The sounds of jazz and blues are still set to resonate through Kiama in March. Photo: Kiama Municipal Council.
Kiama Council is calling on local businesses and venues interested in hosting performances for a jazz and blues festival in March to reach out now to express their interest in being involved so that programming and promotion for the new event can be coordinated.
A new multiday live music event which is scheduled for the weekend when the now-postponed Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival was due to run is starting to take shape, with council looking to lock in venues and understand their priorities to inform a draft schedule.
The Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival, which had been part of the Kiama community for almost four decades, announced it was hitting pause on the event for 2026 late last year, but council voted to push ahead with a separate event to ensure music still resonated through the town in March.
“Kiama’s live music scene is an important part of our community and local economy,” Kiama Mayor Cameron McDonald said.
“While the Jazz & Blues Festival organisers consolidate and plan for a 40th anniversary return in 2027, we want to ensure the weekend continues to bring vibrancy, culture and visitors to our towns and villages.”
Although council is set to facilitate collaboration between participating venues and coordinate promotion for the weekend, programming and delivery will be in the hands of local businesses to ensure it reflects their specific audiences and creative direction.
Jazz and blues music will feature but other styles will also be on show due to the individuality of the curation.
Council support may also include a central gig guide, destination‑wide marketing, and exploring transport options between venues, along with limited assistance for smaller venues where possible.
In a meeting in December, Cr McDonald said there had already been a lot of interest from venues.
“Just to point out the venues that have already put their hat in the ring, their hand up to contribute to that weekend – Kiama Leagues Club, The Grand Hotel, Cin Cin’s, Burnett’s on Barney, and the Kiama Bowling Club – and that’s prior to any expressions of interest going out, so looking forward to some strong support,” Cr McDonald said.
Now council is looking to confirm interest and participation to officially get the ball rolling.
Local businesses are being encouraged to submit an expression of interest by Sunday 18 January.
The festival will run from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March with further details on the event to follow after locations are confirmed.
