There is only one week to go until the best music event on the Beaches trumpets its soulful tunes through the Manly Corso and surrounds on 22-24 September 2023.

Northern Beaches Mayor Sue Heins said if you haven’t made plans yet, Manly is the place to be.

“Swing by the Corso and stroll along our streets while enjoying some of the very best jazz music Australia has to offer,” Mayor Heins said.

“This year’s line-up features more than 50 artists from big brass bands to roving performers, emerging artists, blues inspired musicians and local school bands for one great weekend of live music.

“This is a wonderful opportunity to also support local businesses with 12 official venues hosting immersive experiences over the weekend.  Get down to Manly and be part of Australia’s longest running jazz festival.”

Now in its 46th year there are plenty of vantage sites to get immersed in the atmosphere including stages at Manly Beachfront, Sydney Road, Manly Town Hall forecourt, St Matthews Church, plus roving performers along The Corso, laneways and Manly Wharf. 

Some of the headline acts include:

House of Bop

This is a group of elite modern jazz musicians with a deep musical history. They will pay tribute to saxophonist, the late Andrew Speight, widely regarded as one of the greatest jazz improvisers and educators.  The group will be playing a repertoire they shared with Andrew over the years. Expect high energy, swinging modern jazz to touch the soul and get your feet tapping.

Big Ol Bus Band

This big ol’ rollicking road-band first kicked over in Nashville Tennessee, but has since featured many of Australia's top jazz, blues and soul musicians on horns, double bass, drums, vocals, guitar and up front the dynamic songwriting duo Grace Hickey and Hugh Scott Murray III (on piano).  The pair’s swaggering, high-energy festival set is not to be missed, featuring original tunes inspired by their adventures on the backroads, and a few new takes on the songs that inspire them. 

Hot Potato Band

Leading the parade on Sunday, the larger-than-life brass collective is a breath of fresh air, setting a new bar for energetic and interactive musical performances. Their positive coastal energy pushes euphoric boundaries in their bold quest to reignite acoustic instrumentation. The band’s 10-year street performing history and unique sound is built on the back of three drummers, a sousaphone and five horns that cover catchy chorus lines.. 

Blaine Whitaker – An Australian who has paid his dues by playing all around the world. In the 90’s he went to New York to hone his craft and studied with Wynton Marsalis, George Coleman and Vincent Herring.  Back in Australia, he became a member of James Morrison’s touring band for almost 10 years. Morrison being the country’s foremost jazz trumpeter and musical icon.  

There will be 12 Manly Jazz official venues and each venue will have its own unique jazz atmosphere and theme.

Manly Jazz is non-ticketed and free to attend.

View the full program here or for more information about the event visit our website.

Thank you to all our incredible sponsors who have help make Manly Jazz possible.