Sydney Conservatorium of Music Jazz Orchestra
Beachfront Stage | Saturday 11am - 12pm

Over the past 5 years, the standard of Jazz Orchestral studies has developed rapidly with an emphasis on collaborating with, and performing the music of leading international composers to expose the students to the leading music and contemporary techniques required to perform jazz orchestral music at its highest level. These amazing young players have risen to the challenge on every level, and we aim to continue impressing audiences whenever we perform, with a level of sophistication normally reserved for professional jazz. 

Symphonette
Beachfront Stage | Saturday 12.30pm - 1.30pm

Symphonette, conceived by seasoned musicians Yannick Koffi and Harry Sutherland, emerges as a vibrant force in contemporary jazz. Influenced by luminaries like Tadd Dameron, Billy Eckstine, Billie Holiday, and Duke Pearson, Symphonette melds classic jazz sensibilities with unique arrangements and original compositions. The band comprises 11 of Sydney’s distinguished jazz musicians, featuring Leah Berry on vocals.

Tribute to David Sanborn - Blaine Whittaker
Beachfront Stage | Saturday 2pm - 3pm

Internationally acclaimed saxophonist Blaine Whittaker will perform at Manly Jazz bringing us a tribute to one of Jazz’s greats David Sanborn, an American alto saxophone player that worked across a variety of musical genres such as jazz, instrumental pop and R&B. While Whittaker played with James Morrison and many others in Australia, he also performed alongside some big names in the world of Canto pop ‘RubberBand’, R&B and British rock ‘BLUR’.

Blue Rhythm Band - Ellington 125
Beachfront Stage | Saturday 3.30pm - 4.30pm

The Blue Rhythm Band is a swinging dance band playing music created for the ultimate jazz fans - dancers! Drawing upon the tradition of Count Basie, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman, Lionel Hampton, Jimmy Lunceford and others, this band is the real deal for swing music. For Manly Jazz they will focus on the wealth of great music from the master Duke Ellington. From popular hits like “Take the A Train” and “It Don’t Mean A Thing”, to classic ballads like “In My Solitude” the soulful Latin of “Perdido” and many more of the Duke’s marvellous creations.

Soul Roots Revival Band
Beachfront Stage | Saturday 5pm - 6pm

Now established as Sydney’s premier ‘Soul Funk’ band, this ‘funky-as-dirt’ 8 piece, features 2 of Australia’s finest vocalists Carmel Mesiti and Glenn Cunningham, with Jason Bruer & Greg Carger (horns), Adam Ventoura (bass), Sam Boyd (keys), Ramsay McInnes (guitar) and Andy Byrnes (drums). The band’s mission is to get crowds dancing, singing, partying and pumping as they celebrate the immortal straight-to-the-heart genius of Aretha Franklin, Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Chaka Kahn, Earth Wind & Fire, Gladys Knight, Tower of Power and others in an uplifting set of heartfelt soul and blistering funk that will leave you breathless.

Matt Thompson Trio
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 11.15am - 12pm

Matthew is an award-winning pianist, composer and educator based in Sydney. Having recently won the prestigious National Jazz Awards, Matthew continues to build a profile as one of Australia’s prominent jazz pianists. After completing his bachelor’s degree at the Sydney Conservatorium, he pursued his Masters of Music at the New England Conservatory, Boston. Upon returning to Australia, Matthew has co-led the jazz quintet “Tourismo” with Alex Hirlian, releasing their debut album “Torque” under the ABC Jazz Label. 

Sarah Vandenberg and Friends
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 12.15pm - 1pm

Sarah Vandenberg is a young and emerging jazz vocalist currently studying at the Sydney Conservatorium of Music. Her performances are led by her lyrical interpretations, storytelling, precision, and control. Sarah offers audiences evocative musical experiences. Sharing the stage with her is Andrew Dickeson on drums, one of Australia's most prominent, prolific and accomplished musicians, as well as the incredible Jacob Graham on bass, and current Conservatorium students Freddie Stafford on keys and Ruby Firmstone on guitar. 

The Boperators
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 1.15pm - 2pm

Four of Sydneys leading jazz musicians come together to create a fresh take on much loved standards as well as some Dave Panichi originals. The band includes a stellar rhythm section featuring: Hugh Barrett (piano), Brendan Clarke (double bass), Andrew Dickeson (drums). Combined with the soulful trombone of Dave Panichi, listeners can expect to hear high powered melodies, grooves and solos. 

Spyglass Gypsies featuring special guest Daniel John Martin (France)
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 2.15pm - 3pm

Get ready to be swept away by the vibrant, playful sounds of Spyglass! This dynamic ensemble brings a fresh, modern twist to traditional gypsy jazz, blending French gypsy songs with their own swinging originals. With lyrical melodies from the accordion and clarinet, and the rhythmic 'la pompe' of gypsy guitars, Spyglass transports the magic of bohemian Paris into the present day. Joining Spyglass for a one-off performance at Manly Jazz is acclaimed violinist Daniel John Martin. 

