Beachfront Stage
Mosaic
Beachfront Stage | Sunday 11am - 12pm
Mosaic is a 10-part jazz collective specialising in performing Australian original jazz compositions from hand-picked composers. Mosaic’s repertoire reflects a diverse background culminating in a fresh and innovative sound spanning a broad array of influences. Mosaic have just recorded their debut album “Where We Are Now”, releasing in October of 2024 as part of their residency with 2MBS Fine Music Sydney and with the assistance of Creative Australia.
Dale Barlow - Andrew Dickeson Quartet
Beachfront Stage | Sunday 12.30pm- 1.30pm
Master saxophonist Dale Barlow has returned to Sydney and combined forces with drummer Andrew Dickeson. For this special set at Manly Jazz they unite with some of Australia’s finest musicians: Hugh Barrett on piano and Jacob Graham on bass. This will be a set of cooking “Hard Bop” rarely heard in Sydney. The band will be featuring classic tunes from Art Blakey’s Jazz Messengers, Cedar Walton, some classic standards, as well as some beautiful original music.
Dedicated to Duke - Dan Barnett Big Band
Beachfront Stage | Sunday 2pm - 3pm
Big band singer, trombonist and shellman Dan Barnett and his amazing 14-piece big band have been wowing audiences for over 20 years. Brimming with the country's finest exponents of big band music, the band has played at the Havana jazz festival “Jazz Plaza” in Cuba, The Waiheke Jazz festival in New Zealand and has done a national concert tour of Brazil as well as touring constantly in their native Australia. This special concert will celebrate Duke Ellington’s musical career and feature Australia’s king of swing saxophone Brad Child.
Indra Lesmana Sydney Reunion (Indonesia)
Beachfront Stage | Sunday 3.30pm- 4.30pm
Indonesian keyboardist, composer and jazz maestro Indra Lesmana is an icon with a reputation for musicality, creativity and productivity, providing inspiration for generations of Indonesian musicians. A graduate of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Indra has been performing since he was 10 years old supported by his late father, jazz legend Jack Lesmana. He has collaborated with many artist and has toured the world extensively performing and producing recording projects, including the recent Sydney Reunion Project featuring Steve Hunter, Andy Gander and Dale Barlow.
Hot Potato Band
Beachfront Stage | Sunday 5pm - 6pm
Hot Potato Band’s larger-than-life brass collective is a breath of fresh air, with a focus on setting the bar for energetic and interactive musical performances. Finding home in Sydney, they have spent the last 10 years independently curating and touring shows across Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the Middle East. HPB’s music transcends genres, creating a vibrant and inclusive atmosphere at every show. They have reinvented the traditional brass band as a modern day dance machine and visual spectacle to complement their strong sense of pride for their fun-loving, organic, and quirky musical nature.
Sydney Road Stage
343 Brass Band
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 11.15am - 12pm
Music that makes you smile! 343 Brass Band plays energetic jazz, pop, gospel and RnB in a New Orleans-inspired style that is guaranteed to get you grooving! In addition to their exhilarating stage shows, 343 Brass Band are known for joyful performances in their signature purple t-shirts at street parties and festivals all across NSW. Bring your dancing shoes and rowdiest singing voices and get ready to party, 343-style!
The Unity Jazz Band
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 12.15pm - 1pm
The Unity Jazz Band is without a doubt one of the most swingin’ Australian jazz bands. The band has been playing for over 50 years and during that time people have been enjoying, partying and dancing to this infectious music. With jazz players both old and young it has a wonderful combination of history mixed with young energy and talent resulting in very swingin’ music for all to enjoy.
Milestones Trio
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 1.15pm - 2pm
Milestones Trio is a fresh act that offers an exciting blend of jazz, fusion, soul, funk and blues. The trio combines the incredible talents of Gavin Libotte of Urban Gypsies Latin Jazz guitar fame; Chris Perry’s 40-year pedigree as bassist of The Moods and the Jive Bombers; and the Caribbean and African rhythms of Juan Andrés on percussion. Their unique confluence of styles draw on the music of Grant Green, Miles Davis, The Beatles and more. The result is an incredible array of originals, improvisations and reimagining’s of the classics.
Damon Poppleton Quartet
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 2.15pm - 3pm
Featuring Damon Poppleton on alto saxophone/compositions, Thomas Odell on piano, Sabine Tapia on bass and Elliott Carter on drums. The band showcases his personal connection to the jazz tradition; deeply inspired and informed by the values of swing presented by Count Basie, and drawn to the artistry of current saxophonists like Dick Oatts and Jaleel Shaw. Having played their very first gig at the 2019 Manly Jazz Festival, the band is so excited to be back playing for the 2024 event!
Heart and Soul presented by Bob and Steve Sedergreen
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 3.15pm - 4pm
Join father and son Bob and Steve Sedergreen, two of the country's most dynamic jazz pianists, with special guests Dan Barnett (trombone/vocals), James Ryan (saxophone), Brendan Clarke (bass), Andrew Dickeson (drums)
Warwick Alder Quintet
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 4.15pm - 5pm
This band assembles 5 stalwarts - Warwick Alder, Peter Locke, Andrew Dickeson, Paul Furniss and Brendan Clarke - especially for this performance at Manly Jazz with Ellington and similar grooves in mind.
