The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz was conceived in 1989 as the dream of a group of local business people who wanted to establish a significant event for their town and region - an event that would be unique and that would attract many tourists to the area. An annual jazz festival was suggested, and a feasibility study commissioned. The study concluded that, although there were numerous jazz festivals in Australia (most emphasising traditional and mainstream jazz), there was the opportunity to base one on modern and contemporary jazz - "If the standard of performance was consistently high". In addition, it was recommended that such a festival incorporate a competition for young musicians.
Launched in 1990, the Festival was immediately hailed by critics, musicians and fans as the best jazz festival in Australia: a reputation that has been confirmed and enhanced in the years since then. The Festival's artistic director, Adrian Jackson, has consistently assembled programs that demand uncompromising excellence from performers, while presenting a balanced showcase across the range of jazz styles, but with an emphasis on modern, contemporary jazz. At the core of the program are the National Jazz Awards, featuring a different instrument every year.
Today, artists from around Australia are honoured to be invited to perform at the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, and artists from many other countries recognise the Festival as a prestigious one to attend. The festival boasts over 100 performances by local, national and international acts, involving more than 200 professional musicians and many local performers, 11 venues and the largest annual Blues program at any event in Victoria.
The Festival has won numerous tourism and sponsorship awards. In 2000, the festival was awarded the status of Victorian Hallmark Event, recognising the significance of the festival to the Wangaratta region and to Victoria.
The history of the Festival is discussed in John Clare's book, 'Why Wangaratta?', which was published in 1999 to celebrate the Festival's 10th year.
Current Board of Management
Kate Green (2005)
Kate has been involved in marketing, communications and event management in a metro and regional context for nearly twenty years. As Manager - Tourism Development with the Rural City of Wangaratta she plays an important role as a key liaison between the Festival Board and Council. Her ever growing interest in jazz was developed as a child through her Mother's love of Oscar Peterson, Don Burrows, George Shearing, Peggy Lee, the Modern Jazz Quartet, Andre Previn, Dave Brubeck and Galapagos Duck. Kate is passionate about the Wangaratta Jazz Festival and the community spirit it evokes.
Geoff Davidson (since 2000)
"The Festival is a four day excitement trip, a year at a time in the making. It focusses Australia's jazz and blues fans and the local community on Wangaratta and the wonderful north east. It is a privilege to be a part of an event that has such an impact on so many levels. ( Personally, I really only like the blues)."