Cope Street Parade
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 3.15pm - 4pm

Formed in 2009, The Cope Street Parade are considered one of Australia’s most established creative music ensembles. They blend spicy rhythms with unique song-writing that span the genres of jazz, folk, pop, gypsy and swing. With tender ballads and rollicking dance numbers they capture the spirit and warmth of early music styles and cheekily blur the lines between the contemporary and the classic. Influences include Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Father John Misty and Leadbelly. 

The Flashy Dashbacks Organ Trio
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 4.15pm - 5pm

Step back in time and into the future simultaneously with The Flashy Dashbacks Organ Trio, featuring the exciting chemistry of Clayton Doley, Tim Rollinson and Warren Trout as they pay homage to the iconic Blue Note organ trio masters. They seamlessly merge nostalgia and innovation as they bring a modern Australian soulful blues edge to the 60's New York sound. Let the music take you back and propel you forward on a sonic journey that celebrates the past while embracing the future of jazz.

Funkophilia
Sydney Road Stage | Saturday 5.15pm - 6pm

Funkophilia, led by Yannick Koffi, is a quintet with the incentive of blending jazz and funk. Featuring a talented collective of local musicians, the group creates a distinctive sound that marries melodies across all styles of music with irresistible funk rhythms. Their performances are a lively exploration of these genres, offering audiences a fresh and dynamic musical experience. 

St. Pius X College Senior Jazz Band
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 10am - 10.45am

St. Pius X College has a long and proud history of excellence in instrumental music, with a band program over 60 years old. The Senior Jazz Band is one of Sydney’s finest school jazz ensembles, with great contest success and appearances at Manly Jazz over the years. Many professional jazz musicians, such as Kevin Hunt, Steve Fitzmaurice, Michael Harrison and Nic Jeffries have come through the ranks of our Senior Jazz Band.

NSW Public Schools Jazz Orchestra
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 11am - 11.45am

The NSW Department of Education, Arts Unit, provides opportunities for NSW students and teachers to teach, learn and lead in creative, performing and literature and language arts. The Jazz Orchestra ensemble explores the genre of jazz and gives students an opportunity to develop skills in improvisation at a high level. In 2024 Jazz Orchestra played on the Town Hall stage alongside Australian icon Darren Percival as part of the music series In Concert. 

NSW Public Schools Stage Band
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 12pm - 12.45pm

The NSW Department of Education, Arts Unit, provides opportunities for NSW students and teachers to teach, learn and lead in creative, performing and literature and language arts. The Stage Band ensemble explores the genre of jazz and gives students an opportunity to develop skills in improvisation at a high level. Stage Band are a much-loved accompaniment to a huge 700 students at the Opera House in the Festival of Choral Music series, as well as performing solo to sold out crowds. 

Mosman High Jazz Ensemble
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 1pm - 1.45pm

Located on the beautiful lower North Shore of Sydney, Mosman High School has a reputation for excellence in the arts. The MHS Jazz Ensemble comprises students from years 8 - 12 who have a flare and passion for jazz music. Led by professional reed specialist, musician and educator, Mitchell Williamson, this band will entertain audiences with a varied repertoire, that will encourage feet to tap and hands to clap along. Get caught up in the energy and enthusiasm of this band - it's hard not to. 

Killara High School Stage Band 1
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 2pm - 2.45pm

Killara High School's Stage Band 1 is the school's top band consisting of students from Years 8-12. Stage Band 1 has performed at the North Shore High Schools Music Spectacular and many other school events this year.

St Augustine's College
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 3pm - 3.45pm

St Augustine’s College Big Band 1 is comprised of the most experienced musicians at the College and is conducted by Jack Stonham. St Augustine’s College Jazz Ensemble 1, conducted by Joern Harris, comprises our most senior students and serves as the College’s top jazz ensemble. They have performed at the College Open Day, Saints Swing, The Sydney School’s Jazz Festival, The Sydney Eisteddfod, Music Festival Week Showcase Concert and Sydney jazz club Lazy Bones. The bands have had much success this year being awarded 1st place at the 2024 Sydney Eisteddfod.  

NBSC Balgowlah Boys Campus
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 4pm - 4.45pm

Balgowlah Boys' Jazz Orchestra is our most advanced and impressive ensemble. Including auditioned students from Year 9 - 12, Jazz Orchestra focuses on a range of funk, swing and contemporary repertoire. Jazz Orchestra have had the pleasure of playing at Manly Jazz since 2019, with many of our current Year 12s being a consistent part of our lineup. The ensemble is led by ex-Bally student and conservatorium graduate, Julian McKay. 

Hunter School of the Performing Arts
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Saturday 5pm - 5.45pm

Hailing from Newcastle, the HSPA Stage Band is known for their exceptional talent with 26 rotating senior members performing professionally for many years. Specialising in Big Band, Jazz, and Funk, their repertoire includes jazz standards and contemporary pop. Unique for its 4 lead vocalists and a 22-member ensemble, their performances are vibrant and dynamic. They’ve earned gold and platinum awards at the Australian National Eisteddfod and continue to tour NSW and beyond captivating audiences with their musical expertise and energy. 

