beachfront stage
James Sarno Septet
Following his return from New York, trumpeter James Sarno leads a distinguished septet featuring some of Sydney's finest young and veteran jazz musicians. Through imaginative arrangements of jazz classics, the ensemble celebrates the tradition of small-group jazz with expressive improvisation and vibrant swing.
Monica Trapaga & Todd Hardy Swing Orchestra
The Todd Hardy Swing Orchestra is a 13-piece swing outfit keeping the spirit of the big band era alive and kicking. Featuring their very own arrangements of music from Lionel Hampton, Count Basie and Duke Ellington, the band is made up of some of the hippest jazz players in Sydney - delivering a sound that’s authentic, vibrant, and irresistibly swinging. Bring your dancing shoes - the swing is contagious and the groove is undeniable.
The Blaine Whittaker Band
Blaine Whitaker is an Australian saxophonist now living in Asia. In recent years Blaine has toured extensively with Mike Stern band and Dennis Chambers and MDCL. This time he teams up with Australian guitar icon Peter Northcoat to play high energy jazz/fusion classics. Blaine Whittaker (sax), Peter Northcoat (guitar), Aaron Blakey (piano) and Andrew Gander (drums).
The Pocket Trio ft. Monica Trapaga, Kate Wadey, Tilly Street and Edo Santoni
Sydney’s feel-good masters of swing, groove and good times, The Pocket Trio are joined by 4 of our most talented and respected vocalists, Monica Trapaga, Kate Wadey, Tilly Street and Edo Santoni, to celebrate the release of their collaborative album Something Borrowed, Something Blue. Monica Trapaga is one of Australia’s favourite entertainers, bringing her signature warmth, wit, and charisma to the stage, honed through her years with Pardon Me Boys, Monica and the Moochers and Play School. She’s joined by esteemed vocalists Kate Wadey, whose effortless swing and golden tone evoke the charm of classic jazz; Tilly Street, whose soulful phrasing and sincerity light up every lyric; and Edo Santoni, who’s smooth, Sinatra-esque style adds a touch of timeless sophistication.
Led by Andrew Scott (piano), Maximillian Alduca (double bass) and Tim Geldens (drums), The Pocket Trio channels the spirit of jazz greats like Oscar Peterson and Ahmad Jamal featuring original arrangements, tight grooves and a swinging energy.
Hot Potato Band
From Sydney, Australia and bursting with energy, colour and charisma, Hot Potato Band is all about igniting unforgettable moments. The bands interactive show and signature sound of brass-pop, dismantles the barrier between stage and audience, transforming unlikely spaces into dance floors and leaving a trail of smiles in their wake.
For more than 16 years, the band has independently produced 4 studio albums and curated tours across Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Pacific Islands and the Middle East, captivating audiences wherever they go. Unbound by convention, Hot Potato Band has reimagined the humble brass band as a high-energy dance machine and visual spectacle, powered by their signature blend of fun, spontaneity, songwriting and quirky musical charm.
Sydney Road stage
Tilly Street - All At Sea
Tilly Street brings heartfelt storytelling, expressive vocals and fresh original music to the stage, blending timeless jazz standards with songs from her debut album All At Sea. Inspired by artists including Carmen McRae, Sarah Vaughan and Chet Baker, the Sydney-based vocalist and songwriter honours the jazz tradition with a sound that is distinctly her own. Warm, intimate and captivating, her performances celebrate the enduring spirit of jazz.
The Warwick Alder Quintet contains 5 stalwarts of the Sydney/Australia jazz scene that first started playing together 45 years ago as part of the Musica Viva schools program. Craig Scott, Steve Brien, Ron Lemke, Jason Morphett and Warwick Alder will present a set of hard swinging modern jazz.
Jules Boult & The Redeemers
Jules Boult is an award-winning singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Australian Blues Music Award winner whose soulful blend of blues, roots, gospel, jazz, country and folk has captivated audiences across Australia, North America and Europe. With 5 acclaimed albums and more than a decade spent touring and recording throughout the USA, Jules brings a deep understanding of the American songbook. Joined by The Legendary Redeemers, he’ll deliver an authentic New Orleans-inspired jazz and blues experience for the very first time at Manly Jazz.
