After an amazing weekend of talented artists, good weather and great times, the 35th Kiama Jazz and Blues Festival has come to an end.

“It was such an extraordinary weekend and everyone really loved the music,” says Becky Guggisberg, Kiama Jazz and Blues Club President.

“Someone said to me that the Festival felt very bright and uplifting this year and they had not seen so many smiles for such a long time.

Moussa Diakite got the crowd dancing yesterday.

“It was really a reminder of what’s important and that we come together, smile and we share these things as a community." 

The bands and solo musicians that came from all over the East Coast of Australia were welcomed by jazz and blues lovers who were happy to get out and see live music in the streets again.

“The bands had such an awesome time over the weekend and so many came through floodwaters just to get here,” says Becky.

“There were so many young musicians there and it really put a spotlight on these performers that you wouldn’t normally see.

“We also attracted some pretty high hitters in the jazz scene and that opens everyone's eyes to so many new sounds.

Garfish

“And when our young people experience it, they want to look for that music or play music like that in the future.

“Every venue was full over the weekend and they all did their absolute best to provide for both the musicians and the audience.”

Moussa Diakite

While the Festival has come to an end, the Kiama Jazz and Blues Club are already busy planning for next year. They will also put a call out in the coming weeks for musicians, venues and the poster artist to apply for next year.

“So next years festival will be on the 10-12 March which is the long weekend in Victoria and Canberra,” says Becky.

“The appeal is that people can come interstate for the festival, stay in town for three nights and spend at local businesses.

“Keep an eye on our Facebook or Instagram because we will soon call out for musicians, venues and next year’s poster artist who will get paid to do the design and have an exhibition over the weekend which is such a good opportunity.”

Burning Sock Monkey at El Corazon yesterday.

Keep up to date at: www.kiamajazzandbluesfestival.com.au/