beachfront stage
Carger-Moore Big Band
The next generation of Sydney’s finest young players, led by 2025 James Morrison Scholarship winner Rhys Moore and directed by Greg Carger. The Carger-Moore Big Band, featuring Queen of Soul Carmel Mesiti, delivers a high-energy mix of classic big band with a hard-edged soul and funk twist. With standout soloists and a bold repertoire, this powerhouse ensemble is setting a new standard. A must-see show that honours tradition while breaking new ground.
Dr Dan & the Gris Gris Combo
Dr Dan and the Gris Gris Combo features some of Sydney’s most vibrant brass and jazz musicians, serving up a fiery mix of old-school New Orleans brass with R&B, funk, calypso and salsa. Led by Dan Barnett (trombone/vox), the band includes Rob Campbell (trumpet), Chris O'Dea (tenor sax), Paul Mitchell Brown (guitar), Carol Johns (sousaphone), Matt Moore (drums) and special guest Rhys Moore (trombone).
Swingin' the 60's and 70's! ft. Nicki Parrott
Nicki was bassist and vocalist for the legendary Les Paul for over 10 years. As part of the Les Paul Trio, Nicki worked side-by-side with guitar greats from Paul McCartney and Steve Miller to fellow Aussie, Tommy Emmanuel.
In addition, she performed in several Broadway shows and at most of the world's top jazz venues and festivals including The Jazz Cruise and sold-out performances at Birdland and Dizzy’s in NYC.
She has recorded over two dozen vocal records for Venus Records, Arbors Records and Ooroo Records.
The Dan Barnett Big Band "SNAPSHOT" Album Launch
The Dan Barnett Big Band returns to Manly Jazz 2025 to launch their new album SNAPSHOT, a high-octane celebration of swing, soul, and sass! Fresh from a global tour, Dan and his 14-piece powerhouse bring blistering solos, tight grooves, and special guest Monica Trapaga. Don’t miss this explosive live show!
Nic Jeffries Funkin' Soul Review
A standout feature of Manly Jazz 2025! Featuring powerhouse vocals from Diana Rouvas (The Voice 2019), Skye Jeffries (The Voice 2013), Laura Stitt and Shannon Stitt (Uncle Jed), plus an all-star band. Get ready for iconic hits by Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Chaka Khan, Luther Vandross and more, delivered with serious groove and soul.
Sydney Road stage
John Harkins Quartet
John Harkins was a distinguished American jazz pianist known for his mastery of the bop tradition and energetic swing. A product of the Chicago/Detroit school, he studied classical piano at Manhattan School of Music and performed with jazz greats like Wynton Marsalis and Warren Vaché. After moving to Sydney in 1994, he became a key figure in Australian jazz, celebrated for his drive, timing and mentorship over two decades.
The Cookers
The Cookers is a swinging jazz guitar trio honouring legends like Grant Green and Kenny Burrell. Their fresh interpretations of the Great American Songbook and classic jazz standards make them far from your average trio. Featuring Andrew Dickeson on drums, Ruby Firmstone on guitar and Nicki Parrott on bass, they bring a vibrant, soulful energy to every performance.
Tim Kovacs Quintet
The Kovacs/Koffi Sextet is comprised with some of Sydney's top jazz musicians. Performing a blend of original compositions and arrangements from the jazz repertoire, the group has appeared at many of Sydney’s premier venues and events, including the Caterpillar Club, the Pleasure Club, and many others.
Eamon Dilworth Crawfish Po Boys
It's "social music" - Eamon Dilworth’s Crawfish Po’ Boys brings people together from young and old. Inspired by the musical melting pot of the music of New Orleans the shows are all about breaking down the fourth wall and inviting the audience to participate both in song and dance.
There’s hints of blues, jazz and soul with the odd tip of the hat to Dr John and Preservation Hall. Really, it’s an all-inclusive affair bound to leave you smiling a little bigger than when you walked in.
Justin Yeo Quartet ft. Warwick Alder
The Justin Yeo Quartet, featuring esteemed trumpeter Warwick Alder, unites contemporary jazz voices with Australia's jazz legacy. Led by saxophonist/composer Justin Yeo, known for deeply lyrical, emotional playing, the group delivers original compositions and fresh standards. Joined by pianist Hugh Barrett, bassist Jacob Graham and drummer Alex Young, their Manly Jazz performance promises a captivating journey through tradition and innovation.