Horns Plus Big Band
St Matts Stage | Saturday 10.15am - 11am

A community band based in Lane Cove, HP first performed at Manly Jazz in 2004. With a classic 19-piece big band line-up showcasing all styles of jazz and and featuring arrangements originally performed by Count Basie, Buddy Rich, Maynard Ferguson and more. HP is directed by renowned trumpet player Bob Coassin, and features vocalist Leah Berry, who is establishing herself as a notable emerging figure in the Sydney jazz scene. An impressive performer and improviser, who captivates audiences with her soulful and velvety tone.  

Blue Riff Big Band
St Matts Stage | Saturday 11.15am - 12pm

A band that have spent the last few decades playing quality jazz for Sydneysiders. Covering everything from classic swing charts to new arrangements, sharing a passion for making music and a talent for having fun.  

Beachside Big Band
St Matts Stage | Saturday 12.15pm - 1pm

Introducing the Beachside Big Band, a dynamic group of accomplished jazz musicians from Sydney's Northern Beaches. The members hail from such iconic ensembles as the original Young Northside Big Band, Brass Machine and Enormous Horns, all united by a passion for big band music. Their diverse repertoire spans classic and contemporary genres, delighting audiences with top quality performances.  

Dr V's Swing Thing
St Matts Stage | Saturday 1.15pm - 2pm

Formed in 2001 by trumpeter, ARIA winning artist, and ‘Dr of Jazz’, Vlad Khusid, Dr V’s Swing Thing is a 20-piece jazz big band comprising jazz alumni from Sydney Grammar School. The group has performed concerts at festivals all over Australia and has a deep interest in performing the entire breadth of the jazz canon including sophisticated new music to classics from the swing era and beyond. Since 2023, the group has been under the musical direction of Sydney Conservatorium jazz lecturer and Australian big band luminary David Theak. 

JVP (Jazz Vault Project) Big Band
St Matts Stage | Saturday 2.15pm - 3pm

JVP was set up in 2022 by professional musicians Vanessa and Jasper Patterson with the project to provide talented young adult musicians great music experiences with live audiences, whilst playing a challenging repertoire from Vanessa’s music ‘vault’. This vault of music originated from the Powerhouse Big Band which originally pioneered in the 1980’s and changing to Powerhouse in the 90’s. The music repertoire is varied including swing, funk, art music, and especially jazz standards, both instrumental and vocal. 

Northside Big Band
St Matts Stage | Saturday 3.15pm - 4pm

This big band was founded by the late John Speight, to give young musicians a chance to experience quality big band jazz. Geoff Power re-formed the band in 2008 as a tribute to John’s pioneering work in jazz education. The members are professional musicians, school band directors, students and enthusiastic amateurs. Geoff is one of Australia’s finest Traditional Jazz musicians, having played and recorded with musicians of the calibre of Tom Baker and James Morrison. He has appeared as a featured soloist at festivals and jazz clubs across the world. 

Sydney Youth Jazz Orchestra (SYJO)
St Matts Stage | Saturday 4.15pm - 5pm

SYJO, is a not-for-profit established in 2012 to provide high-level music training and performing experience for aspiring young jazz musicians. SYJO provides an opportunity for school-aged students to play with a group of highly motivated and talented young musicians led by the accomplished Saul Richardson, one of Australia's best jazz educators. SYJO’s big band repertoire of serious, dynamic jazz is popular and showcases the talents of these wonderful young musicians at jazz festivals and clubs across NSW. 

Cope Street Parade
Saturday 11am - 2pm

Formed in 2009, The Cope Street Parade are considered one of Australia’s most established creative music ensembles. They blend spicy rhythms with unique song-writing that span the genres of jazz, folk, pop, gypsy and swing. With tender ballads and rollicking dance numbers they capture the spirit and warmth of early music styles and cheekily blur the lines between the contemporary and the classic. Influences include Louis Armstrong, Louis Prima, Father John Misty and Leadbelly. 

Sentosa Trio
Saturday 11.30am - 2.30pm

Sentosa Trio will be roving around Manly surprising people with swing classics, Latin Cha Cha or maybe a beautiful renditions of Star Wars tunes, pop songs deconstructed and put back together as strumpet 1920s style speakeasy jazz. Nigel is on accordion and trumpet at the same time, Shane on guitar and vocals and Joern on saxophone. 

Sax Summit
Saturday 3pm - 6pm

The Sax Summit has gained attention as one of Australia's most original and dynamic acts, entertaining Manly Jazz audiences for almost 15 years now. Their high energy, interactive show recasts pop and rock favourites in a new light with 4 saxophonists and a drummer. 

The Jitterbug Club
Saturday 11.15am - 2.45pm

Get your dance shoes ready to swing with The Jitterbug Club! Known for their fun and high-energy performances, they will bring the excitement of swing dance to Manly Jazz! The Jitterbug Club run weekly classes, social dances and are part of a vibrant Sydney swing dance community who you’ll see around the event! Join the fun and jump up and dance with us!