Ruby Jackson
Sydney Road Stage | Sunday 5.15pm - 6pm
Jackson is one of Sydney’s most unique and compelling jazz vocalists on the rise. She sings with a beautiful sense of storytelling, honesty and and an irresistible tone. Ruby fell in love with jazz music discovering the magic of Billie Holiday, Nat King Cole & Julie London. Ruby creates moments of magic on stage with her longtime love for swing and her original jazz songs that continuously strike a chord with her audience. Joining Ruby will be the remarkable Yannick Koffi (guitar), Wilbur Whitta (keys), Nick Jansen (bass) and Tim Geldens (drums).
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage
Oxford Falls Grammar School
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 10am - 10.45am
The Oxford Falls Grammar Big Bands are a key part of our performing arts program. All our Big Band members are also members of our Concert Band program. Recently, our Senior Big Band participated in the Big Band Blast in Wagga Wagga, attending workshops and masterclasses with industry professionals as well as staging our own performance. Our Big Bands enjoy playing classic and contemporary pieces and are great at putting on a tight show!
NBSC Manly Campus Bands
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 11am - 11.45am
The Manly Campus Jazz Orchestra is the senior stage band of Manly Campus, a selective public high school located in Sydney’s Northern Beaches. The Jazz Orchestra is our senior jazz band conducted by Mr. Craig Driscoll.
Pittwater High School Big Band
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 12pm - 12.45pm
Pittwater High School has a long history of producing fine musicians. Our Big Band comprises of students ranging from years 8 - 12 and plays an eclectic repertoire. The ensemble plays at many festivals and community events throughout the year.
Redlands School
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 1pm - 1.45pm
We are an innovative school band program dedicated to inclusivity and progression. The Redlands Jazz Combo and Stage Bands enjoy exploring challenging repertoire of differing styles, while also offering students the chance to engage with diverse and popular pieces. While fostering a love for jazz, the program also emphasises essential ensemble skills, ensuring students not only grow as individual musicians but also excel in collaborative performance.
Newtown High School of Performing Arts
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 2pm - 2.45pm
Newtown High School of the Performing Arts is one of the leading Performing and Visual Arts schools in Australia and is recognised internationally for its excellence. The Wind Band and Jazz programs at Newtown High School of the Performing Arts have been directed since 2012 by Jason Isaac. All instrumentalists at the school audition each February for placement into these ensembles, with the Concert Band serving as the ensemble for years 7-9 students.
St Luke's Grammar School
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 3pm - 3.45pm
The St Luke’s Senior Stage Band is the school’s premier ensemble in the jazz stream. Students rehearse weekly, learning music in many different styles with the expectation that all students will develop solo improvisation skills. The ensemble performs regularly at school events and often welcomes guest professionals for master classes.
Pittwater House Big Band
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 4pm - 4.45pm
The Pittwater House Schools has a proud history of music excellence in instrumental music. The Big Band comprises talented students from years 7 – 12 who are learning about the traditions of jazz music through a varied repertoire of jazz standards through to contemporary music. This band proudly represents the school in external performances, school events and ceremonial occasions.
Killarney Heights High School Big Band
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage | Sunday 5pm - 5.45pm
The Killarney Heights High School Big Band, the school’s senior jazz ensemble, comprises students primarily in Year 10 to 12, and dedicate their weekly rehearsals to mastering jazz and big band music. Earlier this year, they embarked on a tour to Bathurst for Big Band Blast, and have an upcoming performance at Lazy Bones Lounge.
Roving
Kid Hank and his Ockerstra
Sunday 11am - 2pm
Henry Manuell’s “Kid Hank and his Ockerstra” brings the vibrancy of New Orleans to life. A repertoire covering the traditional jazz, blues, creole, Dixieland, and swing jazz styles with just a sprinkle of ragtime. Hank and the crew create a joyful rendition of ‘NOLA’ street music. The band's toe-tapping beats and lively melodies transport listeners to the familiar sounds of the early 20th-century French Quarter. The modern twist of classic old-timey jazz and dancing rhythms is guaranteed to have you dancing in your seat!
Sax Summit
Sunday 1pm - 4pm
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.
King Street Brass Band
Sunday 3pm - 6pm
This dynamic New Orleans-style roaming band based in Sydney was formed by a group of dedicated musicians and captures the essence of New Orleans with a contemporary flair. Their performances blend powerful melodies and vibrant rhythms, creating a unique fusion of both traditional and contemporary New Orleans and recognisable pop hits. Bringing an infectious energy and engaging presence, King Street Brass transforms any event into a celebration, encouraging audiences to dance and immerse themselves in the rhythm of the streets.
The Jitterbug Club
Sunday 12.30pm - 4pm
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!