The Liz Player Quartet
The Liz Player Quartet showcases the future of vocal jazz, blending tradition and innovation with burning arrangements, modern originals and soulful storytelling. Led by Manly local and 2025 2MBS Fine Music Jazz Artist In Residence, Liz Player, they are known for delivering knock out performances that inspire, entertain and leave audiences wanting more. A Manly Jazz debut not to be missed!
Yannick’s Organics
Yannick’s Organics is a jazz ensemble led by guitarist Yannick Koffi. The group draws on a wide range of influences, including shuffle blues, Motown, bebop, funk, and gospel traditions. The band features Billy Ward on saxophone, Harry Sutherland on organ, Youssef Sawires on percussion, and Patrick Danao on drums.
Jazz Stars of the Future Stage
St Luke's Grammar School
The St Luke’s Senior Stage Band is the premiere ensemble in the School’s jazz stream. The band rehearses once per week and has performed extensively at school and community events. Students perform repertoire in many different styles and learn to improvise as part of rehearsal. Manly Jazz will be the final performance for 4 Year 12 students.
Hunter School of the Performing Arts
The HSPA Stage Band features senior music students from the Hunter School of the Performing Arts, Newcastle. With 26 rotating members from years 10 -12, they specialise in big band, jazz and funk with a repertoire including jazz standards and contemporary pop. Unique for their 4 lead vocalists and a 22-member ensemble, their vibrant performances have earned gold and platinum awards at the Australian National Eisteddfod. Touring NSW and beyond, they captivate audiences with skill and energy.
Sydney Boys High School Senior Stage Band
The Senior Stage Band is the top tier band in the music performance program at Sydney Boys High School comprising of students from years 8-12 and is directed by renowned jazz artist, Bob Coassin. They recently placed 3rd in the Premium Stage Band event at Sydney Eisteddfod and perform a wide range of repertoire for school events. This is the first time the band is back at Manly Jazz after over a decade hiatus. They will bring to the audience a variety of high energy charts featuring solos by many budding young musicians within the ensemble.
Redlands School Stage Band
Redlands musicians are thrilled to take part in Manly Jazz. They are an innovative school band program dedicated to inclusivity and progression, with ensembles spanning across their Prep, Junior and Senior campuses. The Redlands Jazz Combo and Stage Bands enjoy exploring challenging repertoire of differing styles, while also offering students the chance to engage with diverse and popular pieces. While fostering a love for jazz, the program also emphasises essential ensemble skills, ensuring students not only grow as individual musicians but also excel in collaborative performance.
MC Senior Jazz Band
MC Senior Jazz Band perform a wide variety of styles from the jazz and commercial music idioms. They strive for excellence in areas of style and ensemble, playing with an emphasis on developing improvisational skills amongst their members. As the flagship ensemble of the jazz program at MC they perform at school functions and members of the group also supply small combos for a variety of events throughout the community.
Oxford Falls Grammar School Big Bands
The Oxford Falls Grammar Big Bands are a vibrant part of the school’s music program, showcasing student talent across jazz, funk and Latin styles. With expert guidance, students develop technique and improvisation skills while honouring big band jazz traditions. Performing at school events, community functions and festivals alongside Emma Pask, these energetic ensembles consistently deliver captivating, precise and enthusiastic performances.
NBSC Manly Campus Jazz Orchestra
The Manly Campus Jazz Orchestra is the senior stage band at Manly Campus, a selective public high school on Sydney’s Northern Beaches. Part of 8 ensembles, with over a quarter of students involved, they perform at festivals, community concerts and regional tours across NSW. Led by Mr. Craig Driscoll, they bring high-level jazz to life.
Killarney Heights High School Big Band
The Killarney Heights High School Big Band is made up of students from year 9 - 12, and rehearse once a week with their director, saxophonist Lachlan Hamilton. They have performed regularly at Manly Jazz and this performance is one of the highlights on their band calendar. This group, along with their Symphonic Wind band, toured to Adelaide in May of this year, working with Brighton Secondary School and the Elder Conservatorium.