JC Stylles Organ Trane Quartet
International guitarist and recording artist JC Stylles returns to Manly Jazz celebrating the music of John Coltrane in an organ group setting.
Having spent 20 years on the New York jazz scene performing with the likes of Ronnie Cuber, George Coleman, Steve Nelson, Peter Washington, Billy Drummond , Troy Roberts, Pat Bianchi and many more, and whose recordings Exhilaration & Other States and Blakey Grease were heavily rotated on the USA radio jazz charts, he has assembled a fresh new outfit which includes young up and coming organist Daniel May and Justin Yeo on Tenor Saxophone (who recently won the 2026 Jacob Neale Jazz Award), plus the ever swinging Cameron Reid on Drums.
Make sure you catch this organ group Tribute to Trane, that is sure to give a new flavour to some rare Coltrane classics!
Todd Hardy album launch Something Old, Something New
Some recordings are meticulously planned months in advance. Others happen because the stars align. Something Old, Something New belongs firmly in the latter category.
On the sidelines of Manly Jazz 2025, an extraordinary opportunity presented itself. By a fortunate twist of timing, many of Todd Hardy's favourite musicians from Australia and abroad had all converged on Sydney at the same time. With everyone available for a single day, what began as an unexpected possibility quickly became an irresistible invitation: gather in the studio, call the tunes, and capture the music while the moment existed.
The result is an album that feels both spontaneous and timeless.
Expect to hear some fresh jazz originals penned by Hardy alongside bespoke arrangements of swinging standards, performed by this killer 7-piece line-up.
Midnight Jynx (Kovacs Funktet)
Get ready for a night of irresistible grooves as Midnight Jynx brings the timeless sounds of 70s and 80s funk, soul and disco to the stage.
Led by trumpeter James Sarno, who recently returned to Sydney after 6 years in New York studying at the Juilliard School, this 6-piece powerhouse features some of Sydney's finest young musicians. With a blazing 3-piece horn section, infectious rhythm section and high-energy arrangements, Midnight Jynx breathes new life into classic hits from Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, James Brown, George Benson and more.
Whether you're here to hit the dance floor or simply soak up the music, expect world-class musicianship, unforgettable grooves and the biggest funk anthems of all time.
Jason Bruer & Hammerhead
One of Australia's premier contemporary jazz ensembles, Hammerhead delivers an electrifying mix of original hard bop, funk and urban jazz. Led by internationally acclaimed saxophonist Jason Bruer, the Sydney-based sextet is renowned for its dynamic, high-energy live performances.
Jazz Stars of the Future stage
Turramurra High School Big Band
The Turramurra High School Big Band rehearses once a week and plays a mix of traditional and contemporary big band repertoire. Today you’ll hear some Count Basie, Glenn Miller, Trombone Shorty and Gordon Goodwin, to name a few. They performed at Lazybones Lounge in Marrickville earlier this month to a very receptive audience. They are led by their director Lachlan Hamilton.
The HSPA Stage Band, featuring Senior Music students from the Hunter School of the Performing Arts in Newcastle, NSW, Australia, is known for their exceptional talent. With 25 rotating members from Year 9 to Year 12, they’ve been performing professionally for many years. Specialising in big band, jazz and funk, their repertoire includes jazz standards and contemporary pop. Unique for its 5 lead vocalists (max 4 at a time) and a 20-member ensemble, their performances are vibrant and dynamic. They’ve earned gold and platinum awards at the Australian National Eisteddfod in Canberra. The HSPA Stage Band continues to tour NSW and beyond, captivating audiences with their musical expertise and energy.
MC Senior Jazz Band
The MC Senior Jazz Band performs at school and community events and is the premier ensemble in the Jazz Program at the school. This ensemble performs a wide variety of jazz and commercial music with an emphasis on good ensemble playing and improvisation. Former students have used this group as a springboard to tertiary study in the Jazz Program at the Sydney Conservatorium.
Killara High School Stage Band 1
Killara High School Stage Band 1 is the school’s top Jazz ensemble and consists of students from Years 7-12. Students play a variety of styles and have performed at multiple concerts and competitions this year.
St Luke’s Grammar Stage Band
St Luke's Grammar School Stage Band is the school's premier jazz ensemble, bringing together talented musicians with a passion for contemporary and jazz performance. Comprising students from across the senior years, the ensemble performs a diverse repertoire spanning a range of styles. Through regular rehearsals and performances, students develop strong ensemble skills, musical versatility, and a deep appreciation for collaborative music-making.
