Frank Sultana is among the artists performing at the Kiama bowlo in the Sounds of Jazz & Blues event. Photo: Sean Clohesy.
Kiama will soon get its jazz and blues fix with Sounds of Jazz & Blues set to fill venues across the municipality from Friday 6 to Sunday 8 March.
The new live music weekend is stepping up to fill a temporary gap left in the hearts of the community when the annual Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival fell through this year.
Regular Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival performer Frank Sultana said the “scaled-back” festival would help tide the community over until the beloved festival returned for a milestone next year.
“The jazz and blues festival will be back next year for its 40th anniversary,” he said. “It’s an established festival with a great history, and one the town’s gotten used to having, so hats off to the council for putting something on in the meantime.”
Kiama Council has partnered with local businesses to deliver the community-driven alternative.
Over three days, venues across Kiama and surrounding villages will host a rolling program of live performances designed to keep music at the heart of the municipality.
The weekend will invite residents and visitors to wander between venues, discovering jazz, blues and a mix of other musical styles in settings ranging from intimate sessions to more energetic live shows.
More than a dozen venues have already signed on, creating what organisers describe as a relaxed, connected music experience across the local government area.
Mayor Cameron McDonald said the initiative was about supporting local talent and maintaining the town’s vibrant cultural identity.
“Sounds of Jazz & Blues is about local venues, local musicians and locals coming together to keep our town buzzing,” he said. “It’s a great example of what can happen when a community works together to create something special.”
Crooked River Wines will be one of more than a dozen venues participating in the event. Photo: Crooked River Wines.
The event is intentionally business-led, with venues independently hosting and funding performances.
Participating locations currently include Burnetts on Barney, Club Jamberoo, Cin Cin Wine Bar, Crooked River Wines, Diggies Kiama, Gerringong Library, Grand Hotel Kiama, JJ’s Indian Kiama, KG Cafe, Kiama Beach Tag, Kiama Golf Club, Kiama Leagues Club, Kiama Library, Kiama Surf Club, Mercure Gerringong, Saltwater Kiama, Stoic Brewing and Yves Kiama.
Kiama Bowling Club will host three artists including Sultana.
“For my performance on the Sunday, I’ll be showcasing a new project with a horn section and new arrangements of some of my older songs, ” he said. “That line-up will also include Owen Campbell from Newcastle and the Adelaide band The Honey Badgers, whom I met at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis in 2023. It’s a great little line-up.”
To help audiences move safely and easily between venues, a free Blues Bus shuttle loop will operate across the weekend, sponsored by the Kiama Business Network. Network president Cathryn Lyall said the service was designed to maximise participation while supporting local hospitality operators.
“This weekend is all about collaboration,” she said.
“Local venues are hosting and funding their own live music, and the Blues Bus helps people enjoy more of what’s on offer while supporting our hospitality community.”
The weekend has been developed by Destination Kiama in partnership with local businesses. All performances will be free to attend, although individual venues will manage entry conditions, capacity limits and any booking requirements.
Visit Kiama Sounds of Jazz & Blues for updates, participating venues and program details as they’re announced, to help plan your own music trail.
