Big Day at the FarmClarence Jazz Festival 30

The Bamboos hit Rosny Farm with the unmistakable funk and soul sound they’ve honed over 25 years. Their new album ‘This Is How You Do It’ pushes into fresh territory while keeping the nine-piece band locked into deep groove, and Kylie Auldist’s powerhouse vocals at the centre.

Close Counters arrive off a breakout year that’s pushed them onto major international stages and firmly into global demand. Their debut album turned heads across the UK, Europe and Australia, and their high-energy live show sells out wherever they land. 2026 keeps their momentum in full flight.

Bringing Carnatic traditions into dialogue with jazz, the ensemble features vocalist Nadhamuni Gayatri Bharat, saxophonist Sandy Evans, mridangam artist Pirashanna Thevarajah, ghatam player Prahlad Iyer and guitarist Jess Green.

Michelle Nicolle and Paul Grabowsky recast classic ballads by artists such as Frank Sinatra and Cole Porter, uncovering the emotional layers beneath familiar melodies. Their duo setting strips each song to its essence, revealing the longing, heartbreak and beauty often hidden within these timeless works.

We’re excited to introduce our 2026 scholars: Xander Roberts (guitar), Emil Robin (piano) and Austin Dikinson (piano), joined by the 2026 CJF House Band – Louise Denson, Tom Robb and Hamish Houston. There’s something in the water this year – these young people are insanely talented.

Pariah presents a set of original works spanning jazz through to ambient, textural free music. The ensemble moves between individual voices and collective sound, creating dense, expressive landscapes that explore shifting themes and emotions.

Blue Wren are a jazz/soul fusion band bringing you high energy tunes driven by a strong rhythm section, and featuring many talented Tasmanian artists. Dance , jump, sing along – just don’t miss out! Guaranteed leave you feeling invigorated and full of joy!

Sixteen established and emerging jazz composers come together to create new work inspired by the festival’s history, its people and connection to Country. Reflecting diverse experiences across cultures, ages and genders; nine months of development culminates in three performances across the festival.

Raban is a rising force in Australia’s Gypsy Jazz scene, performing with Django’s Tiger and the Hot Club of Hobart. Fresh from the National Gypsy Jazz Festival, he weaves Central European and Spanish Gypsy influences into a contemporary sound that still honours the heart of the tradition.

Full Swing Ahead is a dynamic trio that work together to deliver swing, blues, and groove with surprises and soul. Wendy’s mahogany voice captivates, Nick’s masterful guitar drives, and Bruce’s precision on the djembe is playful. Together they are entertaining and always polished.

A newly created work celebrating the profound beauty of friendship. These stellar musicians interpret six finely crafted works inspired by Louise’s long-distance, long-lasting friendships with women around the world.

Hoyt-Kingston-Schwing feature the stunning voice of Elly Hoyt alongside two sublime guitarists, exploring the delicate balance between density and space, harmony and unison. Their music, rooted in spontaneity and playful interaction, unfolds like a rich tapestry of sound.

Miah Aplin, Elijah Davies and Jode Brewster are coming together to deliver a set of standards and jazz influenced singer-songwriter music. They are each past recipients of the Clarence Jazz Festival Scholarship and active members in the local performing scene.

LCO, led by Melbourne drummer and composer Liam O’Leary, blends psychedelic groove, afrobeat, jazz and experimental influences into a distinct, genre-bending sound. Their recent three-track EP Woozy, recorded at Frypan Studios, features Kelly Ottaway, Hamish Houston and Dan Sulzberger.

Step inside Casa Della Festa – where the plates line the walls, garlic and peppers hang from the fireplace and the squabbling rattles through the kitchen. This Hammond organ combo serves up swingin’ Italian classics, straight from Nonna’s jukebox. BYO furniture covers.

To mark our 21st anniversary in 2017 we commissioned Two Suites, featuring original music by the late pianist Ian Pearce OAM and Lutruwita jazz legend Kelly Ottaway. This year, Ottaway and his nonet the Modern Operative remount this vital work alongside favourites from their catalogue.

Mambo Afro brings together Mwase Makalani (Malawi), Sandesh Pariyar (Nepal) and Matthew Fargher (Yorkshire/Adelaide) in a vibrant cross-continental collaboration. Their sound spans Malawian village songs, township jive, kwela, Congolese and Zimbabwean ballads, alongside original works.

A 60 year anniversary tribute to the classic 1965 ‘See No Evil’ by Wayne Shorter. A six-piece ensemble of Tasmanian Jazz artists ranging from their teens to their 60s will perform new versions of Shorter’s well-known compositions, coupled with a handful of originals.

Over its 21 years, the CJF Scholarship has supported over 50 young musicians who now work as lecturers, touring artists and composers worldwide. This year they return from across Tasmania, Australia and abroad for a one-off ‘superband’ showcasing the talent the program has cultivated.

Chaos reigns in the most fun way possible as musicians from the festival and the community come together to ‘have a blow’ and enjoy a late night drink. Led by luminaries Spike Mason and Andrea Keller, you never know who you might spot up on the Rosny Barn stage – it might even be you!

Roz Pearson is one of Tasmania’s most celebrated jazz vocalists, recognised for her colour, warmth and playful stage presence. With her all-star quintet, she brings fresh energy to bossa nova, samba and jazz standards