Under the direction of Rebecca Grubb and accompaniment of Paul Cutting, the Stage Band strives for a high standard of musical excellence while fostering confidence, creativity and enjoyment among its members.
The Stage Band performs regularly at school concerts, community events and music festivals throughout the year, and is proud to represent St Luke's Grammar School at Manly Jazz.
NBSC Mackellar Girls Campus Big Band
The Mackellar Girls Big Band has been at the forefront of jazz performance for female and gender diverse high school students for over a decade. They will entertain audiences across a wide range of styles including swing, Latin, funk and will often feature solo instrumentalists and vocalists.
NBSC Manly Campus Jazz Orchestra
The NBSC Manly Senior Jazz Orchestra is the school's premier jazz ensemble, bringing together talented young musicians in a tradition of musical excellence. A regular feature of Manly Jazz for many years, the orchestra is proud to continue sharing its love of jazz with festival audiences.
Sydney Boys High School Senior Stage Band
Sydney Boys High School (SBHS) Senior Stage Band is conducted by renowned jazz trumpeter Bob Coassin and up-and-coming tenor saxophonist Justin Yeo. The band performs widely at school events and concerts as well as the Sydney Eisteddfod. This year saw the band place first in the Premium Stage Band Event at Sydney Eisteddfod. Performers include students ranging from years 8-12, who are part of a large performance program at school, including concert bands, string ensembles, choir, marching band, drum corps, percussion group and various other smaller chamber ensembles. SBHS Senior Stage Band made a return to the Jazz Stars of the Futures stage last year after a decade hiatus. The band looks forward to another fun and exciting year at Manly Jazz performing a combination of new and old school standards.
Roving performances
Kid Hank and his Ockerstra
Kid Hank and his Ockerstra bring the vibrancy of New Orleans to life. With toe-tapping beats and lively melodies, the Ockerstra transports listeners to the early 20th-century French Quarter.
Image by Patrick OShea
Sentosa Trio
The Sentosa Trio is a Sydney-based acoustic roving trio who entertains audiences with an eclectic blend of happy music ranging from 1920s jazz classics through to Frank Sinatra classics, Glen Miller, Latin American dance numbers and even some modern tunes played in a postmodern juke box style. The band sings a lot of songs and can walk as they play. The instrumentation is Nigel on accordion and trumpet, Shane on vocals and guitar and Joern on clarinet or saxophone. Come and say “hi” and enjoy some great music.
Crawfish Brass Band
Crawfish Brass Band brings the sound of New Orleans to the streets and stages of Sydney. This 6-piece powerhouse delivers the raw energy of a traditional brass band with driving drums, soaring horns and a deep sousaphone groove that keeps crowds moving wherever they play.
Inspired by the vibrant second-line traditions of New Orleans, Crawfish Brass Band blends jazz, funk and street-parade spirit into a high-energy live show. Whether leading a procession through the streets or lighting up a packed dance floor, the band’s sound is bold, infectious, and impossible to stand still to.
From late-night sets at Pleasure Club to bringing the heat at the Manly Jazz Parade, Crawfish Brass Band has built a reputation for turning any space into a celebration. Equal parts street party and dance-floor explosion, their performances capture the joy, grit, and groove of New Orleans brass band culture—right in the heart of Sydney.
If you hear the drums and horns getting louder, follow the sound. The Crawfish are coming.
The Jitterbug Club (Swing Dancers)
Get your dance shoes ready to swing with The Jitterbug Club! Known for their fun and high-energy performances, they will bring the excitement of swing dance to Manly Jazz. The Jitterbug Club run weekly classes, social dances with live music and are part of a vibrant Sydney swing dance community who you’ll see around the event. Join the fun, jump up and dance with us!
If you hear the drums and horns getting louder, follow the sound. The Crawfish are coming.
Led by Eamon Dilworth and accompanied by swing dancers, the parade will set off from St Matts Church at 4.30pm, making its way through the Corso to the Beachfront Stage. The fun doesn’t stop there! At the Beachfront they’ll join Hot Potato Band on stage for a high-energy finale you won’t want to miss.