The Kiama Jazz & Blues Festival has compiled its annual Spotify playlist so people can have a taste test of the music that is coming to town on 11-13 March.

"This is the third year we've done it," says Becky Guggisberg.

"It's a great way for people to get a feel for the different artists, to help them choose their adventure over the weekend."

Access the KJBF 2022 playlist here.

The 35th Festival will see more than 80 performances, including internationally renowned performers, playing across 35 venues.

New this year, dedicated music ‘hubs’ will pop-up in town for multiple performances, including:

• the Top Shops on Manning Street (behind The Brooding Italian, Manning St Cellars, Jemfish Takeaway and Top Shop Friendly Grocer)
• Burnett’s Sound Garden (at Burnett’s on Barney)
• historic property, Greyleigh
• Jazz Alley on Terralong St (in the muraled alley next to Vinnies).

The Check-in Lounge (AKA The Joyce Wheatly Centre) will be transformed by Trolley’d, a portable bar hire service which serves native and local organic foods from re-purposed airline cars upcycled into bar trolleys.

Following on with the holiday at home theme, on Sunday the Landing Strip (usually known as Hindmarsh Park) will embark on seven hours of free music.

“The Festival is a volunteer run, not-for-profit and is designed to transport us from the mundane to appreciating that we are a vibrant, connected and cohesive township that is united, by showcasing music, arts and culture,” says Becky.

Some of this year’s highlights will include performances by Mike Nock, The Strides, The Vampires, Moussa Diakite, the all-girl legends Monstress, Daddy Longlegs and the Swamp Donkeys, and Jason Bruer & Hammerhead.

Jazz legend Mike Nock will be a festival highlight

Saturday afternoon will look after traditional Jazz fans with so many internationally acclaimed artists and the Wollongong Conservatorium Jazz session curated by Eric Dunan.

Blues fans will have an equal amount of fun with legends Dom Turner’s (Backsliders) Rural Blues Project, Declan Kelly (The Bondi Cigars), Mitch King, Jay Howie, Tall Shaun, and more.

Check in for a trip down The M1 with a Brian Enos/doom jazz influenced improv performance to an unseen film by filmmaker James Kates at Fillmore’s, then stick around for experimental synth-driven BurningSockMonkey.

A full program will be published in the next issue of The Bugle, and is already available on the Festival website.

Although much of the Festival is free, you won't want to miss the super gigs. Buy your tickets here, as they are selling fast.