to provide an annual showcase of local, national and international jazz talent through unique and accessible musical experiences.
Second line parade through Rundle Mall featuring the Atlantic Street Band
Photo & highlights reel by Dave Baun Photography
To move closer to this vision, we need to transition to Adelaide International Jazz Festival (AIJF) and move the festival date from April to October in 2026.
This will align us with our friends at Melbourne, Perth, Brisbane and Sydney International Jazz Festivals and help ensure Adelaide audiences can enjoy more world-class jazz artists in our city.
The AIJF’s mission is to:
- provide performance, career and audience development opportunities for South Australian jazz musicians
- provide Australian jazz musicians with touring opportunities to develop new audiences
- build on the local and national live music ecosystem by supporting associated music organisations and local live music venues
- provide accessible cultural opportunities for the community
- provide career development and employment opportunities for arts workers
- strengthen Adelaide’s UNESCO City of Music status.
The AIJF creates distinct experiences for audiences, inviting them to discover the unique experience of live jazz – no two performances are ever the same.
The AIJF is not just for jazz lovers, it’s for people with passion for music.