Get ready to jazz things up. From 20 to 29 October, Melbourne International Jazz Festival (MIJF) will hold its 26th festival, transforming the city into a mecca for jazz in all its forms.
This year’s epic program is the festival’s biggest yet and will kick off with an opening weekend extravaganza. International superstars Chaka Khan and Nile Rodgers & CHIC will headline the launch event at Sidney Myer Music Bowl, supported by local artists - ARIA-winning neo soul singer Kaiit and jazz and funk band Horns of Leroy.
Federation Square will play host to a series of free performances by both international and local artists - including MIJF First Nations Resident Artist Bumpy, Zimbabwean-born soul and R&B singer Thndo, and singer-songwriter Rita Satch.
Opening weekend will also include the Second Line Street Party – a classic New Orleans jazz parade marching through the streets of Melbourne.
The remainder of the festival will continue to impress with the likes of international headliners including Lisa Simone – the Grammy-nominated singer and composer – and daughter of jazz legend Nina Simone, as well as Grammy-winning vocalist and composer, Cécile McLorin Salvant.
Australian headliners include folk jazz trio Elixir, who, in a special MIJF performance, will launch their latest album alongside a stirring string quartet, at Melbourne Recital Centre.
This year’s festival will also include noteworthy collaborations. Ghanaian guitarist Ebo Taylor will perform in Australia for the first time with The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra.
Melbourne International Jazz Festival 2023 will be held across venues across Melbourne from 20 to 29 October 2023. To explore the full program or purchase tickets, visit: https://www.melbournejazz.com/