C&G's Guide to Melbourne International Jazz Festival

Tips & Advice

The annual Melbourne International Jazz Festival brings us its sultry tunes beginning the 31st of May, ending with the final curtain call, on the 9th June. With hundreds of events on a packed programme, C&G share with you the best of the auditory delights to come. 

Gracing our city since 1998, the Melbourne International Jazz Festival is hosted by iconic concert halls, theatres, jazz bars and pubs across the city - nowhere is safe from brazen trumpet riffs and scatting jazz cats. Here’s what you can expect from this year’s program:

1.    Close Encounters

Close Encounters are a free series of intimate conversations, live demonstrations and inspiring workshops covering a range of topics around jazz and live music from leading artists and industry professionals. This event is in partnership with the Arts Centre Melbourne.

2.    Bridging the Divide

This fascinating panel discussion explores the challenges, ambitions and accolades of women in jazz. Sponsored by Dumbo Feather, this engaging talk addresses the representation and future industry development for female musicians.

3.    Modern Masters

This concert series brings together the world’s leading modern jazz musicians featuring the most iconic sounds, voices and concerto playing in jazz. See the biggest names perform live from Herbie Hancock to Bill Childs and Vince Jones.

4.    Southside Jazz Room

With Melbourne celebrating jazz in every suburb, Baysiders won’t have to travel far to hear the sweet sounds and trumpet tunes from incredible local musicians. Classic Cinema in Elsternwick have a new space, Classic Southside, dedicated to jazz, talks, comedy and much more. Enjoy the best of jazz Bayside at their Southside Jazz Room.

5.    Jazz On Film

Sit back, relax and enjoy everything jazz on the silver screen - with jazz films playing throughout the festival. From documentaries about iconic jazz musicians to autobiographical motion dramas, see their interesting lives and journeys on the big screen.

6.    Family Events

The grooves, tunes and jazz vibes aren’t just for the adults – MIJF even caters for lil’ jazz cats! Award-winning artist and Play School host, Justine Clarke, will take little music lovers on a big jazz adventure with sing-a-longs and groovy dance moves for the whole family to enjoy.